A television courtroom moment is drawing widespread attention after Judge Eboni K. Williams sharply rebuked a father who sued his gay son over conversion therapy costs.
The case centers on Gregory Talbert of Memphis, who spent $6,000 to send his 18-year-old son, Michael Talbert, to conversion therapy after discovering him kissing a friend. Michael later fled the program, citing abusive conditions, and stayed with his best friend. Gregory then filed a lawsuit seeking repayment, claiming his son failed to fulfill a promise to complete the program.
Michael described the conversion therapy experience, saying, “[They] said that I was cursed, said that I was going to hell, and called all of us there monsters, that we were unworthy, and that we needed the program to fix ourselves.”
After hearing his testimony, Williams offered a message of affirmation before dismissing the case entirely. Calling the father’s actions “unacceptable” and “cruel,” she ruled in favor of Michael, stating he deserves a home where he is “safe and loved.”
