Brazil ‘healer’ accused by 450 women denies abuse claims

A famous Brazilian “spiritual healer” accused by hundreds of women of sexual abuse has told his followers he is innocent of the allegations against him.

“I am not guilty,” Joao Teixeira de Faria, 76, known internationally as “Joao de Deus” or “John of God”, declared at his healing centre in Abadiania near the capital Brasilia.

Police are investigating complaints by more than 450 women who have come forward since Globo TV and O Globo newspaper aired claims last week by 12 of his followers that he forced them into sex acts under pretext of curing them.

It was Faria’s first public appearance since the accusations were made. Wednesday is the day he usually receives people believing in his supernatural powers to treat illnesses ranging from depression to cancer.

Faria was greeted with cries, applause and tears by his faithful, many of whom were foreigners. He departed less than 10 minutes later after a few words to his congregation.

About 40% of the 10,000 people who flocked to see him each month before the accusation were foreigners, said the mayor of Abadiania. Some hailed from as far as the US, Australia and Europe.

Prosecutors in the state of Goias, where Abadiania is located, said 206 women have lodged complaints. Prosecutors in Sao Paulo say they have received 252 complaints.