Gospel singer James Fortune apologizes after pleading guilty to assaulting wife

Gospel singer James Fortune has apologized to his fans and family after he pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife in 2014.

The gospel singer allegedly hit his wife Cheryl with a wooden stool, before kicking her and throwing her against a wall. James Fortune was arrested and charged with aggravated assault of a family member, but details on the incident were scant, according to The Root.

Fortune was sentenced to five days in jail and five years of probation. As part of the plea deal, the gospel singer will be required to complete 175 hours of community service, participate in a program for batterers, and stay away from Cheryl, the report details.

The Christian singer said he agreed to the plea deal because she did not want their children to appear in court to testify against their father, the Christian Broadcasting Network explains.

Meanwhile, Fortune issued an apology via Instagram to his fans and family for the assault. He admitted his mistake and requested them to pray for God's intervention in his life in light of what happened.

"I want to make a public apology to my family, friends and supporters for not being above reproach," said Fortune in his Instagram post. "Please pray that during this process God continues to perfect and restore me so that I become a better man, father and Christian."

In addition, Fortune said he takes full responsibility for what happened and revealed that he has been undergoing professional and spiritual intervention to help him manage his anger. He also said that he does not support domestic violence.

The gospel singer's fans, on the other hand, responded positively to Fortune's apology. One fan encouraged him to take advantage of the second chance that God has given him to patch things up with his family.

In a statement, Cheryl expressed her hope that Fortune will be able to get the help that he needs. She also said she hopes the gospel singer will change for the better in the future.