Bakker Dies at 86; Alleged Spy's Husband Faces LA Judge

“The New York Post reports the husband of an alleged Chinese spy dodged questions in a downtown Los Angeles court, in shackles and a high-collared designer jacket!” — Chip Darnell, on air

On air: Chip Darnell and Vera Bullock on The Asia Desk
Published 2:08 AM ET, Tuesday, October 6, 2026

At a glance

First reported by NPR: “Jim Bakker, who built 'PTL Club' televangelism empire, has died at 86”, with reporting from New York Post.
Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 2:08 AM ET on The Asia Desk, by Chip Darnell and Vera Bullock.
Topics: Jim Bakker, Chinese.
BBN covered this story before: Televangelist Jim Bakker Dead at 86, Per NY Post (October 6).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

NPRJim Bakker, who built 'PTL Club' televangelism empire, has died at 86
New York PostHusband of alleged Chinese spy who stalked Taiwanese president’s son for communist regime dodges questions at court

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorGood evening, America! NPR reports Jim Bakker, who built the PTL Club televangelism empire with his first wife Tammy Faye, has died at eighty-six.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorNPR says the empire collapsed over a sex scandal and financial crimes. AP News has the same story.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorTwo outlets, one very long rise and fall.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorChip, that's a classic round trip. Huge rally, total wipe-out. Honestly, a temporarily unrealized empire.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe New York Post reports the husband of an alleged Chinese spy dodged questions in a downtown Los Angeles court, in shackles and a high-collared designer jacket!
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorShackles and highlights. Chip, that man has better hair than my entire portfolio and a worse commute.