HOUSTON — Dr. Matthews held a press conference alleging financial misconduct and improper business practices involving the founder of Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University, Dr. Verna Caddie.

The allegations come months after Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University received national attention in a February 2026 investigation by The Shade Room. The report examined the university’s honorary doctorate program after several celebrities, including Trina, Tyrese, Yung Joc, Towanda Braxton, Cynthia Bailey and Trick Daddy, received honorary doctorate titles from the institution. The investigation reviewed questions surrounding accreditation, tuition and the university’s religious exemption status, while founder Dr. Verna Caddie responded to concerns raised by critics.

The allegations also come as the university’s accreditation period approaches expiration. According to the International Association for Biblical Education, Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University is listed with an accreditation period of 2023 through 2026 and a status expiration date of June 30, 2026.

During the event, Dr. Matthews said she had previously supported the university and its founder, including providing financial assistance related to accreditation efforts and publicly defending the institution against critics.

Dr. Matthews said she later learned that individuals she had publicly defended the university against had become allies of the founder. She also alleged she was later asked to pay $20,000 for additional security expenses related to a reported threat against a university event.

According to Dr. Matthews, she refused to pay the requested amount and subsequently blocked communications from the founder. Dr. Matthews said she later received notice that an honorary doctorate awarded to her by the university had been rescinded.

According to Dr. Matthews, she later received notice that an honorary doctorate awarded to her by the university had been rescinded. Dr. Matthews alleged the decision was based on claims that she worshipped the devil, which she denied during the press conference. Dr. Matthews further claimed the rescission was based on information allegedly attributed to Grizzy Hood News and argued the honorary doctorate was revoked based on hearsay rather than a formal review process.

Dr. Matthews argued the honorary doctorate was revoked without due process and claimed other honorary doctorate recipients had experienced similar actions while she served on the university’s board.

Dr. Matthews also referenced a lawsuit filed in justice court on June 8, 2026, seeking $20,000 in damages. During the press conference, Dr. Matthews alleged her research team identified multiple lawsuits allegedly filed by the university founder against several individuals seeking $20,000 in damages. Dr. Matthews named several individuals and claimed the same dollar amount appeared repeatedly in those cases.

Dr. Matthews disputed the allegations contained in the filing against her and characterized the lawsuit as retaliation.

During the press conference, Dr. Matthews further alleged that multiple individuals have contacted her claiming they experienced financial losses involving the university. Dr. Matthews said several people have recently reached out to her with similar concerns and allegations.

Dr. Matthews said Part 2 is coming soon and will include additional interviews, documents and allegations from individuals who claim they had dealings with the university and its founder.