Gospel singer Kim Burrell has extended an olive branch to the LGBTQ community.
Kim Burrell used her moment on stage at the Stellar Awards this weekend to offer an apology to the LGBTQ community while taking the Aretha Franklin Icon Award.
Burrell previously faced criticism in 2017 for calling homosexuality perverted in a sermon. Burrell used phrases like “perverted homosexual spirit” to describe homosexuality in the original sermon, which was recorded and went viral.
“Anybody in this room who’s dealing with the homosexual spirit, beg God to free you. Play with it in 2017; you’ll die from it,” she said at the time.
“That perverted homosexual spirit is a spirit of delusion and confusion and has deceived many men and women, and it has caused a strain on the body of Christ.”
When pressed over the comments, she initially doubled down on social media by writing: “To every person that is dealing with the homosexual spirit, I love you because God loves you, but God hates the sin in you and me.”
The comments sparked outrage, resulting in canceled appearances and criticism from fans and other artists. Kim Burrell even lost her TV show and was uninvited to award shows.
Although Burrell’s initial response to the controversy saw her defend her views, a new apology suggests a change of heart as she apologizes for the offense committed.
Burrell used his acceptance speech at the soon-to-be-aired Stellar Awards to apologize.
In a TikTok clip shared by an attendee, Burrell is heard and seen saying, “I want to apologize to the LGBTQ community.”
She continued, “Let’s give them a great big round of applause. We want them to have strength and to sincerely know that we must all do the work to embrace all of God’s people and show forth His love to everyone. I hope that this award and this moment can be the beginning of a bridge-building and listening to each other as we follow peace with all man and develop the character of God, which requires seeing God.”
Burrell’s apology elicited a variety of reactions from the public. Members of the LGBTQ community have had mixed reactions, with many questioning her sincerity.
The Stellar Awards 2024 will air on BET on Sunday, August 4, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
