Bishop Who Groped Ariana Grande Now Caught Up in Even Juicier Scandal — And There’s a Book Involved
Whew, church folks — it’s getting messy again!
Seven years ago, the world collectively gasped when Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, the mega pastor of Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple, got a little too familiar with pop princess Ariana Grande during Aretha Franklin’s marathon funeral. Yes, we all remember the on-camera groping incident that instantly went viral and forced the bishop to issue a public apology.
At the time, Bishop Ellis told the AP, “Maybe I crossed the border… maybe I was too friendly.” He chalked it up to church culture — all love and hugs — and swore he meant no harm. The scandal rocked both gospel and pop circles, but eventually faded into the archives of internet drama.
But now? It’s back to the pulpit of shame, and this time it’s way messier.
This week, a woman claiming to be Bishop Ellis’ longtime mistress came forward — and she’s not holding anything back. According to her social media posts, not only was she romantically involved with the married pastor, but she’s also writing a tell-all titled “The Bishop, His Wife & Me.” Whew, somebody alert Lifetime because that title is already giving Sunday-night drama!
And sis brought receipts. She posted photos confirming their alleged relationship and is now on what looks like a full-blown PR campaign to promote her upcoming book. And if that wasn’t enough tea, there are whispers of a joint bank account bearing the bishop’s name. (We’re talking scandal with an invoice.)
In response, Bishop Ellis did confirm that he had an inappropriate relationship with the woman — but he insists it happened over 15 years ago, and he claims he already went through a “redemptive process” with his church leaders at the time. He says he got counseling and was held accountable… you know, back then.
But now? He says the new accusations are “deeply troubling and untrue” and has enlisted legal firepower — Attorney Gerald Evelyn — to look into things. Particularly that joint bank account. (You know it’s serious when the bishop is checking the routing numbers.)
In an email sent out to his congregation, Ellis asked for prayers — not just for himself and his family, but also for the woman making the claims. He says he hopes everyone can find “peace and healing.”
But let’s be real — if the book drops, and it has even half the juice it’s promising, peace may not be on the immediate menu.
So now we wait. Will the mistress spill every last communion crumb? Will Bishop Ellis survive yet another scandal? Or will this be the sermon that finally breaks the bishop?
Either way, somebody cue the organ — because this church drama just went full-blown prime time.