Gospel singer Kim Burrell has apologized for her recent sermon referring to church members as “broke” and “ugly,” and Black Twitter had a field day calling her out.
Burrell “apologized” for her distasteful sermon via a lengthy statement on July 19.
“As a kingdom citizen and a woman of integrity, I acknowledge that some of my words, even if said in jest, can be offensive,” she said. “My intention is never to hurt anyone but to spread love, laughter, and, more importantly, the gift which God has given me in song. If anyone was offended, I can sincerely say I apologize.”
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She then went on to accuse critics of “defaming” her character and made it clear that she would not be tolerating any of it.
“My image has been used in multiple places, and false statements and narratives have been created,” Burrell added. “I will not, under any circumstance, tolerate harassment, slander, or for my character to be defamed.”
Her sentiments came after a video of her recent sermon, where she’s seen referring to church members as “broke” and “ugly,” went viral.
“You choose up. Find you some value, you know?” the 49-year-old said in the video. “Sometimes, before we get friends, we have to do an interview: How long [have] you been broke? How many times have you changed your name on your light bill? How many of your bills are in your little cousin’s name? Do you live in a trailer home or a house?”
And THIS is why people don’t go to Church. There was no Jesus in this pic.twitter.com/NTmPoym2EW
— C Diddy (@Chaleah__) July 18, 2022
Later in her sermon she said, “I don’t know, maybe you got a little left from your PPP loan. Prayer, Praise, and Power…you understand.”
Burrell concluded saying, “I haven’t chosen anyone to be ugly yet. God is good. God is great. You all look great. Most of you have on hats covering most of that anyway. Here’s to you.”
Black Twitter got a hold of the video and read the Texas native for filth.
“Kim Burrell looks like a LOT of Christians in the black church: Nasty, pious, and judgmental under the guise of following Christ,” @Ruby_Deez tweeted.
Kim Burrell looks like a LOT of Christians in the black church:
Nasty, pious, and judgmental under the guise of following Christ.
— tittiesnhipsformybook (@Ruby_Deez) July 18, 2022
“The most disturbing thing about the Kim Burrell video is the echoes of amen and laughter from the crowd. She is a product of a church culture that breeds xenophobia, homophobia, and patriarchy,” @atotalrec said.
The most disturbing thing about the Kim Burrell video is the echoes of amen and laughter from the crowd.
She is a product of a church culture that breeds xenophobia, homophobia, and patriarchy.
— Chasing Turtles (@atotalrec) July 18, 2022
“People like Kim Burrell are why I believe there should be more hecklers in church. If Pastor on some bullshit, don’t wait till after service to pull em aside, throw a tomato. God will understand,” @SirCoach wrote.
People like Kim Burrell are why I believe there should be more hecklers in church. If Pastor on some bullshit, don't wait till after service to pull em aside, throw a tomato. God will understand.
— Racial Dolezal (@SirCoach) July 19, 2022
“Kim Burrell sitting up here talking bout “whatever might be left over from your PPP loan” what about YOUR PPP loan sis?” said @jonahsahn.
Kim Burrell sitting up here talking bout "whatever might be left over from your PPP loan" what about YOUR PPP loan sis? pic.twitter.com/KVYf1fqxDn
— Jonah Sahn (@jonahsahn) July 19, 2022
Following the backlash, Burrell uploaded a formal apology video via Instagram on July 20 addressing the criticism once again.
“I’m sorry, I mean it…not from the letter, from my heart. This is about keeping the love real, I love you guys so much, and I’m really, truly sorry.”
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In the apology video, she even revealed that an attorney wrote her initial statement.
