Ariana Grande's emotional performance at Aretha Franklin's funeral ends in sexual harassment
How about we keep our hands to ourselves?
Ariana Grande (25), made a touching performance at Aretha Franklin’s funeral at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, Michigan this Friday, August 31st. When Bishop H. Ellis III (60), who led the ceremony sexually harassed the superstar.
Earlier this month at the age of 76 the great soul singer Aretha Franklin lost her 8 year battle with cancer. This weekend the funeral took place in Detroit where family, friends, and even former President of the united states Bill Clinton came together. Artists honor the musical legend by performing at the ceremony like Ariana Grande and Stevie Wonder.
Ariana Grande made a touching performance of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" at the Queen of Soul's memorial.
Watch Ariana's performance below
But what happened after that no one could foresee, the ceremony leader Bishop H. Ellis III has been seen gropping the singers breast while making fun of her name saying "When I saw 'Ariana Grande' on the program, I thought it was a new something from Taco Bell". Ariana can been seen to push herself away from the tight grip and saying "No, No, No" after a hug she quickly ran off stage.
Fans all over the world were in disbelief and furious, as they were all watching the event live from their screens.
Even U.S. media has been attacked for not taking immediate action to report and acknowledge what happened at the event but deciding to only pay attention to her performance. Articles and comments showed up adressing Ariana's dress being ''too short'' which received huge backlash from fans, artists and other people against the sexists comments on Ariana's appearance leading to worldwide trend ''#RespectAriana and all women'' all night.
The Bishop came out with an apology at the alternative press a day after saying; “It would never be my intention to touch any woman’s breast. ... I don’t know I guess I put my arm around her,” Ellis said. “Maybe I crossed the border, maybe I was too friendly or familiar but again, I apologize.”
“I personally and sincerely apologize to Ariana and to her fans and to the whole Hispanic community,” Ellis said. “When you’re doing a program for nine hours you try to keep it lively, you try to insert some jokes here and there.”, he added.
Everyone has their own sense of humor you could say. Ariana has not spoken out about the situation yet, but has liked a post from a fan saying ”On behalf of Detroit…I’m sorry you were fondled. Nothing is “holy” around these parts babe smh.”
Both Aretha Franklin and Ariana Grande are known for being huge feminists.
Aretha Franklin will be remembered as a female empowerment icon who has used her voice to stand up for all females around the world. She has always demanded respect and respect is what we all need to start giving. R.I.P.
Photo: ARiana Grande & Bishop Ellis
