From Backlash to Bop? Marvin Sapp Capitalizes on Controversy with New Song ‘Close the Door’ [Listen]

Marvin Sapp may have left longtime fans sour after that controversial fundraising video, but now the award-winning Gospel star is looking to turn lemons into lemonade by releasing new music inspired by the shocking event.

As reported here, Sapp – amid enduring backlash for demanding ushers lock church doors until he raised $40,000 from attendees – is capitalizing on the amplified attention from the fallout by unveiling the single ‘Close the Door.’

“Close the door on anxiety / close the door on the pain and disdain that keeps chasing me / close the door on the ridicule and the noise that tries to make me lose my cool / God has a purpose and He will restore / So I’ll just close the door,” he sings on the new track.

After announcing the tune’s arrival Friday morning (April 18), Sapp shared his inspiration for attempting to divert the blowback just in time for Easter.

“If you’ve ever been misunderstood, misrepresented, or maligned, this is for you,” he told his Instagram followers. “Why? Because this weekend, as we reflect on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we’re reminded that He gave grace and mercy to people who didn’t deserve it…restoration is on the other side but it starts when you decide to close the door.”

Hear the new song in full above courtesy of Apple Music.