Make It Make Sense: Why is Maverick City distancing itself from Dante Bowe but not Kirk Franklin?

Controversy

Oct 3

By Sadie James // Opinion Editorial // EEW Magazine Online

The following is an Opinion Editorial in the author’s own voice, drawn from the author’s expertise, experience, or ideas and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of EEW Magazine Online. The purpose of Opinion Editorials is to offer EEW Magazine readers a range of perspectives on events or issues of particular concern or interest to the public.

A year ago, an audio recording of Kirk Franklin cursing out his son during a heated phone exchange went viral. In a recent interview with The Breakfast Club, he confessed, “There is a standard and I didn’t meet it.”

Still, that didn’t stop Maverick City, the Grammy-winning Christian worship collective, from releasing an album and hitting the road with the 52-year-old gospel composer, though.

So then, where is this merciful and forgiving energy for Dante Bowe— the “Abba” singer that Maverick City parted ways with after he uploaded an Instagram video singing along to an explicit secular song?

Here’s the situation.

Worship singer Bowe, 29, was recently on a party bus celebrating the birthday of a Christian friend, Sabrina Harrison, wife of Dr. Field Harrison, a pastor and founder of Mint Dentistry. Bowe sometimes leads worship at the Harrisons’ church, and they are good friends.

While on the bus, Bowe shared footage of them jamming to a clip of a song by 28-year-old Bad Bunny—real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—a Puerto Rican rapper and singer known for his Latin trap and reggaeton music.

Ironically, Bad Bunny, a global sensation, got his start singing in the church. Nevertheless, his music often promotes sex, drugs, money, and fame. He also made a splash collaborating with rapper Cardi B on her hit single, “I Like It.”

Now it appears that Bad Bunny has created a rift in the Christian community, sabotaging the fruitful relationship among worship leaders.

But does it really make sense?

Isn’t it ironic that Maverick City supporters will enthusiastically sing and dance along with Franklin—who has since apologized for calling his mentally ill son “Bitch ss,” and ordering him to get his “skinny mother*fcking *ss out the Godd*mn way before I put my foot in your *ss...” — but in the same breath condemn Bowe?

Bowe also apologized for the thing he did that caused outrage: hanging out with other Christians and goofing off to a secular song.

How is it that Christians claim to have grace for Bowe whilst cutting him off?

Make it make sense.

After the outcry against Bowe on social media, Maverick City, founded by Tony Brown and Jonathan Jay, characterized his actions on Instagram as “inconsistent with our core values and beliefs,” adding, “we have decided to put a pause on our professional relationship with Dante Bowe.”

In a follow-up statement, Maverick City said, “We are in full support of Dante as he continues his journey towards health and happiness. Our ethos has always and will always be centered on family. We are all imperfect people who need a perfect Savior. Dante is a part of our family and will always be.”

Bowe issued a since removed statement of his own on Instagram, writing, “I sincerely apologize for the impact of my behavior and that it has offended many people on the platform we share together. This experience has been a very real reminder of the importance of being incredibly intentional with how I utilize and engage with the tools social platforms provide.”

He continued, “Throughout this process, I have received wise counsel which influenced my decision to take a step back and reflect about my actions so that I may recommit to living in the purpose God has for my life. I want to say thank you to Maverick City Music for their continued support now and always. Throughout this process they have remained by my side and for that I am truly grateful.”

If Franklin can stay connected to the group and tour after his debacle, why can’t Bowe?

Seems hypocritical, no?