Aretha Franklin’s Family Says Eulogy By Atlanta Pastor Was Offensive

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September 4th, 2018

The Rev. Jasper Williams Jr. of Atlanta delivers the eulogy during the funeral service for Aretha Franklin at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit. Williams, a fiery, old-school pastor who is under fire for the eulogy, stands firm by his words with hopes that critics can understand his perspective. He told The Associated Press in a phone interview that he felt his sermon was appropriate.

Paul Sancya / Associated Press

The late Aretha Franklin’s family said Monday that it found an Atlanta pastor’s eulogy delivered at the Queen of Soul’s funeral last week to be offensive and distasteful.

The eulogist, the Rev. Jasper Williams Jr., was criticized for a political address that described children being in a home without a father as “abortion after birth” and said black lives do not matter unless blacks stop killing each other. Franklin’s funeral was on Friday.

“He spoke for 50 minutes and at no time did he properly eulogize her,” said Vaughn Franklin, the late singer’s nephew, who said he was delivering a statement for the family.

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