Shirley Caesar Defends Kim Burrell's Homophobic Comments

Pastor Shirley Caesar has spoken out in defense of Kim Burrell, whose controversial comments against the LGBTQ community made during a recent sermon, has resulted in backlash.

During a sermon of her own Caesar took the time out to speak on Burrell's remarks, saying "You (Kim Burrell) should've said something four years ago when our President made that stuff alright."

Both Pharrell and Janelle Monaé have spoken out against Burrell, with the two artists distancing themselves from the gospel star. The former had collaborated with Burrell on his track "I See A Victory" for the Hidden Figures soundtrack.

"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 had posted on Instagram in response to Burrell's comments.

Monaé reposted P's message, while adding the following: "If your religion is causing you to spew out words of hate, judge, or look down on others because of who one loves then you need to change it. And fast. If the religion don't make you are more loving or better person, ditch it."

Looks like Burrell and Caesar are showing their true colors now. The latter was having quite the enjoyable 2016, with her sermon "Hold My Mule" inciting the #UNameItChallenge from the previous year. The viral trend began with DJ Suede, who remixed the sermon into a trap song, with Caesar's standout line "I got Beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes/ Lamb, rams, hogs, dogs" serving as the highlight of the track. It was also accompanied with a video.

However, Caesar ultimately sued DJ Suede, Jullian Boothe and Empire Distribution, with Caesar's legal team claiming the unauthorized video is worth $5 million in loses, and that it "violates the brand, image and name of a Christian pastor."

Well, both Caesar and Burrell have surely tarnished their image now because of their problematic views.