Gospel hitmaker Kim Burrell isn’t exactly kicking her new year off in the best of lights.
After making headlines for a homophobic sermon where she directly stated insinuated homosexuals will “die in 2017,” the revered singer/songwriter has been fielding attacks from media, supporters, fans, and friends. Even friends Yolanda Adams and Pharrell Williams have spoken out against her rant and branded it “hate speech.”
Ironically, despite making her stance on homosexuality well known in the sermon, Burrell – who has worked with Frank Ocean among a number of other LGBT stars – is set to appear on ‘Ellen’ in the coming days. Well, that is, unless a recently ignited petition has its say.
Details inside:
Hosted on Change.org, the petition – recently started by writer and LGBT activist Anthony Antoine – calls for Ellen Degeneres to bar Burrell from performing on her daytime television talk show.
Antoine writes:
Please DO NOT allow gospel singer Kim Burrell to perform on your show January 5th promoting the Hidden Figures movie after her rant from the pulpit December 30th (since removed yet captured by shocked fans and reposted) essentially condemning gays to death in 2017. This type of rhetoric is dangerous – especially to young LGBT people who love and support your show and who have been inspired by the movie Hidden Figures that carries a message of affirming ones ability and merit, not diminishing it based on gender (or race, or sexuality and more).
The activist even goes on to request she be removed from all promotion affiliated with the Taraji P. Henson-led film, ‘Hidden Figures’:
Pharrell and Hidden Figures movie should stop all promotion that includes gospel singer Kim Burrell who clearly detests LGBT people; one who’d speak so clearly to diminish Our right and freedom to live and thrive in 2017 and who has since defended her statements captured in the hateful video. Let’s STOP HER together!
Those who share Antoine’s view are encouraged to sign his petition by clicking here.
See Kim’s response to the hoopla below: