It certainly goes without saying that the homophobic sermon Kim Burrell gave last Friday drummed up its fair share of controversy. Her comments on the gay community resonated negatively especially with singer Pharrell and two actresses from the upcoming movie Hidden Figures though.
The Huffington Post noted that Pharrell took to Instagram in response to Burrell's speech and said, "I condemn hate speech of any kind. There is no room in this world for any kind of prejudice. My greatest hope is for inclusion and love for all humanity in 2017 and beyond."
Pharrell, who sang a song with Burrell for the film, never explicitly referred to her by name.
Actress Octavia Spencer, who plays Dorothy Vaughan in Hidden Figures, responded to Pharrell's post by saying, "I agree. We are all God's children equal in his eyes. Hatred isn't the answer. Intolerance isn't the answer."
I agree. We are all God's children equal in his eyes. Hatred isn't the answer. Intolerance isn't… https://t.co/vztGSNkEMF
— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) December 31, 2016
Janelle Monae, who plays Mary Jackson in the film, agreed and added that if anyone's religion is subconsciously making them judge the life choices of other people then it is their duty to speak out and change it.
Questlove of The Roots also reacted to what Burrell said.
*facepalm* No Kim No!!
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) December 31, 2016
Burrell so far hasn't recanted what she said in her sermon and according to The Hollywood Reporter, she is currently still set to perform with Pharrell on The Ellen DeGeneres Show this Thursday.
Update: Ellen Degeners has confirmed via Twitter that Kim Burrell will not be performing on her talk show.
For those asking, Kim Burrell will not be appearing on my show.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 3, 2017
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