Pastor Jamal Bryant publicly addressed the criticism his wife, Dr. Karri Turner Bryant, received for wearing a lace black-and-nude illusion gown at a recent high-profile fundraising event. The dress, worn at the 42nd Annual United Negro College Fund Mayor’s Masked Ball, sparked debate online about appropriate attire for the wife of a pastor, often regarded as the church’s first lady.
During a New Birth Missionary Baptist Church service on New Year’s Eve, Bryant directly confronted the backlash. He highlighted that while many focused on his wife’s attire, few acknowledged the event’s significant achievements, including raising $4 million for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). He pointed out, “They never said anything about this was the largest fundraiser for HBCUs in the country.”
Bryant emphasized that his wife led the invocation prayer with deep spiritual commitment during the fundraiser. He criticized the detractors for setting a false standard of holiness based on superficial judgments. According to Bryant, the criticisms were fueled by insecurities and pettiness: “insecure, jealous, petty, small-minded people got in their feelings and set up a false barometer of holiness based off of a dress.”
Clarifying details about the controversial dress, Bryant assured his congregation that the gown was not see-through as some claimed but featured “flesh-color” fabric that created an illusion. He openly stated, “I bought the dress, and I like it. I don’t care whether you like it or not. She ain’t married to y’all. She’s married to me.” His remarks drew applause from church members, signaling widespread support within his community.
Bryant also highlighted that attempts to impose outdated or overly conservative expectations do not reflect the identity of their church. He sarcastically noted that if anyone expected a first lady resembling fictional, old-fashioned characters, then they were attending the wrong church. This response firmly asserted the couple’s agency in defining their public and personal image.
Dr. Karri Turner Bryant expressed gratitude toward her husband’s defense on social media. She described his support as healing and affirming, stating, “Not a day passes that you don’t affirm who I am and how much you love.” Her response underscored the emotional impact of both criticism and support experienced amid public scrutiny.
Pastor Jamal Bryant has been a prominent figure in faith and social activism. He has led New Birth Missionary Baptist Church near Atlanta since 2018 and was instrumental in organizing the Target boycott over issues of inclusion. His marriage to Dr. Turner Bryant in November solidified a partnership that has drawn public attention, partly due to his previous marriage to reality TV star Gizelle Bryant.
The controversy surrounding the dress highlights ongoing tensions over traditional religious expectations versus modern expressions of identity in faith communities. Bryant’s robust defense underscores the complex balancing act public religious figures and their families face amid evolving cultural norms.
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