Aretha Franklin’s family members have spoken out about the controversial eulogy that was delivered at her funeral last week.
Rev Jasper Williams Jr was heavily criticised after he delivered a highly inappropriate address at the legendary singer’s funeral in Detroit.
The Reverend, who also delivered the eulogy at Aretha’s father’s funeral in 1984, made several comments regarding black-on-black crime, African-American mothers and gay people.
Williams was also condemned for his treatment of Ariana Grande, who performed a rendition of ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’.
After her performance, the Reverend made a joke about her name sounding like an item of a Taco Bell menu, and appeared to touch her inappropriately as his hand rested against the side of her chest.
In a statement released by Aretha’s nephew Vaughn Franklin, the late singer’s family said: “We found the comments to be offensive and distasteful.”
“Rev. Jasper Williams spent more than 50 minutes speaking and at no time did he properly eulogize her.”
Vaughn added that his aunt never asked Williams to eulogise her, but the family selected him because he has spoken at other family memorials in the past.
