Bishop Apologizes to Ariana Grande After Groping Her at Aretha Franklin’s Funeral Because Men Clearly Can’t Keep it Together

At least 72 times a week, the TMS staffers and I come across a piece of news, a video, or a statement and wonder aloud “what is wrong with men?” Indeed, women everywhere often wonder what is wrong with men. Why are they yelling at us out of the window of that moving car? Why are they returning to stand up after seemingly no apology or self reflection? Why are they obsessed with controlling our bodies and our access to healthcare?

The latest installment of “what is wrong with men?” took place just yesterday, at the star-studded funeral of music icon Aretha Franklin. The ceremony was overseen by Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, who introduced a roster of performers who came to pay tribute to the Queen of Soul, like Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight. Also performing at the service was Ariana Grande, whom the bishop introduced with a corny joke saying, “When I saw Ariana Grande on the program, I thought that was a new something at Taco Bell.”

But what caught most people’s eye was the way the bishop was touching Grande, in a groping, predatory half hug that clearly grazed her breast. You can tell by the look on Grande’s face that it’s clearly an uncomfortable and unwanted moment. Viewers watching the broadcast couldn’t help but notice the gross moment and quickly took to social media to call out the bishop and defend the singer, with #RespectAriana soon trending.

And coming in with the grossest of takes is Luke Cage himself. Mike Colter tweeted a gross response, and then quickly deleted it because fans promptly dragged him.

(image: Twitter)

The Bishop issued an apology statement in response to the growing outcry, 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.” He continued, “I hug all the female artists and the male artists, everybody that was up, I shook their hands and hugged them. That’s what we are all about in the church. We are all about love.”

Ariana Grande has yet to comment, but her face in that photo speaks a thousand words.

(via AP, image: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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