Even though he recently pleaded guilty to physically abusing his wife Cheryl and accepted a third-degree felony assault charge plea deal, Gospel singer James Fortune said he is in no way supporting or promoting domestic violence.
Fortune issued a statement of apology and clarification on his Facebook page. "I want to make a public apology to my family, friends, and supporters for not being above reproach. Please pray that during this process God continues to perfect and restore me so that I become a better man, father and Christian," he wrote.
"Despite the accusations and media embellishments, I am not a supporter of domestic violence. I do take full responsibility for my participation in the altercation and have been seeking out spiritual and professional guidance to improve my anger management and emotional discipline for over a year now and will continue to do so. Thank you for your continued prayers," he said.
Fortune was sentenced by Fort Bend District Judge Maggie Jaramillo to five years of probation plus five days in jail, according to ABC 13. Aside from his time in jail, Fortune would also have to do 175 hours of community service and undergo a "batterer's intervention" programme. He is also prohibited from going anywhere near his wife.
For her part, Cheryl wished Fortune would learn something valuable out of his time in prison. "I hope in all of this you get help. Serious help. Although this probation might be like a slap on the wrist, I hope you look at it as a moment to better yourself and change something within you for your future," Cheryl wrote in a note that was read in court.
She reportedly agreed to the plea deal this time around because she did not want to let her three kids go through the stressful journey of the trial, nor did she want any of them to testify against their own father.
