Photo Credit: mark reinstein // Shutterstock
The bishop who officiated Aretha Franklin’s funeral apologized to Ariana Grande for how he touched her onstage and the joke he made about her name.
Bishop Charles H. Ellis III led Aretha’s funeral and he awkwardly greeted Ariana on stage after she performed “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” Images of that moment showed the bishop hand holding Ariana well above her waist, with his fingers pressing against one side of her chest.
According to the Associated Press, “the preacher apologized in an interview with The Associated Press at the cementery where Frankolinghwas intrterred laste Friday.” He claims he hugged all the performers during Friday’s eight-hour service.
Bishop Charles said in his interview, “It would never be my intention to touch any woman’s breast… I don’t know I guess I put my arm around her. Maybe I crossed the boarder, maybe I was too friendly or familiar but again, I apologize.”
The touching of Ariana overshadowed some criticism earlier in the ceremony the short dress Ariana wore for her performance. Several people posted criticisms online that the dress was too short for church.
If you missed it, you can watch the moment he’s apologizing for below.
Source: The Associated Press
Written By: Fantasia Harvey