On Serge Benhayon & Judith McIntyre: Does the Media have a Code of Ethics?

Over the last few years, time and time again, I have been witness to journalists attempting to shred Serge Benhayon’s reputation and his business Universal Medicine for the cheap pay-off off a sensational and ‘contentious’ story.

Serge Benhayon | Founder of Universal Medicine

I have also had several very close friends who are associated with Universal Medicine, who have been completely dishonored by the press within numerous publications. They have been written about in ‘prestigious’ newspapers without even having been consulted about the veracity of the information; or their words in interviews have been extracted and totally twisted out of context to present the complete opposite of what was said.

Letters to the editors correcting the record have been dismissed unpublished as the journalists and newspapers have absolved themselves of any responsibility whatsoever.

A Response to False Accusations of Sexual Misconduct & Abuse by Universal Medicine & Serge Benhayon

Foreword by Rebecca Baldwin

Background: In 2012 many of us witnessed how a small group of hate-bloggers captured the attention of the local and national media with blatant lies and false reports of diet and lifestyle concerns about those who attended Universal Medicine presentations. Subsequently a spate of error-riddled and defamatory stories, were pumped through the usual and predictable channels. While there were some who were undiscerning enough to consume the junk-media, there were many more who saw right through it and in many ways it did nothing to disrupt Universal Medicine’s service offerings. Indeed, as always, due to the huge demand for its’ services, Universal Medicine continues to steadily go from strength to strength.

In effect the hate-bloggers who instigated the media attention were left unsatisfied and as their numbers dwindle, their anonymous online smear campaign has become increasingly outrageous and questionable. Their latest lie, is that Serge Benhayon’s healing techniques are sexually abusive. Anyone who knows Serge Benhayon knows how patently ridiculous that claim is – straight from the same ilk of the ‘Serge Benhayon gives Breast Massages’ lie that was made famous by an easily manipulated press who last year pimped out its pages to become a mega-phone for the hate-blogger’s lies and hate-campaigning.

The Deceit in Research and the Media – Let’s get back to Truth

by Sarah Cloutier, Animation Producer, London, UK

What is truth? Stephen Fry, a broadcaster and academic in the UK stated, “Truth is what is felt in the heart.”

Lies are everywhere, we are bombarded by the insidious evil of them – they permeate our thoughts, our language, written word, our entire existence is built on this false foundation.

We use them to bolster our fragile status quo and we create whole belief systems around the lies to justify our actions.

Consuming Junk Media & Cleaning Up My Own Press

by Adrienne Ryan, Funeral Co-ordinator, BEd, Brisbane, Australia

Recent events with the media’s treatment of the Universal Medicine (UniMed) group have made me aware of how inaccurate and sensationalised reporting can be. In the case of UniMed, this came at the expense of the true story – which is nothing short of inspiring. I have known Serge Benhayon and his family for over ten years. I read with amazement and disappointment the twisted presentations of them, their lives and work, accompanied by a dawning understanding of how I had just accepted reported information over the years without really feeling into the quality of what was being presented. Here were stories that I knew to be misleading, sensationalised, biased and wrong in so many ways, but if not for knowing the subject so well, I wondered how much I would have accepted as truth?

Serge Benhayon & Esoteric Breast Massage: My Experience as a Woman & a Nurse

by Jeanette Macdonald, Registered Nurse (currently in Palliative Care), New Zealand

Though I no longer live in Australia, I am aware of the misrepresentations and blatant untruths in media articles concerning the Benhayon family and the Esoteric Breast Massage (EBM). I feel to express what I know to be true from my own experiences.

I was one of the practitioners who attended the initial training for EBM and can confirm, as has been stated in articles other than this, that Serge Benhayon presented it as a demonstration, above his partner’s clothed body, with an honouring and respect for women such as I had never seen before. He was also very specific that it was strictly for women by women, and it has been ever since. 

Letters of Support for Belinda-Jane Hodgson & Esoteric Soulutions in Response to Media Reports (Part 5)

In November 2012 a well respected Esoteric Practitioner in Mackay became the target of illegal activity aimed at bringing disrepute to her business, the local paper then published a story… Rather than the intended harm, the illegal attack prompted an outpouring of support from the local community. Many appreciative clients sent letters to the paper both before and after the story went to print. The following are a selection of letters that the paper received.

by Theresa Boswell, Mackay, Queensland

I have never heard of anything so ridiculous as to call Esoteric Soulutions and Universal Medicine a cult. I ring to make an appointment, no different than when I visit my GP or dentist. How is this being in a cult, and what happened to free will?

Obviously there are some very sad people who have dreamt up this idea, who don’t want to take responsibility for their own actions and want to blame everyone else. There is nothing wrong with looking after yourself and being responsible for your own actions. Any treatment that myself and my family has had by Esoteric Soulutions has only ever helped and made our lives better. We are all living happy lives and making our own decisions. Doesn’t sound like a cult to me.

Letters of Support for Belinda-Jane Hodgson & Esoteric Soulutions in Response to Media Reports (Part 4)

In November 2012 a well respected Esoteric Practitioner in Mackay became the target of illegal activity aimed at bringing disrepute to her business, the local paper then published a story… Rather than the intended harm, the illegal attack prompted an outpouring of support from the local community. Many appreciative clients sent letters to the paper both before and after the story went to print. The following are a selection of letters that the paper received.

by Justine Price, Mackay, Queensland

I am deeply saddened by the constant bullying and misleading allegations made about both Universal Medicine and Esoteric Soulutions here in Mackay. I have been a client of Esoteric Soulutions for 10 years, and have attended both the Universal Medicine clinic in Brisbane and Universal Medicine in Goonellabah for the past 3 years.

I don’t believe enough true journalistic reporting has been made on the positive stories about the thousands of people whose lives have been improved immensely since being involved with both Universal Medicine and Esoteric Soulutions.  I feel the people who are making these false claims toward Belinda-Jane are imposing their personal issues onto her and Universal Medicine.

Letters of Support for Belinda-Jane Hodgson & Esoteric Soulutions in Response to Media Reports (Part 3)

In November 2012 a well respected Esoteric Practitioner in Mackay became the target of illegal activity aimed at bringing disrepute to her business, the local paper then published a story… Rather than the intended harm, the illegal attack prompted an outpouring of support from the local community. Many appreciative clients sent letters to the paper both before and after the story went to print. The following are a selection of letters that the paper received.

by Emily Newman, Mackay, Queensland

I’m writing in regards to the article about Universal Medicine and Belinda-Jane Hodgson, published on the 3^rd of November 2012. I have had nothing but complete love and support from anyone associated with Universal Medicine, including those that are not practitioners.

I’m seventeen and have been attending universal medicine courses for a little over a year now… I don’t drink anymore, or smoke, or stay out late. I eat what makes me feel good and go to bed early. I am more open with people and have made better friends than I would have beforehand. I don’t have glandular fever, and have stopped making myself throw up because I thought I wasn’t good enough. I’ve stopped partying, getting smashed and having sex with people I regret the next day. How is any of this bad? You may say that these are normal teenager things, but why? Why is destroying yourself a normal thing?

Letters of Support for Belinda-Jane Hodgson & Esoteric Soulutions in Response to Media Reports (Part 2)

In November 2012 a well respected Esoteric Practitioner in Mackay became the target of illegal activity aimed at bringing disrepute to her business, the local paper then published a story… Rather than the intended harm, the illegal attack prompted an outpouring of support from the local community. Many appreciative clients sent letters to the paper both before and after the story went to print. The following are a selection of letters that the paper received.

by Jo Smith, Heavy Equipment Operator, Mackay, Queensland

I wish to respond to a recent article that your newspaper printed on the 3^rd of November 2012 concerning Universal Medicine and a local business, Esoteric Soulutions, regarding unsubstantiated claims they are part of a large cult movement.

What I find truly amazing is the furore that has been created by a small group of disgruntled people and that newspapers find this newsworthy. I have been privy to a number of newspaper articles, including yours, that have yet to print a balanced, honest and truthful account of Universe Medicine healing practice and the practitioners associated with it.

Letters of Support for Belinda-Jane Hodgson & Esoteric Soulutions in Response to Media Reports (Part 1)

In November 2012 a well respected Esoteric Practitioner in Mackay became the target of illegal activity aimed at bringing disrepute to her business, the local paper then published a story… Rather than the intended harm, the illegal attack prompted an outpouring of support from the local community. Many appreciative clients sent letters to the paper both before and after the story went to print. The following are a selection of letters that the paper received.

by Darren Cooke, Mackay, Queensland

I would like to take this opportunity to express how it saddens me to see and hear all of the false media coverage regarding Universal Medicine and the upcoming story regarding Esoteric Soulutions here in Mackay. I feel that the approach taken in delivering these “stories” lacks professionalism and is an injustice, not only to the businesses that these journalists work for, but for all people within our community.