Kevin Adell Files for Bankruptcy Following Verdict
The media figure seeks Chapter 11 protection after a $62.2 million judgment for racial discrimination.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Detroit-based Kevin Adell has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following a federal jury decision. The filing comes after Adell was ordered to pay Bishop George Bloomer $62.2 million for racial discrimination.
Why it matters
The bankruptcy filing follows a legal judgment involving claims of harassment and retaliation. The top 20 creditors in the case have filed claims totaling more than $101.8 million.
A federal jury ordered Kevin Adell to pay Bishop George Bloomer $62.2 million for racial discrimination. The bankruptcy filing includes claims totaling more than $101.8 million from the top 20 listed creditors.
The players
Kevin Adell
The media figure is the owner of The Word Network who filed for bankruptcy protection following a major civil judgment.
Bishop George Bloomer
He is the plaintiff who successfully sued Adell for racial discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Nancy Edmunds
She is a U.S. District Judge who presided over the discrimination case brought against Adell.
The details
A federal jury found that Adell discriminated against, harassed, and retaliated against Bishop George Bloomer. Adell acknowledged reducing Bloomer's airtime after the bishop compared the network to a plantation, referring to the act as the whip, while also sending harassing communications.
Timeline
September 2019: Adell made a harassing phone call to Bloomer.
October 2022: Bloomer filed his racial discrimination lawsuit against Adell.
June 2025: Judge Nancy Edmunds allowed the discrimination case to proceed.
October 2026: Adell filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Legal Context
This bankruptcy filing is a direct consequence of the 2025 federal jury verdict against Kevin Adell. It follows a legal trend where significant civil judgments lead to corporate restructuring under Chapter 11 protections.
The bankruptcy filing may result in changes to the management or operations of the media organization based in Detroit. Residents should monitor local court dockets for information regarding the future of the network.
The takeaway
Large civil judgments for discrimination can lead to immediate and drastic changes in a company's financial status. Stakeholders should note that bankruptcy filings often signal a long period of court-monitored asset liquidation or restructuring.
Further reading
For more on legal developments in the area, visit the Financial Crime section.
Live Poll
Should business owners be held personally liable for damages caused by racial discrimination at their companies?
