George Foreman, the beloved heavyweight champion turned preacher and grill entrepreneur, died on March 21 at the age of 76—while still battling disturbing child sex abuse allegations that shadowed his final years.
Despite a life marked by fame, wealth, and a massive comeback in the boxing ring, Foreman passed away with his name still entangled in two high-profile lawsuits. Filed in California, the civil cases accuse him of sexually grooming and abusing two women when they were minors in the 1970s. Both alleged victims claim the abuse spanned several states, including California, Texas, and Florida.
Two women accuse Foreman of long-term grooming and abuse
According to court filings, the women alleged that Foreman began pursuing them with inappropriate attention when they were between 10 and 15 years old. They further claim he later forced them into sexual acts as they traveled with him during his boxing career.
Foreman, who always denied the charges, had filed a defamation counterclaim in 2023, accusing the women of attempting to extort millions from him. His legal team stood firm, saying he consistently denied what they called baseless and opportunistic claims.
Sinabi ng kampo ni Foreman na hanggang sa kanyang huling hininga, pinanindigan niya na walang katotohanan ang mga paratang laban sa kanya.
Judge ruled the lawsuits could proceed despite time gap
The lawsuits moved forward in 2023 when U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong ruled that California’s extended statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims allowed the women to pursue their cases decades later. Under the state’s laws, survivors who were minors at the time of alleged abuse can file claims regardless of how much time has passed—particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
Foreman had attempted to have the suits dismissed on procedural grounds, but the court denied his request. That ruling left him to face the allegations head-on, though he passed away before a trial could be scheduled.
Sa kabila ng kanyang pagsisikap na ipaglaban ang kanyang pangalan, namatay si Foreman nang hindi nalilinis ang kanyang reputasyon.
A complicated legacy beyond the ring
The former Olympic gold medalist and two-time heavyweight champion retired with a record of 76 wins and 5 losses. After retiring, he became a pastor and reinvented himself as a household name with the George Foreman Grill, earning an estimated net worth of $300 million.
His family described him as a loving father of 12, a devoted husband, and a man of deep faith. They remembered him for his humility, joy, and commitment to purpose.
Still, his legacy remains clouded by lawsuits that may never reach a resolution.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.