Father Sues Son Over Quitting Conversion Therapy

Christian father demands $6,000 reimbursement after teen quits coerced therapy program

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:23pm

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A softly blurred, abstract photograph in warm tones depicting a person's hands clasped tightly together, conveying a sense of emotional turmoil and the trauma of coercion.A young person's hands clasped in a gesture of distress, reflecting the emotional trauma of being coerced into a harmful conversion therapy program.Memphis Today

A Christian father from Memphis, Tennessee sued his 18-year-old son for $6,000, claiming he was owed reimbursement after the teen failed to complete a summer conversion therapy program the parents had enrolled him in. The dispute played out on a recent episode of the court TV show 'Equal Justice with Judge Eboni K. Williams', where the judge ultimately dismissed the father's demand, citing the alleged coercion and emotional manipulation of the son.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing controversy around conversion therapy, a widely discredited practice that aims to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Conversion therapy has been banned in numerous states and jurisdictions due to the significant mental health risks and trauma it can cause, especially for LGBTQ+ youth. This story exemplifies the complex family dynamics and power dynamics that can lead young people to be coerced into these harmful programs against their will.

The details

According to the court TV show, the father, Gregory Talbert, caught his 17-year-old son Michael kissing another boy the previous year. Talbert allegedly threatened to kick his son out if he didn't stop being gay, and later found a religious conversion therapy program for Michael to attend. Talbert agreed to pay the $6,000 program fee, but a month in, Michael wanted to leave, saying he was subjected to verbal harassment and emotional abuse. Talbert refused to let him quit, demanding he finish the program and repay the fees when Michael eventually left.

  • In 2025, when Michael was 17 years old, his father caught him kissing another boy.
  • Several days later, Michael found a religious conversion therapy program and told his father about it.
  • The summer conversion therapy program was set to last three months, with weekday attendance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • A month into the program, Michael wanted to leave but his father refused to let him quit.
  • The episode of 'Equal Justice with Judge Eboni K. Williams' featuring this case debuted in 2023 and was uploaded to YouTube on March 26, 2026.

The players

Gregory Talbert

A married Christian father from the Memphis area who sued his son for $6,000 after the teen quit a conversion therapy program Talbert had enrolled him in.

Michael

The 18-year-old son of Gregory Talbert who was coerced into attending a conversion therapy program by his father and later quit, prompting the lawsuit.

Judge Eboni K. Williams

The judge on the court TV show 'Equal Justice' who heard the dispute between Gregory Talbert and his son Michael, and ultimately dismissed the father's demand for reimbursement.

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What they’re saying

“I like the director's philosophy of how no one is born homosexual. It's behavioral and it can be fixed.”

— Gregory Talbert, Father

“I'm scared to go but I don't want to lose you and mom. I will go.”

— Michael, Son

“Son, it was your idea to go to this program. You need to finish what you started. I spent $6,000. Money doesn't grow on trees. How am I going to teach you how to be a man if you don't keep your promises? Just follow the rules and you'll be cured in two more months.”

— Gregory Talbert, Father

“I felt like you valued the money over your son.”

— Michael, Son

“Young man, you are not cursed. You are as loved and as worthy, Michael, as your father, your mother, and everyone else who gets the privilege to reside on this earth, young man. And I don't care what your daddy says. I don't care what some stupid conversion therapy says, which is nothing but a bunch of hoopla and a scam and a money grab for young, vulnerable men like yourself. I see you. You are valuable. And Michael, you are perfect. You are perfect in the eyes of God.”

— Judge Eboni K. Williams

What’s next

It remains unclear if Gregory Talbert will appeal the judge's decision dismissing his demand for reimbursement. The case has sparked renewed calls for a nationwide ban on conversion therapy, which has been outlawed in numerous states and jurisdictions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing trauma and harm caused by the discredited practice of conversion therapy, especially for LGBTQ+ youth who are coerced by their families into these harmful programs. The judge's compassionate response to the son underscores the need for greater legal protections and support for vulnerable young people facing pressure to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.