Ariana Grande Allegedly Liked a Comment on Instagram Regarding Bishop
We all watched in disbelief and Ariana may have broken her silence.
(Warning: May be triggering to victims of sexual harassment and assault. Out of respect for Ariana, we will not post the image or video of the alleged action. You can find it on Twitter and at various news sites.)
Many people have been vocal about the Bishop at Aretha Franklin’s funeral as he inappropriately touched Ariana twice under her arm and on her breast. It was horrifying for fans as their jaws dropped in disbelief that he would not only grab her so close but also move his fingers in what was seen as a tight grasp on to her breast.
Fans wondered why the Bishop didn’t simply hold her arm or hand or gently place his hand on her back instead of reaching around, grabbing and touching her breast on the side, hugging her and then doing it all over again.
For some, it’s triggering. Many people have been traumatized by groping, fondling and sexual assault by people in power, friends, and even family. Many feel that he showed the public exactly who he is when he freely touched a stranger inappropriately. Some people feel this type of touch is ok because it came from a Bishop, and it’s not.
The conversation during the funeral online was mostly about Ariana’s dress choice, but feeds fell silent from those same people when the Bishop had his hands all around her. Many asked, what if that was your sister, your child, or your friend. Would you still feel ok with his touching?
Misogyny looks like criticizing Ariana Grande for how short her skirt was— but not the fact that Bishop Charles Ellis gave her a mammogram on national television. 🙄
— Ashlee Marie Preston (@AshleeMPreston) September 1, 2018
For those that have been groped in the past, it was an all too familiar abuse of power. Many online started to make comments about how inappropriate his actions were.
What we witnessed yesterday in this moment was immediately recognized by women everywhere. It’s in your face but subtle, it’s demeaning but ‘a joke’, it’s love from an elder but it’s an abuse of power. So many of us are so conditioned that we saw it, cringed and moved on. #metoo https://t.co/nX2SPSGEr6
— Tarana (@TaranaBurke) September 1, 2018
Ariana Grande was sexually assaulted on live TV by so called ‘Pastor’ Charles Ellis. We saw it live + it shows exactly who he is. Support her online. Millions of children saw it + are also seeing the silence. #MeToo #TimesUp #RespectAriana @TIMESUPNOW @TaranaBurke @Alyssa_Milano
— Nikki Fowler (@NikkiFowler28) September 1, 2018
The bishop Franklin literally sexually assaulted Ariana Grande on a televised event knowing she wouldn’t react given the circumstances. That is so beyond fucked up. It makes me angry that this keeps happening. He’s only apologizing because everyone knows and saw what he did.
— Samantha (@iAmSam_2023) September 1, 2018
It was alleged that Ariana broke her ‘silence’ by liking an Instagram post by a fan who stated, ” On behalf of Detroit…I’m sorry you were fondled. Nothing is “holy” around these parts babe smh.” – @_lifewithkai_
We spoke with @_lifewithkai_ and she sent us the screen grab of Ariana liking the comment.
We also asked her how the video of Ariana made her feel. @_lifewithkai_ stated, ” It was disturbing and disgusting. He’s supposed to be a man of the church yet he’s fondling Ari at a funeral in front of millions of ppl smh quite upsetting.”
Ariana has yet to make a comment. She should take the time she needs to process what happened to her and it’s her choice of making a public statement. Many fans and viewers were affected by the Bishop’s actions. He has since stated an apology, but many are saying, it’s not enough.
Are you a victim of sexual harassment or assault?
Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
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