Gospel singer Kim Burrell has been removed from an upcoming performance with Pharrell on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Janelle Monáe told TMZ. Ellen DeGeneres confirmed that Burrell will not appear on the show on Twitter. Monáe will appear on the show with Pharrell to perform songs from the Hidden Figures soundtrack, which is produced by Pharrell and features Monáe and Burrell.
The decision to Burrell comes after the gospel singer attracted widespread criticism for homophobic comments during a recent sermon, in which she referred to homosexuality as "perverted." Burrell later confirmed her position in a Facebook Live video, saying that homosexuality is a “sin … against the nature of God.”
Over the weekend, Pharrell issued a statement on the incident via Instagram, writing, "I condemn hate speech of any kind." Monáe reposted Pharrell's statement on her Instagram account, adding, "I unequivocally repudiate ANY AND ALL hateful comments against the LGBTQ community." Read both statements below.
A representative for Janelle Monáe was not immediately available for comment.
For those asking, Kim Burrell will not be appearing on my show.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 3, 2017
