Pastor and Hair Stylist Exposed for Predatory Behavior
“Now's the time to make up your mind. It's time that people of God make up their mind as to who you're going to serve. You can't serve God on one hand and the world on the other!”
The words erupt from the lips of red-faced Preacher Caleb Cowan. It’s November 12, 2023, and Cowan is just a third of the way through a fiery sermon titled, ‘Committing in a Culture of Compromise.’
“People come to church, they're trying to serve in the church and all the while, they got a death grip on the world. Nobody’s committed to anything anymore. And they say, ‘Commitment. It's so old school. It's archaic. It's not practical. It's out of touch with our progressive mindset that we're living in today. Do what makes you happy.’ But we're not called to do what makes us happy. We're called to do what glorifies God!”
On January 25, 2024, just two months after this call for morality behind the pulpit, a flurry of social media posts began appearing, showing alleged screenshots of conversations featuring Caleb Cowan—most initiated by him.
In addition to being the Associate Pastor at Bethel Independent Baptist Church, Caleb Cowan is the Co-Founder and one of the Creative Directors of Cowan & Co. Salon, located in Glasgow County, KY. A number of former employees and potential clients revealed that Cowan's behavior was incredibly inappropriate.
One series of screenshots posted by a 17-year-old model to a local Facebook group showed a disturbing conversation with Cowan. He started by discussing a potential hair color with her, then suddenly said, “BTW, you’re super hot.” Other screenshots show Cowan telling her he wishes he “wasn’t so old” and that “short hair” would make her “look older.” He also referenced helping a photographer who was looking for a boudoir model and brought up OnlyFans. He offered her an appointment and specified that he scheduled her on a day that the salon was closed. In a Facebook comment, the message recipient and her mother said that the police were involved.
The mother’s comment on Facebook read,
“Police have been notified, and I have spoken and met with an officer. They have made contact with Mr. Cowan and stated he sounded really nervous on the phone and that he is off all forms of social media now. The cop couldn’t do anything because they stated he hasn’t done anything criminal. Just so thankful my daughter went with her gut feeling and told me and didn’t go to her hair appointment!”
This conversation was not isolated. Cowan messaged a number of young women in similar ways. Many screenshots were posted to Facebook and some to a new Instagram account called cancelcowan2.
Messages read things like,
“What’s the chances you would f*ck me?”
and
”I’d be willing to do your hair for free. Thoughts? Sugar daddy hahah”
Among the texts were photos of Cowan with his shirt unbuttoned and a photo of his penis.
One employee of Cowan and Co expressed strong emotion over these incidents in a Facebook post.
“I’m not sure how to put what I want to say into words properly, so bear with me. I’ve had so many messages, and I felt like I needed to say something.
I, along with my coworkers, am shocked, disgusted, disappointed, hurt, and, frankly, a little scared. We, in no way, support what has happened. We support victims, and there are many different kinds here, unfortunately.
I don’t know what’s next, but I appreciate everyone who supports those of us who aren’t at fault wherever it may be.”
Amanda Cowan, his wife and co-founder of the Salon, posted a statement on the morning of January 26.
“I am aware of the recent disclosure of messages involving Caleb Cowan. As CEO of Cowan & Co., it is my responsibility to uphold high standards.
Vice President, Caleb Cowan, has resigned from his position within the company.
We understand the concerns this situation may raise, and I personally want to assure my staff and guests that they will continue to receive the respect and care that we have always strived to give. They have been and will continue to be my priority.
I want to assure our employees, guests, and the community that we do not condone any behavior that goes against our values.
We are implementing measures to support our team during this time, and we remain dedicated to maintaining a positive and secure environment in our salon company. I have dedicated 15 years of my life to a brand I believe in. I don’t believe in the brand any less than I did the day it began. I personally want to show my gratitude to our leadership team, our staff, and loyal guests during this time. Your unwavering support to me and my team members means the world to me. I appreciate your prayers. I will continue to lead our team and serve Bowling Green in striving for continued excellence in the Cowan Experience.
All my love,
Amanda Cowan, CEO
As of January 25th, all social media accounts for Caleb Cowan have been deactivated.
I have reached out to Bethel Independent Baptist Church for comment.
It's Glasgow city - Barren County, Kentucky. They have another salon in Bowling Green - Warren County, Kentucky also.
These men are so vile, such liars, so oversexed, and of course, so damaging to anybody who trusts them. Then again, as I looked at the photos, especially the one of this guy with horn-rimmed glasses, high (balding) forehead, and big nose, tryign to strike a seductive pose, I also have to admit, they are so crassly funny! Maybe laughable is a better word. But only to those who are old enough and savvy enough not to fall into their traps. But there is a huge element of the ridiculous in them