Gospel music singer Kirk Franklin had plenty of amazing high moments in 2024, from receiving an honorary Doctorate of Music from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia in May to spending a month in Africa in August with Magic City Music for their Kingdom Tour.
But with those highs came some low points that forced him to take some heat in the court of public opinion for everything from his dance moves to his choice of attire. Rather than sweeping it all under the rug, Franklin ended the year by taking time to explain and apologize in a 16-minute 2024 recap video he shared with his nearly two million YouTube subscribers.
The Dance Seen Around the World
Back in October, Franklin got some backlash for dance moves during a performance with Bishop Marvin Sapp that some thought were better suited for the club than a gospel music performance. Check it out here:
In his video, Franklin took full responsibility for the choreography.
“Now before ya’ll get mad at Marvin, Bishop Marvin, I want ya’ll to know that that was my fault,” he said. “I want ya’ll to know that I pushed him to do it but he easily obliged.”
He added that his performance was simply his effort to make sure those attending the show were entertained.
“I’ve always believed that God’s music or God’s content should always be able to stand in any space,” he said. “When you come, I want you to feel like you had a good time, that it was a show that did not compromise the gospel. And I’m going to do it every time, because guess what? I’m having a good time making you happy.”
The Fit That Almost Started a Fight
Franklin also added an apology to critics who weren’t feeling his decision to wear a tank top and shorts during a performance in Jamaica, saying he never intended to offend anyone with his outfit. He said he and his team chose the look because of the heat and the fact that he would be moving around a lot on stage.
“I sincerely apologize because I never want to get to a place that I can’t learn what I need to do better,” he said looking directly into the camera. “Because it doesn’t matter what my goal [or] intent is, if I’m louder than the message of Jesus, then I failed.”
Those who left comments on Franklin’s post appreciated him for taking the time to speak directly to his fans and critics and explain his decisions.
“Wow Kirk, I love how humble you are to apologize and explain, that teaches us how we should be too not only as Christians but as humans!” wrote someone.