Barry Duke, the Angry Atheist

Pointing and laughing at religious lunacy for more than half-a-century

Christian channel that featured evangelist Peter Popoff’s ‘Miracle Water’ ad fined £150,000

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DESPITE having been frequently exposed as a fraudster, televangelist Peter Popoff still manages to screw money out of people who can least afford it by offering them a miraculous product he claims will cancel debt … and can even cure cancer.

His “Miracle Spring Water” commercials pop up on a variety of faith-based channels, and did so twice on The Word Network, which has now been ordered to pay a financial penalty of £150,000 for breaching UK broadcasting rules.

Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom said in a statement yesterday (Tuesday):

Two episodes of Peter Popoff Ministries, a religious programme presented by Peter Popoff, contained potentially harmful claims that by contacting the presenter’s ministry, or by ordering its ‘Miracle Spring Water’, viewers could improve serious health conditions or financial situations. Ofcom was particularly concerned that the programmes included repeated statements and testimonials about the efficacy of the water, claiming or strongly implying the water cured serious illnesses, including cancer.

Ofcom added:

While having regard to the broadcaster’s and audience’s rights to freedom of expression and religion, we considered the claims that contacting the ministry, or using its ‘Miracle Spring Water’, were effective ways to improve serious medical illnesses or financial difficulties, went beyond proclamations of faith and religious teachings and practice. We considered these claims improperly exploited the susceptibilities of viewers and had the potential to cause harm without the Licensee providing adequate protection (e.g. by not including information on the importance of seeking advice from qualified professionals). 

German-born Popoff is said to be worth $10 million.

This report says Popoff declared bankruptcy in 1987 with nearly 800 creditors having claims against him. Before going bankrupt he was said to have been taking in nearly $4 million a year. Popoff reappeared in 1998 and marketed himself to African American audiences.

In 2005 his ministry received more than $23 million and Peter took home nearly $1 million. In 2006 he changed Peter Popoff Ministries from a for-profit business to a religious organization becoming tax exempt. The Steve Martin movie Leap of Faith was based on Popoff. In 2007 he bought a home in Bradbury, California for $4.5 million and he has also owned a Mercedes-Benz and a Porsche.

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4 responses to “Christian channel that featured evangelist Peter Popoff’s ‘Miracle Water’ ad fined £150,000”

  1. malcolmjdodd Avatar
    malcolmjdodd

    Peter Fuckoff was exposed as a fraudster by James Randi in the 80s, using a radio monitor, Randi listened to Popoff’s wife passing information ‘from god’ (to his hidden earpiece) about the suckers in his audience. After lying low for a while, he then came back on the scene with his magic water scam. Along with the ‘blessed’ water (analysed as tap water) was a reply-paid envelope, the Royal Mail licence meant that he was charged by size and weight; I worked directly with the JREF for about twenty years and we encouaged people to get the water and post back stones in a box!

    I used to order his magic snake oil or wooden crosses three or four times a year, eventually, I ran out of stones!

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  2. Broga Avatar
    Broga

    When I read this I can see why the religious, rapist, convicted criminal Trump was elected President. And is still supported even as he rips off the voters and loads money on his billionaire mates . At the same times he is removing protections from the environment. The scoundrel is now apparently due to visit the UK and given a platform for his sick views.

    It feels like game over for the environment and democratic government. Why bother when we are being overwhelmed by these scum who delight in their villainy. Starmer doesn’t seem much use.

    I need a mood improving walk (never fails) with unfailingly pleasant company: my labrador.

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  3. Stephen Harvie Avatar
    Stephen Harvie

    If his miracle water works why does he look like a cross between Tom Cruise and a goblin?

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    1. malcolmjdodd Avatar
      malcolmjdodd

      His tap water comes with a warning not to drink it or you could end up looking like him.

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