Pastor Keion Henderson’s apology to woman he told to ‘be quiet’ during church service sparks outrage

Keion Henderson, senior pastor of The Lighthouse Church and Ministries in Houston, apologized for telling one in every of his screaming choir members, “Hey, stop it. Shut up, shut up,” during a livestreamed service in May 2024.

On September 10, a recording appeared on the Internet wherein Shaunie Henderson’s husband publicly apologized to the person he told to keep quiet.

In the clip, the 43-year-old preacher embraces a crying woman after asking her to come to the front of the church. He then embraces her in an extended hug, which causes her to scream and cry.

“For those who don’t know, this is the lady we had a viral moment about regarding the ‘silence’ situation,” Henderson said. informed his congregation during the September 8 service.

He then told the woman, “Look at me. I had no idea my actions would cause you so much pain. And I want to say in front of this body that I am so sorry for the struggles these actions have caused.”

He added, “I’m so sorry,” and the woman screamed even louder.

Jasmine Brand reposted Henderson’s apology video on Instagram. People within the comments section expressed skepticism in regards to the Houston pastor’s mea culpa.

“Something about him bothers me… He wasn’t very honest, but it wasn’t something I deserved in the way of an apology,” one person wrote.

Others also noted how quickly Henderson turned away from the woman, who was still in tears. A commenter wrote: “He left so fast, chili.”

Another wrote: “That was so disingenuous. He didn’t bother to find out her name and then left after saying what he said. No hug, nothing. So why now?”

Additionally, people on social media labeled Henderson a “false prophet” and suggested that the writer of “Lazy Love: Recognizing and Reversing the 4 Threats to any Successful Relationship” makes them feel “uncomfortable.”

But Henderson had her supporters, too. One commented: “Regardless of what she did, she apologizes for the attention and backlash and everyone talking about her. The weight of it all deserves an apology. I accept they did it and it’s public. I despise silent apologies, PERIOD.”

This wasn’t the primary time Keion Henderson addressed the “silence” controversy. Henderson previously visited 97.9 The Box radio show in May.

When asked in regards to the popular clip, the religious leader insisted that “any noise” within the church doesn’t represent the Holy Spirit, but admitted he feels “bad” for the woman who’s coping with the “internet sensation.”

Henderson also opened up a few much-criticized moment that occurred during a May 2024 appearance on “The Tamron Hall Show” together with his wife, Shaunie Henderson.

“It’s a four-year fight. It’s ongoing. I’ve already talked to her personally. I’ve already had ushers approach her. I’ve already had prayer warriors. I’ve had everything. So she did it publicly, even though she was asked not to,” Henderson explained on the daytime talk show.

He also said, “As a pastor, I know the difference between a disturbance and a worship service. People need to understand that any time there is noise in the church, it is not worship. Therefore, there must be order.”

Henderson added that he intends to “settle the room so people can hear God and not her.” A native of Gary, Indiana, Henderson made it clear that he would “do it again” if crucial.

On the identical episode of “The Tamron Hall Show,” Shaunie Henderson opened up about why she selected Keion Henderson as her husband. The “Basketball Wives” alum, 49, said, “He’s just amazing. Honestly, you can relate to him.”

Shaunie was previously married to NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal from 2002 to 2010. The former couple has 4 children, including 24-year-old free agent basketball player Shareef O’Neal.

Keion and Shaunie tied the knot In May 2022, the Hendersons showed off their wedding preparations on the Aurora Anguilla resort on VH1 “Shaunie and Keion’s Destination I Do” reality series.

At the age of 21, Keion Henderson founded Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in 2003. Lighthouse Church was founded in 2009. Keion Henderson Television The YouTube channel has over 560,000 subscribers and 63 million views.