I’ve been waiting for this moment—let’s get into it! Welcome to another episode in our series on the dramas of mega churches. Today, we’re diving into the world of Pastor and gospel singer Kim Burrell. Kim is celebrated for her angelic voice and powerful sermons that have touched lives for decades.
Despite her immense popularity, there’s a side to Kim that’s controversial and messy. During an interview with TBN, she spoke about the role of God’s grace and anointing in her success. However, things began to change around 2011. Her music video for ‘Sweeter’ raised eyebrows, showing her in lingerie and flirting with a groundskeeper. Despite the song’s spiritual message, she humorously remarked, ‘There’s victory in Victoria’s Secret.’ That’s quite the twist!
A writer from Praise 100.9 criticized a video, suggesting it wasn’t suitable for Christians and better suited for BET. Others noticed changes in Kim after she lost weight, saying she was leaning towards secular music to reach a broader audience. Kim herself told Essence Magazine she was single and her new album reflected her newfound freedom after shedding pounds, humorously saying she was “feeling herself” and joking she was “too fine for the faith” — maybe “too sexy for the sanctuary!”
In response to criticism, a writer at EEWMagazine sharply commented that Kim’s focus on her weight loss and desire for post-divorce love seemed to overshadow her commitment to ministry. However, supporters argued she deserved to enjoy herself.
During a passionate sermon at Liberty Fellowship Church International in 2016, Kim passionately spoke against sin, particularly condemning what she called the “perverted homosexual spirit” as a source of deception and confusion.
In response to criticism online, one user commented, “The anger, the rage! If this is Christianity, count me out.” Rather than offering an apology, Kim took to Facebook Live to defend herself, claiming her words were misrepresented. She clarified, “I don’t hate the gay community. I love you, and God loves you, but God hates the sin.” She even made a pointed jab, saying, “I think He hated that damn lingerie you had on in that video too. I think He probably hated that too.” This incident underscores the ongoing issue of using religious beliefs to harm, intimidate, and control others, often referred to as spiritual abuse.
The consequences for Kim were immediate. Scheduled to appear on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ alongside Pharrell Williams and Janelle Monae, Ellen DeGeneres, a proud lesbian in a same-sex marriage, decided to cancel Kim’s appearance, citing her hurtful comments about homosexuals. Despite efforts by Jamie Foxx to mediate, Ellen stood firm in her decision. Pharrell condemned Kim’s remarks as hateful, while Frank Ocean’s mother publicly urged her son, who came out as gay in 2012, to remove Kim’s vocals from their collaboration, ‘Godspeed.’ Yolanda Adams also criticized Kim’s sermon, and BMI revoked Kim’s invitation to their Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. Furthermore, Kim’s radio show ‘Bridging the Gap,’ aired on Texas Southern University’s radio station, was promptly canceled.
Despite facing criticism, Kim found support from some who believed in second chances. One supporter recalled, “She didn’t shun me for being openly gay. Her commitment to doing right and God’s mission is genuine.”
However, years later, Kim returned to controversy, criticizing those who opposed her and dismissing concerns about her past remarks. “I’m from the church. I don’t know about none of it,” she defiantly stated.
Despite calls for accountability, Kim continued to attract attention. In 2019, she praised singer Le’Andria Johnson amidst controversy, sparking further debate with comments about other artists.
Kim found herself in the spotlight addressing rumors about Fantasia potentially portraying Aretha Franklin in a movie, despite Jennifer Hudson already being cast for the role. Her remarks sparked backlash online, with many criticizing her for being negative and mean-spirited.
Referring to Fantasia, Kim playfully remarked, “‘She’s a nasty girl. Run back that lingerie clip.’ I’m just joking, don’t take it seriously. Or do, if you want. Y’all are so messy.” The backlash from Fantasia’s fans was so intense that Kim decided to make all her social media accounts private.
In January 2024, a video went viral showing Kim abruptly stopping her singing when a parishioner joined in. She was heard saying, “‘Isaiah said, ‘God’s using me. Please don’t sing with me right now, thank you, Lord.’ I’m trying to sing alone, making a joyful noise. Meet me in the parking lot so I can get home before my greens burn.'”
Critics felt that publicly shaming the woman for singing wasn’t in line with Christian values, leading to widespread questioning of Kim’s behavior. Kim defended herself by saying, “Later in the service, I invited her on stage. But where’s that video now? You could’ve shared it with the apology, but it’s gone. It’s funny to me.”
Once again, online critics condemned Kim, describing her as rude, arrogant, and offensive, pointing to a pattern of such behavior. They remarked, “‘God doesn’t like ugly.'”
During a speech at Pastor Brian K’s church in July 2022, Kim encouraged parishioners to choose their friends wisely, emphasizing values over material possessions. She advised them to ask potential friends about their financial stability and living arrangements, aiming to foster meaningful connections based on shared values.
“Hey, hold up a sec, let me grab a pen and paper. That might actually work. Let me think. You know how it goes when the ladies get talking, right? You all have so many questions for me, but did you ever ask your friends the same ones? Some of you are hanging with broke friends now, wishing you’d asked those questions before you got close. Remember that girls’ night out when the bill came and suddenly they had to disappear to the restroom? Yeah, you know the drill. She’s not totally off-base, that’s all I’m saying.”
Kim then pointed out that people appreciate Pastor K because he tells it like it is, even if it’s uncomfortable. She used the example of bluntly telling someone, ‘You’re just ugly.’ No one wants to hear that, especially if they hadn’t realized it. When the crowd got upset, Kim tried to lighten the mood by complimenting everyone, saying, ‘I haven’t seen anyone who was ugly yet, but most of you have hats covering most of that anyway.’
When the video went viral, Kim felt it was time to apologize. She took to social media with a statement: ‘As a citizen of the kingdom and a woman of integrity, I can see that some of my words, even meant as jokes, can be hurtful.’ She stressed that she never intended harm and apologized to anyone offended. ‘Girl, did you say a pollo? You crack me up. You’ll have to say that again. They won’t—you’ll have to, girl, rewind that. Say it right, rewind. Okay, take two. She said she never meant to hurt anyone and apologized if anyone was offended. ‘That’s better, girl. Do it right. You can’t be me, girl. You can’t be me. I hear you, you do your thing, and let me do mine.’
But she didn’t stop there. She went on to accuse others of using her image and spreading false stories to damage her reputation. She firmly declared, “I won’t stand for harassment, slander, or any attack on my character.” Her initial apology didn’t sit well with many, who criticized her for sounding defensive. As a result, Kim decided to delete the written statement and post a video instead.
In the video, she expressed regret, saying, “I really hope I wasn’t wearing lingerie. I’m truly sorry. The letter I released two days ago completely missed the mark. My attorney advised me to do it, but I realize now that some parts were offensive, although unintentionally so.”
She went on to acknowledge her mistake and admitted that even her friends had called her out on it. She promised her fans that she genuinely wanted to make amends and not hurt anyone anymore.
During a sermon at Pastor K’s church, Kim spoke approvingly of the congregation’s decision to gather without masks or vaccines, encouraging other churches to invite her as a guest speaker. She joked, “I’m not as expensive as you might think.”
However, her positive remarks were soon overshadowed when it was revealed on social media that Kim herself had received a PPP loan in 2021, totaling just over $20,000. This discovery sparked criticism online, with one user asking pointedly, “Kimber talks about what’s left from your PPP loan. What about yours, sis?”
After stirring controversy with her sermon, demands grew for Kim to step down from her church role. Despite the pressure, Kim sat down with her pastor, Dr. Mike Freeman, for an interview where he emphasized a supportive approach, saying, “We don’t abandon our wounded soldiers; we nurse and cover them.” Kim affirmed her commitment to future speaking engagements, citing her sense of calling.
In March 2023, Tyrese shared a now-deleted Instagram post revealing Kim’s hospitalization due to pneumonia in both lungs and a hefty $155,000 medical bill. He explained that Kim had to cancel shows due to stress and appealed for financial support to aid her recovery, also mentioning that prayers were appreciated if financial contributions weren’t possible.
Tyrese’s post caused confusion as many assumed Kim was financially well-off, especially after her past comments about others’ financial situations. A few days later, Kim addressed the situation herself in an Instagram video, thanking Tyrese for his concern but describing his message as “discombobulated.”
“What she actually meant was that he isn’t a preacher and didn’t know how to ask for money the right way. There’s a correct and incorrect approach. ‘I’ve had a tough week. By Wednesday or Thursday, my O2 levels had dropped to 40, so I was in a critical condition. I love everyone and want everyone to relax. Everything’s alright.’
‘My son Tyrese—much of what you saw him post was jumbled, but it’s okay. We’ve straightened things out.’ Nonetheless, people weren’t pleased with two celebrities soliciting money from their fans. ‘That’s true. If Tyrese can do it, why haven’t you written her a check? How about a $7,500 check? Can you do that, Tyrese? Mr. Godson, stepson, whatever she claims you are.’
Despite the backlash and controversies, Kim continues to stay busy and booked. Her enduring career is proof that second, third, fourth, and even fifth chances are always possible. If you enjoyed this video, let us know below. Thank you.
‘I want to express my gratitude. Thank you for watching. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Let the church say Amen! Let the church—oh, are you finished? I’m done, girl. I’m done.'”