Entertainment
Pastor Jamal Bryant decides to share Ray J’s ‘dirty and illegal’ interview after the singer’s threats to ‘rip’ him from the pulpit
In the latest season of his popular podcast “Let’s Be Clear,” Pastor Jamal Bryant encourages listeners to engage in honest conversations with a formidable group of influential figures, from politics to popular culture.
Known for his daring and direct approach, Bryant recently took part in the second season of his show with some heavy hitters, including former BET host Jeff Johnson, hip-hop mogul Master P and political icon Stacey Abrams. However, his upcoming interview with singer-turned-entrepreneur Ray J could have caused more confusion than he expected and may not see the light of day.
The “One Wish” singer appears to be upset about a few of the issues discussed during the recording and posted a heated message to Bryant and his team on social media.
Claiming that he was treated unfairly and even describing his experiences as “dirty” and “illegal,” Ray J said in an Instagram video, warning the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church against airing footage of their interview.
“I have nothing but love for Pastor Bryant,” said Ray J. “Shout out to Jamal Bryant, shout out to (columnist) Vaughn Alvarez. But in the event you play this interview, someone shall be kidnapped from the pulpit.
He continued: “Don’t replay the interview; it’s not clear, it was out of bounds. Me and Pastor Bryant need to talk because the way I was treated was dirty and illegal and I don’t like it.”
“I do not care in the event you’re from the church or not. Show respect and do right by people.
Brandy’s brother went on to explain his frustrations, suggesting that he felt unsafe and treated unfairly during the conversation. The outspoken star made it clear there could be a “problem” if his demands weren’t met, emphasizing his desire for respect and fair treatment.
“I do not care in the event you’re from the church or not. Show respect and do right by people. Don’t call people by name and don’t make people feel that they usually are not protected in a spot where they thought they were protected,” he added, emphasizing his disappointment with the experience.
Ray J threatened Pastor Jamal Bryant over the publication of an interview he doesn’t want made public. He warned that if the interview was aired, he would seem on stage at Bryant’s church. pic.twitter.com/ux2BRYQQo2
— What is Da Bizness (@whatsdabizness) November 12, 2024
Ray J, who grew up in the church along with his family, ended his message with a direct warning: “I’m telling you now that we have to solve this because if we don’t, it’s going to be a problem.”
Shortly after the stern warning, one other video featuring the “Wait a Minute” singer went viral wherein he stated: “N-ggas just tried to shoot me and tried to kill me, n-gga, and you want me to apologize, n-ggas?” Fuck you.
It’s unclear whether the two videos are related, but fans of Bryant and Ray J.’s podcast have mixed feelings about the daring threat.
“@brandy come and get your little brother,” one follower joked on The Shade Room comment section.
“Well, you just accused yourself! The press accuses Jamal!” one person wrote, while one other felt it was all a part of an overall plan to get more views: “Great interview ad. A marketing stunt by Ray J.”
The “Love & Hip Hop: Miami” star is understood for attracting media attention along with his viral antics, whether it’s the publicity surrounding his sex tape with Kim Kardashian, promoting his brand’s product, or his recent public skirmish with Diddy’s sons. Ray J knows how to develop into popular, but this will not be what fans expected.
“That’s not how it works,” one other fan wrote. “You don’t have any control over whether your interview is published or not, you conducted the interview! Now he’s here and he’s physically threatening someone?
One of Pastor Bryant’s supporters declared, “We would jump on him lol in the name of the Lord.”
Celebrity life coach and “Houseparty” star AJ Johnson also jumped into the comments section and said, “Oh @rayj call me. I’m stuck on how to conduct an interview you do not need to see, where are you threatening??? You are higher than this.
Many people on X were shocked that the former “Moesha” star would publicly come after the good pastor.
“Ray J is literally a spoiled brat turned adult, he’s an insufferable man who refuses to grow up” – one tweet To read.
Another used a meme of Bryant’s ex-wife, Giselle Bryant from “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” adding: “Ray J threatened to kidnap Jamal Bryant from the pulpit if he aired their podcast… I do know the Holy Whore pastor higher not let Brandy’s brother punk him #RHOP“
Ray J threatened to kidnap Jamal Bryant from the pulpit if he aired their podcast…
I do know Pastor Holy Whore higher not let Brother Brandy beat him #RHOP pic.twitter.com/WuCeYzQY6l
— Bravo, Obsessive Bestie💎🍑🌸❄️🍎 (@SomeonesWife86) November 13, 2024
Many were eagerly waiting to see if Bryant and his team would respond or explain the situation. Hours after the post went viral, the Morehouse alum posted a response on his Instagram page.
“I used to be very grateful to have recently interviewed one in all the few mavericks of this generation, @rayj who has made greater than an impact in many alternative fields. It was each surprising and disheartening to get up to baseless threats and baseless accusations directed at me,” Pastor Bryant wrote in the caption, adding: “As a part of our commitment to honest dialogue, now we have made sure that specific comments that will have “The legal consequences have been drafted to withdraw from the job interview to protect the interests of your beloved brother.”
Bryant went on to explain that his podcast’s mission “is to foster authentic and constructive conversations with thought leaders, and this episode was no exception.”
“We are a live-to-tape production company that normally doesn’t make any changes, nevertheless in the spirit of brotherhood this has been resolved by an agreement that no other changes shall be made as The Jamal Bryant Podcast: Let’s Be Clear strives to be serious and transparent in every episode,” he added.
The Atlanta preacher went on to say that “private agreements between him and Ray J. have now been brought to light,” but he will not be “embroiled in a battle that demeans our community and everything it represents.”
He concluded his message by expressing unconditional love for the former “Moesha” star, offering “Grace and peace.”
Many of Bryant’s 748,000 followers chimed in, praising his handling of the situation. Although he refused to crumple to the self-proclaimed Blood, he made an effort to deescalate the tense exchange.
“He has too much soprano in his voice to be threatening,” one follower commented on Ray J., while one other wrote: “Well said, Pastor! We support you!”
One fan added: “You’re nice too, Pastor! He must have hit his head between the washer and dryer.
“We will work for our pastor! Just like the Beyhive steps for Beyoncé…saints walk for the Pastor,” the New Birth member shared.
“So you’re publishing a podcast?” – several followers asked why Bryant revealed that the episode would air on Thursday, November 14 at noon.
One thing is obvious: Bryant’s congregation strongly supports him and is prepared to defend him, even when it means difficult a star like Ray J.