Kirk Franklin Explains Why He Cut Ties with His Mother

Gospel singer Kirk Franklin reveals the reasons behind his decision to stop speaking to his mother, offering a deep and personal insight.

At the age of 32, Kirk Franklin, an American gospel singer who has won Grammys, stated that he cut off contact with his mother.

During an interview with the ‘Funky Friday’ podcast, the 54-year-old musician revealed that due to a particular incident during his sister’s rehabilitation period after being released from prison, he ceased communication with his biological mother when she brought her new husband along.

“This is the first time I’m sharing this story – it’s about why I cut off contact with my biological mother. At 32, when my sister was released from prison, I was her only source of support for finding accommodation and other needs,” he recounted.

As a 32-year-old, she was grappling with drug addiction beyond her capacity. Consequently, we had to organize an intervention to offer our support. It is important to note that although I refer to her as my sister, she has a mother and is not my biological daughter.

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We held a family gathering, but my birth mother arrived with her new spouse. The intervention progressed smoothly until its conclusion when we all embraced one another. Since it had been years since our last reunion, someone expressed their admiration by saying “This is truly touching; families ought to be this way.”

I explained that the situation was focused on my sister who had been freed. However, my mother’s recently married partner interrupted and suggested I call her more often.

Responding politely but firmly, I reminded him that he did not know me well enough to make such recommendations since she is the parent and I am her offspring. He retorted with an accusation of hypocrisy based on my professed Christian faith.

The discussion became intense, and my mother’s actions devastated me. She took hold of his hand and cooed, “Let’s go, baby.” Then she departed the house with her two children in tow. I shouted at Mama,” You’ve done it again; leave just like you always do.”

Because she didn’t reject the man and declare that he stay away because her children were not his responsibility, but rather a result of someone else’s parenting, care-giving, provision and protection; instead choosing to leave with him while holding hands.

This experience taught me as a child that I was unable to defend myself at the time but vowed never again would I permit someone treating me in such an undesirable manner once grown up.