Gospel icon Kirk Franklin has been the topic of headlines, ridicule, and criticism over the last few days following the leak of explosive phone audio that saw him launch into a profanity-laden tirade against his oldest child, Kerrion.
During the call, which was recorded and lifted to Instagram by Kerrion, his ‘Stomp’-performing dad threated to break his neck and worse after the 33-year-old apparently made upsetting comments (which were not heard on the film footage).
Nevertheless, while Kirk received overwhelming support from most of his industry friends and fans, some critics believe his actions were totally inappropriate – a response that led the GRAMMY winner to issue a formal apology Sunday (March 14).
Now, via an interview with ‘The Tamron Hall Show,’ he’s speaking out publicly for the first time on the matter. See highlights from the sit-down discussion below:
Kirk said that despite his son’s years of experience with therapy, he’s gotten “more aggressive” over the years.
“Now that he’s about to be 33 as a grown man the relationship at times can become very agitated and very frustrated…but I’m not going to stop trying to help,” Kirk said. “He’s my son, he’s my firstborn, and I never want him to feel what I felt not having a father…It’s important for me because what if that call is the call that things change.”
Kirk continued by stating he feels Kerrion does not respect him, but the feeling of disrespect is not mutual.
“I respect Kerrion. I’m not Kerrion’s equal though. I’m not his equal, I’m his dad,” he said firmly. “And when you talk to me, especially about things that you say that you want from me, I can’t hear you when you are extremely aggressive when we’re communicating, and that’s why a lot of times, Kerrion and I haven’t talked sometimes for a year or two.”
The GRAMMY winner was sure to let fans know he is open to reconciliation with his son and will always ‘answer his call’ – even though they’ve gone years without speaking at times.
“In that fight, it can become so difficult that my humanity, unfortunately, that day, won,” he said. “And I’m going to keep trying, while still continuing to admit that I am an imperfect man fighting to serve a perfect God.”
*****
Ahead of Kirk’s ‘Tamron Hall’ visit, Kerrion took to Instagram to warn his followers that his father would be spewing misinformation. Watch the short clip below:
The video was captioned with the following:
“What time am I supposed to watch more manipulation tomar ? Toxic is when they can’t leave you alone but still won’t treat you right x I am against #ParentalAbuse #Period I said I was Done and I’m standing on it. He does not respect me and I don’t feel safe around him. Still not one phone call. I am not going to call. This is supposed to be a private matter yet my parents are running to the public to play victim. You are about t see & Learn the depth of manipulation. #MedusaTheMixtape On Deck as soon as this storm passes 🤞🏾 #LifeAfterAbuse #AgainstAbuse #realeyesrecognisereallies #Freedom #ItsFreedomTime #NOW”
*****
Kirk and Kerrion aren’t the only Franklins weighing in on the situation. The star’s interview surfaces just days after his daughter, Kennedy, took to Instagram to slam her brother for attempting to expose the Gospel great.