It was a disrespectful incident.
After facing backlash from conservative Christians in Jamaica, gospel artist Kirk Franklin has publicly apologized for his behavior at a Christian concert last April. At the “Fun in the Son” event, Franklin performed in a tank top and shorts, displaying his biceps and dancing energetically. This led to criticism from the local community, who found his attire and actions inappropriate for a religious setting. In a video shared on YouTube, Franklin acknowledged his mistake, explaining that he had not realized his outfit and movements would be perceived as disrespectful.
Franklin reflected on his long career, emphasizing that his intention was never to offend anyone. He expressed his regret for not understanding the potential impact of his appearance and actions on the audience. “I sincerely apologize,” Franklin said, adding that he always strives to learn and grow, both personally and spiritually. He emphasized that if his actions overshadow the message of Jesus, he feels he has failed in his mission. Franklin’s apology was made in the context of discussing moments that had sparked public discussion in 2024.
The event, which also featured artists like Toby Mac and local Christian performers, was sponsored by the Jamaica Broilers Group, a company with strong Christian values. The company’s president, Christopher Levy, expressed disappointment in Franklin’s performance, stating that they had expected him to be more sensitive to the audience’s values. Despite this, Levy acknowledged that everyone is on a journey of growth and reaffirmed their support for Franklin’s personal development.
Franklin also addressed another controversy involving a viral video where he was seen twerking on a fellow singer during his “The Reunion Tour” with The Clark Sisters and other gospel artists. He explained that he was simply having fun with friends backstage, but admitted that his behavior was inappropriate for a public setting. Franklin acknowledged that he needed to learn to separate his playful, backstage persona from his onstage role. He also took responsibility for encouraging fellow artist Marvin Sapp to dance with him, admitting that it was a moment of poor judgment.
Despite the criticism, Franklin reiterated his goal to provide an enjoyable experience for those attending his concerts. He believes that Christian music and performances should offer the same level of entertainment as secular shows, without compromising the message of the gospel. Franklin remains committed to making his concerts enjoyable while staying true to his faith.