At the 2025 BET Awards, gospel music icon Kirk Franklin unexpectedly became the target of a lighthearted but pointed joke during host Kevin Hart’s opening monologue. The moment drew laughs from the audience but also reignited an ongoing conversation within the Christian community about faith, public image, and humility.

“Kirk, do me a favor,” Hart quipped. “When you get your award tonight, don’t come up here front twerking. OK? … The Lord didn’t ask for that. Put it away, Kirk.” The crowd erupted in laughter, including Franklin, who was seated next to his wife, Tammy.

Franklin, 55, who closed out the evening with a high-energy medley of praise songs, was honored with the prestigious Ultimate Icon Award, recognizing decades of impact across music, ministry, and advocacy.

While many took Hart’s jab in stride, others saw it as a subtle wake-up call. Franklin himself has faced criticism in recent years for incorporating secular-style dance moves and humor into his performances—most notably during his “Reunion Tour,” where a clip of him twerking onstage went viral. After backlash, especially from conservative Christians in Jamaica, Franklin offered a public apology.

“I sincerely apologize,” Franklin said at the time. “If I’m louder than the message of Jesus, then I failed.”

In a recent statement about the viral twerking video, Franklin admitted that he struggles to separate “backstage Kirk” from “onstage Kirk.” “I play too much,” he confessed, adding, “What people see me doing onstage is simply who I am.”

Yet, Franklin’s acceptance speech at the BET Awards took a more serious and spiritual tone. “I am not perfect. I fail. I sin,” he said. “But God continues to use me.” He went on to describe how God’s favor often “doesn’t make sense” and encouraged others to trust in God’s plan—even when they feel unworthy.