A shameful incident occurred at the funeral for Aretha Franklin in Detroit, United States of America. 25 year old pop star Ariana Grande who sang one of Franklin’s classic songs in honour of the American “Queen of Soul” was groped on the stage by none other than a Bishop who had been conducting the ceremonies. Bishop Charles H. Ellis III drew sharp criticism from around the world for his actions which took place on the funeral event which was organised at Greater Grace Temple on August 31, 2018. His actions, worthy of rebuke and ridicule expose how easy it is for a man from the church to take advantage of a woman today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJITX3V8cYU
The Bishop in question also made racist jokes surrounding the name of the singer of Italian descent. He compared her name to a new delicacy being offered at Taco Bell, a chain of restaurants which is well known for its Mexican delicacies. His audacity knew no bounds as he continued holding the singer close to his body and touched her inappropriately while taking digs at her. All this while he continued to congratulate her on her performance and tried to stay jovial in front of the camera. A visibly discomforted Ariana Grande had no choice but to fend off the Bishop without creating a controversy.
This is not the first nor it is going to be the last incident where a man from the church has crossed the line of decency in the modern world. In India alone there are many cases lodged against priests and bishops in many states for molesting and making sexual advances on women and children. The number of child abuse cases against holy men from the church ranges in thousands, the church instead of punishing these offenders goes on to protect them to the fullest extent. Several dioceses of US alone have paid millions to over a thousand victims of sexual abuse at the hands of the men from the catholic churches.
The brazen attempt to breach upon the modesty of a pop star singer in full public view goes on to show how little fear they have of law and order authorities. Their garb allows them to carry on their work uninhibitedly and without fear of prosecution. In this specific case after receiving flak from all corners of the world, Bishop Charles H. Ellis III has issued an apology to the singer and to all her fans. He also extended the apology to the Mexican community which was earlier ridiculed by him with his derogatory comments. Charles H. Ellis III said, “Maybe I crossed the border, maybe I was too friendly or familiar, but again, I apologize.” He went on to add, “I personally and sincerely apologize to Ariana and to her fans and to the whole Hispanic community”, expressing his regret at the unfortunate event.
What needs to be kept in mind is that if a pop singer who enjoys international recognition and fame can be subjected to this type of treatment in full public view, then what about the common people. The church needs to take a strong step in this regard and punish Bishop Charles H. Ellis III if it wants to redeem its position in the eyes of the world. As of now Ariana Grande has not given any statement regarding the incident.