The bishop who officiated the funeral of Aretha Franklin has apologized for appearing to grope singer Ariana Grande on stage, sparking widespread outrage.
The 25-year-old pop star sang the Aretha Franklin classic "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," one of a series of tributes by musicians to America's "Queen of Soul" at her marathon funeral attended by presidents, stars and music royalty.
After her performance, she was congratulated by Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, who wrapped his arm around her, his hand high above her waist and his fingers pressed against her chest.
"It would never be my intention to touch any woman's breast. ... I don't know, I guess I put my arm around her," Ellis said in comments to US media confirmed to AFP on Saturday.
"Maybe I crossed the border, maybe I was too friendly or familiar, but again, I apologize."
The moment drew fierce criticism online.
"I'm really sorry you had to go thru that @ArianaGrande that groping was beyond blatant and we could all see and feel your discomfort," wrote television host Claudia Jordan.
Ellis also apologized for a joke he made to Grande about her name: "When I saw Ariana Grande on the program, I thought that was a new something at Taco Bell," he said, referring to a popular Mexican fast-food chain.
"I personally and sincerely apologize to Ariana and to her fans and to the whole Hispanic community," Ellis said.
Grande is of Italian descent.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Ariana Grande's Boyfriend Ethan Slater Finalises From Lilly Jay: Report Here Is Why Ariana Grande Does Not Prefer To Hear Some Of Her Tracks What Is Weverse? "Super App" Ariana Grande Is Joining To Interact With Fans Video: Leopard Spotted Crossing Road In Bengaluru's Electronic City AAP Asks Its Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal To Quit Over Atishi Remarks Arvind Kejriwal Resigns After Choosing Atishi As His Replacement Kangana Ranaut Says Sold Mumbai Property After 'Emergency' Postponed China Landlord Tries To Evict Cancer-Stricken Tenant Over Property Value Alia Bhatt, Diljit Dosanjh Upped The Casual Cool Quotient In Chal Kudiye Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.