Bishop Charles H. Ellis III who offiiciated at the funeral of Queen of soul, Aretha Franklin on Friday has apologized to Ariana Grande for how he touched her onstage.
Late Friday, images and videos of Ellis’ hand holding Grande above her waist with his fingers pressing against one side of her chest surfaced on the internet.
Comedian, Trevor Noah also shared a video asking what the pastor was up to with his hands:
What was up with that pastors hand? pic.twitter.com/M8Ypgm7fQB
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) August 31, 2018
The preacher however apologized in an interview with The Associated Press at the cemetery where Franklin was interred late Friday.
Ellis said, “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.”
He added: “The last thing I want to do is to be a distraction to this day. This is all about Aretha Franklin.”