The cast of Hidden Figures, the recently released film about the African-American mathematicians who made the U.S. the leader in the space race, is embroiled in controversy after a singer from the soundtrack delivered a homophobic rant to her church.
Gospel singer Kim Burrell, who performs "I See Victory" with Pharrell Williams for the movie, was shown in a leaked video clip preaching against homosexuality. She called same-sex attraction "a perversion" and "an embarrassment to the church." She also added: "Some trust in fame; I trust in the Lord."
The clip set off immediate backlash from the film's fans and cast. Janelle Monae, who stars in the film, shared a post in support of the LGBT community from Williams and added her own condemnation of Burrell's comments.
Burrell was scheduled to appear with Williams and Monae on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Thursday to talk about the film. Fans of DeGeneres, who is openly gay, were calling on the host to boot Burrell from the show's lineup. By midday Tuesday, DeGeneres tweeted that Burrell will not be appearing on the show.
As for Burrell, she has recorded several videos in response. In one particular, she emphasizes she was talking about sin, not people. "I never said LGBT. I said S-I-N," she said. "For every person that is dealing with the homosexual spirit that has it, I love you because God loves you. But God hates the sin."
