For Kirk Franklin—and every gospel leader—this is an opportunity to rise higher, to walk worthy of the calling, and to remember that every stage, every platform, and every moment of ministry is ultimately about one thing: glorifying God.

Written By Rebecca Johnson // EEW Magazine Online

*Kirk Franklin finally addresses twerking controversy but fails to apologize. (Credit: Getty/EEW)*

Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin recently addressed backlash over an inappropriate moment during The Reunion Tour in Fall 2023, where he twerked on gospel legend Jacky Clark Chisholm during a live performance. However, Franklin's response—delivered in a YouTube video—has left many questioning whether it can genuinely be characterized as an apology.

"Sometimes, I just play too much. Sometimes, I just be doing too much. I do. I'm friends with these people. We have fun backstage. I don't know how to separate the backstage Kirk from the onstage Kirk," Franklin explained. "I've got to learn it, because I know it can be offensive to some people, but sometimes, I just play too much."

He also said, “I shouldn’t have been playing out there in front of y’all. I should have kept that to myself and had fun with them the way I do when we be acting a fool. But sometimes I get on my own nerves. And when I was doing it, it seemed fine. When I saw the clip, yeah, it’s too much.”

The clip is below.

While Franklin admits his behavior crossed a line, he stops short of addressing a deeper issue: how moments like these reinforce harmful power dynamics and diminish women's ability to voice their discomfort. His words lack a clear acknowledgment of the potential harm caused—not just to Jacky Clark Chisholm, but to women who have long been told to endure inappropriate behavior under the guise of “just playing.”

The Complexity of Boundary Violations

Not every boundary violation stems from malicious intent. Sometimes, inappropriate behavior isn’t rooted in harmful motives—but intent doesn’t erase impact. Moments like these are often tangled in layers of social pressure, power dynamics, and unspoken expectations, making them difficult to confront or address.

I recall a company function where a colleague—in a moment that felt both shocking and surreal—began twerking on me and pressing his body against mine for several seconds. In that moment, I laughed—a reflexive response born from shock, social pressure, and a survival instinct to minimize my discomfort. Yet beneath that performative laughter, I felt profoundly violated, unsure how to articulate the complex emotions churning inside me.

This is the insidious nature of boundary violations: they often occur in spaces where speaking up feels more dangerous than staying silent. The nervous laughter, the casual dismissal, the performative “it's no big deal” attitude—these are not signs of consent but survival mechanisms developed in environments that consistently minimize women's experiences.

When high-profile male artists like Franklin dismiss boundary violations as “playfulness,” they unintentionally reinforce a culture where women's discomfort is routinely downplayed. This isn’t about labeling all men as predatory after the order of Diddy—it’s about creating environments where respect, not dismissal, becomes the default.

The Weight of Power Dynamics in Faith Spaces

Religious spaces often carry unique and complex power dynamics. Historically, men have held more visible positions of influence in these environments, while women have frequently been sidelined or expected to navigate unspoken social rules around deference and silence.

International studies show that women in religious settings often face additional layers of cultural and spiritual pressure when addressing boundary violations. The questions they ask themselves are deeply personal but painfully common: Will I be believed? Will I be seen as divisive? Will I face backlash for speaking up against someone beloved by the public?

In gospel music, where male leadership remains dominant in many spaces, these dynamics can feel even more pronounced. When influential figures like Franklin dismiss harmful behavior as harmless “playfulness,” it sends a subtle but powerful message: Your discomfort isn’t valid. Your boundaries are flexible. Your voice is secondary.

This dynamic isn’t unique to Franklin—it’s a reflection of broader cultural habits that thrive in environments where accountability takes a backseat to image management. And it’s a cycle that must be disrupted.

Beyond "Playing Too Much"

When Franklin characterizes his actions as “playing too much,” he unknowingly participates in a larger pattern of dismissing women’s discomfort as trivial. This response doesn’t just affect this moment—it perpetuates a broader culture where women's boundaries are continually undermined.

The real issue isn’t whether Franklin’s behavior was intentional or malicious—it’s how it was minimized and rationalized. Comments like “I should have kept that to myself” suggest that the problem wasn’t the behavior itself, but its visibility. It’s a regret about being seen, not remorse about what happened.

Accountability requires more than acknowledging that something looked bad. It requires recognizing harm, expressing genuine remorse, and taking steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Moments like these offer an opportunity for reflection, growth, and systemic change—not just for Franklin, but for the gospel music community as a whole.

Creating Systemic Change

Religious institutions and faith-based communities must prioritize creating environments where women feel safe, respected, and heard. This means having clear expectations around boundaries and consistent systems for addressing violations—whether they happen on stage, backstage, or behind closed doors.

Women shouldn’t have to wrestle with fear, shame, or second-guessing when they express discomfort. Leaders—whether pastors, musicians, or anyone in a position of influence—must understand that their words and actions carry weight, regardless of intention.

This isn’t about tearing down individuals; it’s about building a culture where respect isn’t situational but standard.

A Call to Reflect and Rise Higher

The Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:1 (KJV) offer a sobering reminder to anyone entrusted with a platform in God’s Kingdom: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.”

Ministry—whether through music, preaching, or leadership—is not about charm, humor, or personality. It’s about honoring God and respecting those He’s called us to serve. As Paul further admonishes in Ephesians 5:15 (KJV): “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.”

This isn’t about saying leaders can’t have a relaxed, personal side. Of course they can. But casual behavior should never cross into disrespectful behavior. It’s not about eliminating humor or personality—it’s about ensuring that every action, every interaction, and every moment reflects a standard of respect, honor, and care.

For Franklin—and every leader entrusted with influence—this is an opportunity to rise higher, to address not just public mistakes but private mindsets, and to create spaces where women are respected, boundaries are upheld, and power is stewarded responsibly.

When the focus shifts from “I” to “Him,” from self to Christ, from performance to worship—then, and only then, will these sacred spaces truly reflect the holiness of the One we serve.

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