Pharrell helmed the soundtrack to Hidden Figures and is slated to perform a track from the film on Ellen this week — but he won't be joined by featured vocalist Kim Burrell, as initially intended.
Burrell joins Pharrell on OST closer "I See a Victory," but following homophobic comments made by the gospel singer, Burrell has been removed from the upcoming performance.
Janelle Monáe, who stars in the movie, announced that Burrell's appearance had been axed via TMZ. Burrell allegedly delivered a church sermon last week, in which she describes homosexuality as "perverted." In a subsequent Facebook live video, Burrell referred to homosexuality a "sin" that goes "against the nature of God."
Pharrell has since issued a public statement distancing himself from Burrell, stating, "I condemn hate speech of any kind."
The message goes on to say, "There is no room in this world for any kind of prejudice. My greatest hope is for inclusion and love for all humanity in 2017 and beyond."
The Instagram message was reposted by Monáe, who added a message of her own declaring: "I unequivocally repudiate ANY AND ALL hateful comments against the LGBTQ community."
She went on to say, "We cannot sit Idly by nor will we speak silently when we are confronted with such violence against members of our community," before concluding: "My hope is that we become more understanding, less judgmental, more tolerate, and more patient with one another. Including me."
Below, watch the TMZ clip in which Monáe claims that Burrell will not appear on Ellen. She also confirms that herself and Pharrell are still scheduled to make appearances.
The Ellen website still lists Burrell as a performer for the episode slated to air on January 5; representatives for the show have yet to issue a formal response to the controversy.
UPDATE (1/3, 2 p.m. EST): Ellen DeGeneres has confirmed via Twitter that Burrell will not be appearing on her show.
Burrell joins Pharrell on OST closer "I See a Victory," but following homophobic comments made by the gospel singer, Burrell has been removed from the upcoming performance.
Janelle Monáe, who stars in the movie, announced that Burrell's appearance had been axed via TMZ. Burrell allegedly delivered a church sermon last week, in which she describes homosexuality as "perverted." In a subsequent Facebook live video, Burrell referred to homosexuality a "sin" that goes "against the nature of God."
Pharrell has since issued a public statement distancing himself from Burrell, stating, "I condemn hate speech of any kind."
The message goes on to say, "There is no room in this world for any kind of prejudice. My greatest hope is for inclusion and love for all humanity in 2017 and beyond."
The Instagram message was reposted by Monáe, who added a message of her own declaring: "I unequivocally repudiate ANY AND ALL hateful comments against the LGBTQ community."
She went on to say, "We cannot sit Idly by nor will we speak silently when we are confronted with such violence against members of our community," before concluding: "My hope is that we become more understanding, less judgmental, more tolerate, and more patient with one another. Including me."
Below, watch the TMZ clip in which Monáe claims that Burrell will not appear on Ellen. She also confirms that herself and Pharrell are still scheduled to make appearances.
The Ellen website still lists Burrell as a performer for the episode slated to air on January 5; representatives for the show have yet to issue a formal response to the controversy.
UPDATE (1/3, 2 p.m. EST): Ellen DeGeneres has confirmed via Twitter that Burrell will not be appearing on her show.
For those asking, Kim Burrell will not be appearing on my show.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 3, 2017