Kirk Franklin apologizes for ‘disrespectul’ outfit at Jamaica gospel concert

Gospel artist Kirk Franklin has issued a public apology after facing backlash from conservative Christians in Jamaica for his performance attire during the “Fun in the Son” concert last April.

The annual event, organized by Best Dressed Chicken, a brand under the Jamaica Broilers Group, is known for its commitment to Judeo-Christian values.

During the outdoor performance, Kirk Franklin wore a tank top and shorts while ministering, which some attendees deemed inappropriate.

 

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In a video shared on YouTube Monday, Franklin explained he had not anticipated that his outfit would be considered “disrespectful.”

“I am aware now that my choice of attire, which as a team we thought was going to be fine being outside in the weather, was going to be something that would not come across as disrespectful,” Franklin said in the video, which addressed significant moments from 2024.

“I’ve spent most of my career dancing and moving around and jumping on stage that I didn’t know that I would ever do anything that would ever offend anyone in any community, but it did. And because it did, I sincerely apologize,” he continued.

The 54-year-old artist also reflected on his growth and the importance of humility in ministry. “I sincerely apologize because I never want to get to a place that I can’t learn, that I can’t learn what I need to do better, what I can do different to make sure that as I grow as a man, grow physically or in any aspect, that I’m always being humble enough and submissive enough to hear people and their concerns about anything being bigger than the message of Jesus,” Franklin said. “It doesn’t matter what my goal and intent is, if I’m louder than the message of Jesus, then I failed.”

Franklin’s performance coincided with the celebration of Best Dressed Chicken’s 65th anniversary, an event highlighting “God’s faithfulness.” The concert also featured Grammy-winning artist Toby Mac and several local Christian performers.

In an earlier statement to The Christian Post, Jamaica Broilers Group President and CEO Christopher Levy expressed disappointment in Franklin’s actions. “When we engage an artist, it is with a degree of trust that the artist will be aware and sensitive to their audience. We expected more from Mr. Franklin,” Levy said. “We are cognizant that each of us [is] working through our relationship with The Lord, and we prayerfully support his growth.”