Detroit - Singer Ariana Grande received an awkward hug from Bishop Charles H. Ellis III of Greater Grace after she was finished belting "(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman" at Aretha Franklin's homegoing.
Grande was supported online by fans and others when she seemed uncomfortable with the way Ellis was touching her on stage as he towered over her.
His hand was well above her waist, with the fingers of one hand pressing against one side of her chest. Many people posted close-up images of the moment on Twitter, tagging it #RespectAriana.
The fact that a woman was disrespected multiple times on live television by men who are in positions of power blows my mind. Just imagine what happens behind closed doors. This was totally inappropriate, a short dress is NOT an invitation. #RespectAriana pic.twitter.com/YkJmmEpgL9
— Nelly💞 (@WeCamila1) September 1, 20181)Ariana wore a short dress. It doesn't make it INAPPROPRIATE or SLUTTY
2)DO YOU KNOW HOW UNCOMFORTABLE AND EMBARRASSING IT IS TO BE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED IN FORNT OF A ROOM OF PEOPLE LET ALONE LIVE TV
3)STOP VICTIM BLAMING. IT'S CRAZY THAT PEOPLE THINK THIS WAY #respectAriana
— TO FREEDOM!!!🗣✊💣💥💥💫 (@JENRlANAS) September 1, 2018 #RespectAriana is tending worldwide right now because Bishop Charles H. Ellis III was seen inappropriately groping Ariana Grande on live tv during Aretha Franklins funeral.
Men really need to get their sh*t together pic.twitter.com/AEqr7aAi1m
— 🌹 (@EXOTICBLVCKSKIN) September 1, 2018 #RespectAriana
Her reaction at the beginning of the Video makes my hearth get broken so hard 😭😭😭 Please Ariana Do not give up this ♥️😭 pic.twitter.com/Ch41fW2gF7
— Arianator Arts (@MarkEFanpage) September 1, 2018-People who criticize Ariana Grande's outfit you're disgusting if she wanted to wear that dress it's her right, the strictest are the wandering hands, the perverted looks & the fact that no one reacts who's the real problem not his outfit 😡 #RespectAriana pic.twitter.com/TGDMM6w0vH
— Sweetener☾ (@Oumnia0bnb) August 31, 2018
The bishop has since apologised, saying that while "it would never be my intention to touch anyone's breast", perhaps he "crossed a border".
The short black dress Grande was wearing also got the social media choir going.
Ariana Grande performs during the funeral service for Aretha Franklin at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit. Picture: Paul Sancya/AP
On Twitter, Grande's dress was criticized as too short for church.
"#ArianaGrande don't know the below the knee rule for the pulpit in the black church. Somebody hand her a lap hanky and a choir robe. Bless her heart," tweeted one, Tenisha Taylor Bell.
Ariana...why are you tempting Bill Clinton and Jesse Jackson with your too short dress? Have you never heard of “fingertip-length” ensembles? This is a funeral girl. #ArethaHomegoing #ArethaFranklinFuneral pic.twitter.com/z0YJQOkLPn
— Will Hudson (@MrWillToLive) August 31, 2018 Ariana’s dress was too short for this occasion. And from what I heard, she didn’t really sing down. Not enough for Aretha. Fight me.
— Candiace Dillard (@candeegal) August 31, 2018 I’m just going to say it: Ariana’s dress was disrespectful. Way too short for a pulpit.
You dress for the ocassion and the venue. Govern yourself accordingly. When in doubt, let the hem of your garment at least touch your knee. #ArethaHomegoing
— Wendi C. Thomas (@wendi_c_thomas) August 31, 2018