Kirk Franklin spoke out earlier this week in regards to a personal boycott of the Dove Awards, GMA and TBN, following an issue where GMA has consecutively edited out Kirk's speeches speaking out against racial injustice at the 2016 and 2019 Dove Awards. Fans and fellow artists alike rushed to the comment section to voice their support of Kirk and his boldness in speaking out against what he says is not just editing a speech, but editing "the African American experience."
Several days later, fellow artist Lecrae has responded.
"I'm just going to have to address this head-on, because the media tends to makes up their own ideas of what your perspective is until you give your perspective, so I'm going to give my perspective," the rapper shared via an Instagram video.
"People have been wondering about my support of my friend and my brother Kirk Franklin about his decision to halt his participation in the GMA Dove Awards. I have been a part of the Dove Awards for many years now and know a lot of wonderful people there. All this was in spite of some very hurtful scenarios in the past, and this was me believing and hoping that things would be different," Lecrae continued.
The artist gave an overview of the situation to catch viewers up to speed, calling the editing mistake "very disappointing." "What better place to ask for a call to prayer, what better opportunity to talk about issues that God cares about, than a Christian platform?" he offered.
"It was all quite frustrating and it rose some concerns. I was hoping to see more than this from the GMA Dove Awards. That being said, I support my brother Kirk. Until we can sit down and have a conversation about these particular issues, I won't be able to participate either. That's just where I stand. This isn't me just blindly saying, 'Yeah, whatever Kirk says, I'm doing it too!' but it is me saying, "That's my brother, I care about him, I know the issues he's wrestling with too, and I support him wholeheartedly."
Click here to view Lecrae's full statement.
