A social media spat intended to shame Pastor Richard Barnes, the leader of Clyborn Pines Church of God in Lumberton, has instead sent a wave of backlash against his estranged wife, Tasha Sampson.
On Thursday night, Sampson took to Facebook to share a post accusing Barnes of being unfaithful, despite their reported separation. Her post featured a photo of Barnes at a dinner table with another woman, later identified by The North Carolina Beat as April Locklear.
In the post, Tasha wrote, “Surprise. He going around telling people I didn’t want him, but does that give you the right to go out and find another woman while we are still legally married and you’re a pastor of a church? Make it make sense.”
According to sources close to the situation, Pastor Barnes and Sampson have been separated for quite some time. Insiders allege that Tasha’s post stems from Barnes moving on with his life, which includes dating new woman, if he and Locklear hasn’t already kicked things off.
A member of The North Carolina Beat’s BeatMob street committee shared that Sampson’s claims are contradictory, as she reportedly had no interest in reconciling with Barnes. One source noted, “She didn’t want him, so why is she upset now that he’s found someone else?”
The drama didn’t stop with Tasha’s post. Her sister, Sonya Sampson, added fuel to the fire by commenting on the situation, labeling Pastor Barnes a “w***e” and accusing him of unprofessional behavior as a Pastor in the Lord’s Church.
Sonya posted, “YOU WERE THE BIGGEST MISTAKE IN MY SISTER’S LIFE. SHE LOWERED HER STANDARDS MARRYING YOU. THE BEST THING THAT CAME OUT OF THAT MARRIAGE WAS MY NEPHEW.”
Despite their accusations, both Tasha and Sonya deleted their posts following backlash. Many commenters pointed out that since Barnes and Tasha have been separated, her outrage was misplaced.
