Donnie McClurkin, though doth protest too much. The three time Grammy Award winner infamous for going from gay to straight issued a press statement in reaction to his name being dropped on last night’s premiere episode of season two of Empire.
On the show, Miss Lawrence of Real Housewives of Atlanta and Fashion Queens fame, and a flamboyant gay man, name checked McClurkin.
Due to McClurkin’s aforementioned history, and the context of the scene—Lawrence auditioning for Empire Records by serenading Jamal and imploring him to perform with him at a gay award show—many took it as shade. McClurkin got word and issued a press statement, and also referred to the scene as a “new form of bullying.”
“It was brought to my attention via social media that my name was included in a “back-handed” manner during a scene in the FOX show, Empire. What might have been meant for evil, God uses for good! Despite the scripting used by @leedanielsent it has helped bring attention to the gospel of Jesus Christ that I sing and preach, an empowering moment! To my brothers and sisters, thank you for your support, encouragement & love! No negativity towards @leedanielsent let’s show the love of Jesus,” says McClurkin.
“Let this experience be a reminder that as loving Christians we’re called to share the good news of Christ and be examples of God’s love on the earth.”
Clearly, Lee Daniels (or whoever wrote the scene) was trolling because he could have used a plethora of names other than McClurkin’s. Clearly, it worked because he got a reaction.
Watch the scene in question on the flip.
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Photo: Press Handout
