Bishop Charles H. Ellis III issued an apology on Saturday after he appeared to grab singer Ariana Grande’s breast during Aretha Franklin’s funeral on Friday when he wrapped his arm around her.
Ellis awkwardly placed his arm around Grande on stage at the funeral after she finished performing “A Natural Woman,” which was one of Franklin’s songs.
Grande did not appear comfortable with how Ellis had his hands placed on her as she kept a noticeable space between her body and his body.
After being called out on social media, Ellis issued an apology on Saturday, 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.”
“Maybe I crossed the border, maybe I was too friendly or familiar but again, I apologize,” Ellis continued.
Ellis also apologized for making a racially disparaging remark about Grande after referring to her as an item on the Taco Bell menu, saying, “I personally and sincerely apologize to Ariana and to her fans and to the whole Hispanic community.”
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