On May 14-16, 2025, a dramatic incident unfolded at the Spirit Life Conference hosted by Lighthouse Church of All Nations in Aslip, Illinois, where televangelist Benny Hinn was ambushed on stage by popular YouTuber Tyler Oliveira.
The confrontation, which has since garnered significant attention, was captured in a video titled “I Exposed the Most Corrupt Churches in America,” posted on Oliveira’s YouTube channel, which boasts over 7 million subscribers.
According to The Christian Post, Oliveira, known for his provocative content, purchased a $99 ticket to attend the conference and interrupted Hinn’s session by rushing the stage and loudly proclaiming, “Benny Hinn is a false prophet, a fake healer, and snake oil salesman.”
The YouTuber accused Hinn of exploiting the Word of God for financial gain, allegations that align with criticisms of Hinn’s past association with the prosperity gospel, a theology that emphasizes wealth and health as divine blessings attainable through faith and financial contributions.
Hinn, visibly shocked and gasping momentarily due to his known heart condition (atrial fibrillation), was quickly surrounded by security personnel who escorted Oliveira off the stage.
Oliveira later claimed that he and his cameraman were assaulted by Hinn’s security team, with the cameraman alleging he was struck with a golf cart, tackled, and thrown into a busy street.
He further stated that security attempted to delete footage from his camera, unaware of a redundant backup that preserved the incident.
The video, which has amassed over 4 million views since its release, also documents Oliveira’s visits to other megachurches, including Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church and Kenneth Copeland Ministries, where he similarly criticized their promotion of the prosperity gospel.
In response to the incident, Hinn, who has publicly distanced himself from the prosperity gospel since 2019, reportedly remained calm, stating, “Enough is enough, brother,” as security intervened.
In a 2019 statement reported by The Christian Post, Hinn expressed regret over his past teachings, saying, “I’m sorry to say that prosperity has gone a little crazy, and I’m correcting my own theology…
I think it’s an offense to the Holy Spirit to place a price on the Gospel.” He reiterated this sentiment in a recent interview with Charisma Media founder Stephen Strang, noting that promoting the prosperity gospel is one of his two biggest regrets in his decades-long ministry.
The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media platforms like X, with some praising Oliveira for challenging high-profile religious figures, while others criticized his disruptive approach.
Posts on X reflect polarized sentiments, with one user from @Torncurtainorg highlighting the viral nature of the confrontation, and The Christian Post framing it as a moment that “sparks discussions about the intersection of faith and media.”
Officials from Lighthouse Church of All Nations have not yet responded to inquiries about the event, leaving many questions unanswered about the security response and the broader implications of such public confrontations.
As the video continues to circulate, it raises ongoing questions about accountability, faith, and the influence of media in religious spaces.
