Latest news with #MarvinSapp
Black America Web
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Marvin Sapp Releases 'Close the Door'
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Dallas, TX – May 4, 2025 – Marvin Sapp was recently in the news over a misinterpretation of his words while he was taking up offering at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World 2024 National Convocation. Sapp was vilified on the internet and received threatening messages at his church from people who were angry over a video clip that showed him telling the ushers to 'close the doors.' After appearing on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, CBS News Texas and WFAA Fort Worth to add context and clarity to the video clip, Sapp is now turning that 'momentary affliction' into an affirming message with a new single titled 'Close the Door.' In the song, written by Sapp and Kolten Perrine, and produced by Rodney East, Sapp recounts the harrowing last few weeks and sings: Close the door on anxiety, on the pain and disdain that keeps chasing me, Close the door on the ridicule and on the noise that tries to make me lose my cool…God has a purpose, He will restore…Though I'm hurting, I'm still hoping, My victory is worth fighting for, So I close the door… Sapp posted about the single on social media, saying ''Close the Door' isn't just a song, it's a soundtrack for survival…I'm closing the door on the noise, the pain, and everything that tried to break me. This song will bless you. I believe with everything in me my assignment through this season through this song is to help you close the door too.' 'Close the Door' in now available on all digital music outlets. SEE ALSO Marvin Sapp Releases 'Close the Door' was originally published on
USA Today
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Marvin Sapp announces new song 'Close the Door' after backlash from resurfaced clip
Marvin Sapp announces new song 'Close the Door' after backlash from resurfaced clip Grammy-nominated gospel artist Bishop Marvin Sapp announced the release of a new song in response to the widespread criticism sparked by a viral resurfaced video showing him asking for donations and instructing ushers to close the doors at an international church convention. Titled "Close the Door," the single will be released on digital streaming platforms on April 18. Sapp says it "isn't just a song, it's a soundtrack for survival." "I'm releasing it this Good Friday, the day we honor the crucifixion of Jesus Christ," Sapp added in an Instagram post. "Just like He closed the door on death, Hell, and the grave, I'm closing the door on the noise, the pain, and everything that tried to break me." The controversy stems from a viral video in which Sapp speaks in front of the congregation at the 109th Pentecostal Assemblies for the World Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, in July. In the video, he called on churchgoers in the building −and those watching online − to help raise $40,000 by giving $20 each. "Ushers close the doors," the singer said repeatedly. "There's 1,000 of you tonight, and ... it's 1,000 watching online. This is a small seed." After the clip went viral, social media exploded with memes, parodies, and backlash. Some people argued that Sapp was aggressive and held the congregation hostage. However, the singer known for gospel hits such as "Never Would've Made It" and "Praise Him In Advance", has since reiterated that his request was taken out of context. Gospel star Marvin Sapp says he received threats after viral 'close the doors' video resurfaced Sapp describes times as 'tough' In his Instagram post, Sapp admitted that the "last few weeks have been tough." "Misunderstood, misrepresented, misinterpreted, and even maligned," he continued. "But I've learned that when life hands you lemons, you don't just make lemonade… you build the lemonade company. And that's exactly what I've done." During a recent interview on "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show", Sapp − the Senior Pastor of The Chosen Vessel Church based in Fort Worth, Texas − shared that he has received threats, which have led to safety concerns for his family. The bishop addressed his request for donations and apologized for his approach towards the ushers. "I never said lock the doors. I said shut the doors," Sapp emphasized. "Shutting doors mean that people still have the ability to go in and out. They've taken issue with my tone and I can honestly say looking at the video maybe I was a little more assertive than I should have been. I can apologize for that. " On the radio program, Sapp clarified that he didn't pocket any money and was solely fundraising for the non-profit church organization that had supported him for many years. The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. also issued a statement, saying it was "never our intent for our proceedings to be an offense or hindrance for anyone." Sapp said "Close the Door" could help others through a turbulent chapter. "This song will bless you. I believe that with everything in me," he said. "My assignment in this season through this song is to help you close the door too." USA TODAY reached out to The Chosen Vessel Church for comment. Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Marvin Sapp Claims He's Received Phone Calls With This Frightening Twist Following Backlash For Trapping His Congregation to Give $40K
The viral video of Marvin Sapp infamously telling the church ushers to 'close the doors' until $40,000 was raised is still being shared across the internet. However, not everyone is joking about the clip. On Monday, during an interview on 'The Rickey Smiley Morning Show,' the controversial gospel singer attempted to clear up the situation and added that there have been many threats on his life since the video was shared online. 'People have called my church and cussed me out. My staff are afraid because I've received death threats,' said Sapp. 'People have come to our campus. They have come to my church to try to cause problems, issues, (and) challenges.' He further explained that this video was taken last year and that the offering wasn't for him, 'This was a service that happened last August... People took issue with me saying shut the doors. Understand I never said lock the doors... Shutting doors means people still have the ability to go in and out.' Sapp also admitted that he was more 'assertive' than he should've been and he apologizes for that. He also doubled down on his claim that the money was not for him, saying, 'Not a dime of that money came to me.' This is the second time the 'Never Would Have Made It' singer has addressed the viral video. Last week, in a statement on Facebook, he also gave context about his request for money. He wrote in the post, 'Some have taken issue with a particular moment when I instructed the ushers, rather firmly, to close the doors during the offering. To those unfamiliar with the church context or who may not regularly attend worship gatherings this has been misinterpreted as holding people hostage as well as offensive. That was never my intent.' For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Marvin Sapp Says He Received Death Threats After Viral $40K Donation Demand
Marvin Sapp claims that the backlash to a viral video has entered dangerous territory. Speaking on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show on Monday (March 31), the Gospel musician asserted that he has received death threats in reaction to a clip where he demanded church attendees donate a total of $40,000. Within the conversation, the 58-year-old reflected on the moment — which originally occurred in August 2023 — and admitted that he might share a little blame for the negative response to the video. The event was held at a national church conference in Baltimore — not his local church — and he claims that the funds were directed toward the conference budget. 'People took issue with my tone, and looking at the video, maybe I was a little more assertive than I should have been, and I can apologize for that,' the Bishop explained, denying claims that the church doors were locked. He continued to detail how the entire ordeal has impacted his life, his church, and his children. 'People have called my church and cussed me out. My staff are afraid because I've received death threats,' Sapp elaborated. 'People have come to our campus. They have come to my church to try to cause problems, issues, (and) challenges.' The 'Praise Him In Advance Singer' also elaborated, 'Why run with the truth when a lie is way more entertaining?' as he is convinced the entire controversy is a misunderstanding. Last month, the video of Sapp requesting online and in-person attendees at the aforementioned conference sparked conversation across social media regarding the integrity of the Gospel musician's ministry. The video was shared with claims that the congregation was locked in the church as $40,000 was demanded in offerings. 'The truth is, when finances are being received in any worship gathering, it is one of the most vulnerable and exposed times for both the finance and security teams,' explained Sapp in a statement. 'Movement during this sacred exchange can be distracting and, at times, even risky. My directive was not about control it was about creating a safe, focused, and reverent environment for those choosing to give and for those handling the resources.' More from Marvin Sapp Responds To Viral Video Demanding $40K From Congregation Marvin Sapp Instructs Ushers To Close Church Doors Until Congregation Ponies Up $40K Marvin Sapp Takes NPR 'Tiny Desk' To Church With Gospel Medley
USA Today
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Gospel star Marvin Sapp says he received threats after viral 'close the doors' video resurfaced
Gospel star Marvin Sapp says he received threats after viral 'close the doors' video resurfaced Bishop Marvin Sapp says he has received death threats as a result of the resurfaced viral clip where he ordered ushers to close the doors at an international church convention while rallying for the congregation to donate $40,000. During an interview on "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show" on Monday, the Grammy-nominated gospel artist called the situation a "misunderstanding," but said he was "little more assertive than I should have been" while raising funds for the convention. He added that the reaction to the video has led to safety concerns. "People have called my church and cussed me out. My staff are afraid because I've received death threats," he said. "People have come to our campus. They have come to my church to try to cause problems, issues, (and) challenges." Sapp serves as the Senior Pastor of The Chosen Vessel Church, which is based in Fort Worth, Texas. He explained that the threats have been a burden on his children. "I'm their only parent. I'm a widower. They're afraid for my safety, so now we have to update and increase security," he continued. Previously: Gospel star Marvin Sapp responds to criticism over donation request, order to close doors 'Close the doors': A resurfaced clip from 2024 sparked social media discourse The controversy stems from a viral video in which Sapp speaks in front of the congregation at the 109th Pentecostal Assemblies for the World Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, last July. In the video, Sapp called on churchgoers in the building − and those watching online − to help raise $40,000 by giving $20 each. "Ushers close the doors," the "Praise Him In Advance" singer said repeatedly. "There's 1,000 of you tonight, and ... it's 1,000 watching online. This is a small seed." Additionally, he asked preachers standing beside him to give a $100 contribution: "Giving is worship," he said. It sparked plenty of interest online, with memes, parodies, and criticism abounding on social media. Some people argued that he held the congregation hostage. In a statement on his Facebook page last Wednesday, Sapp provided additional context behind his request for money. He said that as a minister, fundraising was part of his job at the international convention, calling it "stewardship" rather than "manipulation." "Some have taken issue with a particular moment when I instructed the ushers, rather firmly, to close the doors during the offering," Sapp wrote. "To those unfamiliar with the church context or who may not regularly attend worship gatherings this has been misinterpreted as holding people hostage as well as offensive. That was never my intent." On "The Rickey Smiley Show," Sapp shared his perspective on the now-viral request he made to ushers. "I never said lock the doors. I said shut the doors," Sapp emphasized. "Shutting doors mean that people still have the ability to go in and out. They've taken issue with my tone and I can honestly say looking at the video maybe I was a little more assertive than I should have been. I can apologize for that. " Sapp said he didn't receive 'a dime' of the money raised Sapp doubled down on his stance that the whole dilemma was a "misunderstanding" and clarified that although it is unclear how much money was raised for the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., he didn't receive any of it: "Not a dime of that money came to me," he said. Sapp added, "This organization is a church organization I grew up in. These people gave me a platform, and the reason I'm known today is because of the opportunities that this organization gave me." The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. issued a statement Saturday apologizing "to those who may have been offended by the manner of receiving donations." "It is never our intent for our proceedings to be an offense or hinderance for anyone," the statement reads. "Fundraising is a critical component to the success of our non-profit organization, and the funds raised are utilized to support not just this event, but our extensive international missions work, auxiliary programming, educational endeavors and more." The "Best In Me" singer called the ongoing discourse a "church hurting situation" and urged people to do more research. "I did something for the church, but I'm taking abuse because of it," Sapp continued. "I just want people to understand that this is something that we shouldn't do. Make sure you do your due diligence. Make sure you check out everything first. Make sure that you examine the information with clarity and context before you begin to share it." Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@
