Kim Burrell apologized to the LGBTQ community while accepting the Aretha Franklin Icon Award onstage at the Stellar Awards over the weekend, saying she hopes the awards will be an opportunity to “build bridges” in the call for peace.
“I want to apologize to the LGBTQ community,” she began, “and give them a big round of applause. I want them to be empowered and know in their hearts that we must all strive to embrace all of God’s people and show God’s love to all. I hope that this award and this moment will be the beginning of building bridges and listening to one another as we pursue peace with all people and develop the Godly character that requires us to see Him.”
Kim Burrell performs at the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 28: (From left) Kim Burrell and Tim Bowman Jr. perform onstage during the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards in Atlanta, Georgia on March 28, 2024. (Photo by Erica Goldring/Getty Images, Courtesy of BMI)
Burrell also came under fire in 2017 when she described homosexuality as perverse in a sermon. “Anyone in this room who is plagued by a gay spirit please plead with God to deliver you. If you play with it in 2017 you will die from it,” she said at the time, according to The Jasmine Brand. When pressed about her comments, she initially doubled down on her condemnation, writing on social media: “To anyone who is plagued by a gay spirit: I love you because God loves you. But God hates the sin in you and me.”
Fans on social media have had mixed reactions to her apology, with many questioning her sincerity. Check out her full statement on Instagram above. Stay tuned to HotNewHipHop for the latest updates on Kim Burrell.
About the Author
Cole Blake is currently the editor of HotNewHipHop, based in Brooklyn, NY. He began working on the site as an intern in 2018 while studying journalism at St. John’s University. Since then, he has graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and has written extensively on a wide range of topics, including pop culture, film and television, politics, video games, and sports. He also covers music festivals such as the Governor’s Ball and Rolling Loud. He writes for HNHH Monday through Wednesday or on weekends. In sports, Cole is an avid NBA and NFL fan, with his favorite teams being the Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Lakers. He also roots for the Yankees when he’s at Yankee Stadium or with other SJU alumni at the Red Storm. His favorite hip hop artists are Billy Woods, Earl Sweatshirt, Cam’ron, Mike, and Mach Hommie.
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