'Jesus's Wife' Papyrus Is Likely A Fake, Harvard Professor Now Says

BOSTON (AP) — A Harvard professor who caused a huge splash when she unveiled a small fragment of papyrus that she said referred to Jesus being married now says it's likely a forgery.

In 2012, Harvard Divinity School Professor Karen King presented the fragment, which includes the phrase, "Jesus said to them, my wife."

Since then, other scholars have raised doubts about the fragment's authenticity.

In an interview with The Associated Press, King acknowledged that the fragment is likely a fake. She cites an investigative article published on The Atlantic magazine's website last week.

King says she was lied to by the fragment's owner, Florida businessman Walter Fritz. Fritz denies forging the fragment.

King said from the beginning that the fragment cannot be considered evidence that Jesus was married, only that the topic was discussed by early Christians.