For the past few years, televangelist Melissa Scott has been plagued by rumors that she once worked in the adult industry—rumors she's repeatedly denied. Now, at long last, Marie Claire has dug up the truth.
It seems that, despite her claims to the contrary, Scott did indeed work in the nude. In fact, it was her work in the adult industry that led to her marriage to televangelist Dr. Gene Scott, which in turn led to her own work as a pastor.
And that's fine: we have no problem with Melissa Scott choosing to leave the adult industry in pursuit of a life with Christ—that's her choice to make, not ours. We just wish she'd have the strength to admit the truth (even if that truth involves her denouncing her former life). Yes, the woman who worked as Barbie Bridges is likely miles away from the woman who's now a pastor—but denying that they are one and the same doesn't accomplish anything. It just makes Melissa Scott look like a hypocrite and a fraud.
· The Preacher's Unholy Past (marieclaire.com)