Marvin Sapp claims that the backlash to a viral video has entered dangerous territory.
Speaking on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show on Monday (March 31), the Gospel musician asserted that he has received death threats in reaction to a clip where he demanded church attendees donate a total of $40,000.
Within the conversation, the 58-year-old reflected on the moment — which originally occurred in August 2023 — and admitted that he might share a little blame for the negative response to the video. The event was held at a national church conference in Baltimore — not his local church — and he claims that the funds were directed toward the conference budget.
Gospel singer Marvin Sapp sings during Democratic vice presidential nominee, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) campaign event at First Saint John Cathedral on October 30, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Montinique Monroe/Getty Images
“People took issue with my tone, and looking at the video, maybe I was a little more assertive than I should have been, and I can apologize for that,” the Bishop explained, denying claims that the church doors were locked.
He continued to detail how the entire ordeal has impacted his life, his church, and his children.
“People have called my church and cussed me out. My staff are afraid because I’ve received death threats,” Sapp elaborated. “People have come to our campus. They have come to my church to try to cause problems, issues, (and) challenges.”
The “Praise Him In Advance Singer” also elaborated, “Why run with the truth when a lie is way more entertaining?” as he is convinced the entire controversy is a misunderstanding.
Last month, the video of Sapp requesting online and in-person attendees at the aforementioned conference sparked conversation across social media regarding the integrity of the Gospel musician’s ministry. The video was shared with claims that the congregation was locked in the church as $40,000 was demanded in offerings.
“The truth is, when finances are being received in any worship gathering, it is one of the most vulnerable and exposed times for both the finance and security teams,” explained Sapp in a statement. “Movement during this sacred exchange can be distracting and, at times, even risky. My directive was not about control it was about creating a safe, focused, and reverent environment for those choosing to give and for those handling the resources.”
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