The fate of Eligio Bishop, the leader of the group known as Carbon Nation, rests in the hands of a jury after closing arguments concluded in his rape trial. Bishop, who also goes by "Natureboy," faces multiple charges including rape, false imprisonment, and the distribution of sexually explicit transmissions. The jury received instructions on Thursday and is set to deliberate beginning on Friday morning, as 11Alive reported.
Bishop's trial in DeKalb County progressed amidst his fears of a COVID-19 outbreak after a positive case within the trial's vicinity was confirmed. He chose to monitor proceedings from a distance, expressing concern for his health and objecting to an in-person appearance. Despite his absence, the courtroom played host to a litany of accusations and defenses, with proceedings uploading emotions high and down, the spectrum of human experience. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, Senior DeKalb County Assistant District Attorney Tauti Thomas emphasized, "If he forced her to consent because he threatened her, that is not consent," while Bishop's attorney, Robert Booker countered, arguing Bishop "did not rape her, he is not guilty of that."
During the trial, testimonies from both the alleged victim and members of the Carbon Nation delved into the inner workings of the group, with some defense witnesses describing the group's actions online as mere performances designed for views. A witness took to the stand, inadvertently channeling the fervor of a time when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock, claiming that similar actions within the group were meant to imitate that viral moment, as per FOX 5 Atlanta. However, prosecutors pointed out that such incidents took place after the alleged rape took place, nullifying the defense’s timeline.
Bishop, is known for his numerous aliases including "Natureboy" and "3God," and has been behind bars since April 2022. His arrest came about after a former member of Carbon Nation went to the police, alleging the self-proclaimed spiritual leader had committed acts of sexual and emotional abuse. This victim was among others who testified that Bishop cut off their communication with the outside world, controlling his members to the extent of self-deification. "He considers himself to be god. He went from ‘I’m your higher self’ to master teacher to god. He believes he is the end all be all -- the alpha and omega," a victim stated, in an interview reported by 11Alive. As the jury convenes to reach a verdict, Bishop's self-representation as a deity suffers an earthly trial, his followers' faith placed in stark contrast with the law's hand of realism.
