This week, The Ellen Degeneres Show axed Kim Burrell's scheduled appearance. The prominent gospel singer's anti-gay sermon circulating online raised hackles across the media landscape. She was supposed to perform "I See A Victory" -- a song from the movie "Hidden Figures" -- with Pharrell on Thursday.
Instead, Pharrell performed "Runnin'" from the Hidden Figures soundtrack. A soulful song, the Neptunes producer went onstage with a large gospel choir but without Burrell in sight. He is nominated for a Golden Globe for his work on that film.
When Ellen, who's considered an LGBT icon, brought up the topic during their interview, Pharrell said Burrell is "a fantastic singer," that he still loves her but that "there's no room for any kind of prejudice in 2017."
The now notorious preacher said gay people will die in 2017 due to their sins. Her radio show got the can this week.
"The world is a beautiful place but it does not work without inclusion and empathy," said the "Happy" singer. "Sometimes divisiveness works but you have to choose what side you're on."