At the 2025 BET Awards held on June 9 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, host Kevin Hart delivered a comedic opening monologue that left the audience in stitches, with gospel music legend Kirk Franklin as one of his prime targets.

Franklin, honored with the Ultimate Icon Award alongside Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, and Snoop Dogg, found himself at the center of Hart’s playful roast over his viral twerking moments during recent performances.

Hart’s quip, “The Lord didn’t ask for that,” sparked laughter but also reignited discussions about Franklin’s onstage behavior and its reception among fans and critics.

The BET Awards, marking its 25th anniversary, celebrated Black excellence in music, entertainment, advocacy, and community impact.

Franklin, a 20-time Grammy Award-winning gospel artist known for blending gospel with R&B, hip-hop, and pop, was recognized for his transformative contributions over three decades.

Following his acceptance speech, Franklin closed the show with a vibrant medley of hits, including “Silver and Gold,” “Smile,” “Revolution,” “Melodies from Heaven,” and “Stomp,” joined by Tamar Braxton, Jamal Roberts, Muni Long, and D.C. Young Fly.

However, it was Hart’s opening monologue that set the tone for the evening. Known for his sharp wit, Hart poked fun at several celebrities, including Franklin, who was seated next to his wife, Tammy.

“Kirk, do me a favor; when you get your award tonight, don’t come up here front twerking. OK?” Hart said, as the crowd erupted. “Yeah, don’t come up here popping [expletive]. Don’t do it.

That’s what Kirk be doing. He trying to blame it on the Lord. The Lord didn’t ask for that. Put it away, Kirk. Put it away.”

The cameras captured Franklin bowing his head and chuckling, taking the roast in stride. Hart later added, “Hey, Kirk, on a serious note, I love you, man. God bless you—everything you doing is good,” softening the jab with sincerity.

Hart’s joke referenced Franklin’s reputation for incorporating secular dance moves, particularly twerking, into his gospel performances, which has stirred controversy among some conservative Christians.

One notable incident occurred during Franklin’s The Reunion Tour in 2023, where he playfully twerked on gospel legend Jacky Clark Chisholm. The moment went viral, drawing criticism from fans who felt it was inappropriate for a gospel setting.

In a YouTube video posted on December 30, 2024, titled “Thank you for a beautiful 24,” Franklin addressed the backlash, admitting the twerking was “too much.”

“I play too much, I’m friends with these people, we have fun backstage, and I don’t know how to separate the backstage Kirk from onstage Kirk,” Franklin explained.

“I shouldn’t have been playing out there in front of y’all. When I saw the clip, yeah, it’s too much.” He apologized, emphasizing his desire not to offend and to ensure his actions reflect the message of Jesus.

Another controversial moment occurred at the “Fun in the Son” gospel concert in Kingston, Jamaica, on April 20, 2024. Franklin’s choice of a tight tank top and shorts, along with gyrating and flexing his biceps, drew ire from conservative Jamaican Christians.

The concert’s sponsor, Best Dressed Chicken, expressed disappointment, stating they expected Franklin to be sensitive to their audience’s values. Franklin issued a public apology in January 2025, acknowledging his attire was seen as “disrespectful” and pledging to learn from the experience.

During his BET Awards acceptance speech, Franklin, presented with the award by T.I., addressed his imperfections. “I am not perfect. I fail. I sin. I’m not a perfect Christian.

I’m not a perfect husband, and we all know I’m not a perfect father,” he said, referencing past personal struggles.

“But God has continued to use me despite them.” His candid admission resonated with many, highlighting his humility and commitment to his faith despite public scrutiny.

Franklin’s ability to laugh off Hart’s roast was evident when the two shared a hug on stage, though some X posts suggested Franklin appeared upset beneath the surface.

One user, @LexiiBeSangin, remarked, “Kevin Hart just told Kirk Franklin not to come up there popping [expletive] for Jesus lmfao why would he say that?!!!!?? #BETAwards,” capturing the mix of humor and shock Hart’s joke elicited.

Another, @KandidlyKrys, noted Franklin was “STILL on stage” when Hart continued his jabs, suggesting the comedian’s timing was bold.