The bishop who inappropriately touched Ariana Grande at Aretha Franklin’s funeral has issued an apology. According to an interview published by Associated Press on September 1st, Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, has made known his regrets for the events that took place after Grande’s performance during the funeral. Attention to this incident was first made known by fans viewing a video of the ceremony.
After Grande finished her tribute to the late artist by singing Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” Ellis joined Grande on stage. He wrapped his arm around her, his hand resting above her waist and pressing into the side of her breast.
Ellis told AP, “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 border, maybe I was too friendly or familiar but again, I apologize.”
He then made it a point to state that he hugged both male and female artists after they performed that day because his congregation is “all about love.”
Reactions to this scene ranged from disgust to jokes about the situation as well as comments that Grande chose a dress too short for such an occasion. But Grande in no way deserved what happened to her due to what she wore.
Sophomore at WVU and Women & Gender Studies major Mackenzie Steele, told Her Campus, “I think the situation is bringing a lot of attention to an issue that is everywhere in today’s society.”
“Men of power, typically in government position feel like they have the freedom to use women as objects and not have to worry about the consequences because of their status,” Steele said. “I’m hoping that Ariana Grande says something about the situation to make others realize that this is not okay.”
Neither Grande nor her team have commented.