Evangelist Ross Johnston Sued For $720,000 Over Alleged Assault At California Rally (Worthy News Investigation)

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

LOS ANGELES, USA (Worthy News) – U.S. evangelist Ross Johnston said Wednesday that he has been sued for roughly $720,000 by a woman who claims she suffered injuries during one of his Christian outreach rallies in Los Angeles.

Rachel Monteleone alleged in court documents that she was physically attacked on July 30, 2023, while attending Johnston’s “California Will Be Saved” event on Hollywood Boulevard near the intersection of Highland Avenue, according to the lawsuit reviewed by Worthy News.

The legal filing claims the incident began when another attendee “forcibly” took Monteleone’s cellphone.

When she demanded its return, the individual allegedly struck her on the head, causing multiple injuries and damages.

LAWSUIT ALLEGES FAILURE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SECURITY

“These acts and the resulting harm occurred as a direct and proximate result of the defendant’s failure to exercise reasonable care in providing adequate security and supervision to ensure the safety of event attendees,” the lawsuit states.

The rally was “organized and produced by the defendant Ross Johnston as an individual and ‘California Will Be Saved,’” a movement he co-founded, the legal document added.

“Because this allegedly happened during California Will Be Saved, she decided to sue me personally,” Johnston said. “This is very frustrating as every dollar will have to come from my personal bank account.”

The damages sought include $300,000 for “suffering and inconvenience,” $100,000 for “emotional distress,” $100,000 for “future medical expenses,” $20,500 for “medical expenses to date,” $100,000 for “loss of earnings,” and $100,000 for “loss of future earning capacity,” Worthy News learned.

JOHNSTON DENIES PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT

Johnston said he has “no knowledge” of ever meeting the woman involved in the lawsuit and stressed that he is currently seeking legal counsel.

“I have been in contact with lawyers who have experience with the ministry component and outdoor events as well,” he explained.

Johnston, 31, said only a few people in his personal life had been aware of the lawsuit until now. “But I felt the need spiritually and in my mind and in my heart to share this with the Body of Christ, as we are the head and not the tail,” he said.

He urged Christians to pray, recalling the Apostle Paul’s teaching that believers “are not fighting against flesh and blood” but against spiritual forces.

LAWSUIT FILED DURING CHRISTMAS SEASON

Johnston noted that the lawsuit was filed during the Christmas season, while the alleged incident occurred more than two years ago.

He also questioned whether his accuser is a Christian and whether believers should take disputes against fellow Christians to secular courts in today’s world.

Johnston cited 1 Corinthians 6:1–8, saying Scripture teaches that Christians should seek resolution within the community of faith. Quoting the passage in part, he said: “If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people?” and “Do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world?”

Despite the lawsuit, Johnston stressed that he and his team “will not stop preaching the Gospel” at public rallies across the United States.

FROM CONVERSION TO PUBLIC MINISTRY

A Worthy News analysis suggests the case could potentially set a precedent for liability claims involving evangelistic meetings and large-scale outdoor Christian events nationwide.

Johnston frequently preaches to thousands of people, including members of the LGBTQ+ community and others searching for Christ. He has previously said he was born through artificial insemination and raised in a lesbian household with two mothers.

He said that at age 15, he was invited to church, where he encountered what he described as the presence of the Holy Spirit and surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, becoming “born again.”

After earning a business degree and running several companies, Johnston said he felt called to leave his career and enter full-time ministry.

“If you don’t stand now, you never will,” he recalled believing God told him — a decision he says led to what he views as signs of revival on college campuses and in public spaces nationwide.

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