Janelle Monáe Says Kim Burrell Has Been Pulled From Pharrell’s Ellen Performance Over Homophobic Remarks

Ellen DeGeneres confirmed that Burrell would not appear on the show on Twitter.

January 03, 2017

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Gospel singer Kim Burrell has been removed from an upcoming performance with Pharrell on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Janelle Monáe told TMZ. Ellen DeGeneres confirmed that Burrell will not appear on the show on Twitter. Monáe will appear on the show with Pharrell to perform songs from the Hidden Figures soundtrack, which is produced by Pharrell and features Monáe and Burrell.

The decision to Burrell comes after the gospel singer attracted widespread criticism for homophobic comments during a recent sermon, in which she referred to homosexuality as "perverted." Burrell later confirmed her position in a Facebook Live video, saying that homosexuality is a “sin … against the nature of God.”

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Over the weekend, Pharrell issued a statement on the incident via Instagram, writing, "I condemn hate speech of any kind." Monáe reposted Pharrell's statement on her Instagram account, adding, "I unequivocally repudiate ANY AND ALL hateful comments against the LGBTQ community." Read both statements below.

A representative for Janelle Monáe was not immediately available for comment.

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A photo posted by Pharrell Williams (@pharrell) on

I shouldn't even have to post this as you guys should already know where I stand but If you do not pls know I unequivocally repudiate ANY AND ALL hateful comments against the LGBTQ community. Actually I'm tired of that label. We all belong to the same community, a shared community called humanity. And today and tomorrow and the next day I will continue to stand with other like minded people who condemn any and all statements and actions that would seek to deny the basic humanity of our fellow brothers and sisters. We cannot sit Idly by nor will we speak silently when we are confronted with such violence against members of our community. I am personally beyond exhausted by the ignorance and bigotry living in some people. At times I want to punch and I want to slap a lot of people when I read and hear the shit that comes out their mouthes !!! I will rejoice when folks stop thinking they ARE GOD, Jesus' assistant, picking and choosing what "sins" are acceptable in the Bible, and using the Bible as a whip! WE can't afford anymore tearing down of our shared humanity. My advice: 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. But what do I know. My hope is that we ALL go into this new year considering for one moment that we don't have all the answers. My hope is that we become more understanding, less judgmental, more tolerate, and more patient with one another. Including me. HAPPY NEW YEAR. 🙏🏿❤

A photo posted by Janelle Monáe (@janellemonae) on

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Janelle Monáe Says Kim Burrell Has Been Pulled From Pharrell’s Ellen Performance Over Homophobic Remarks