Somizi speaks out about the Grace Bible Church debacle controversy

Idols SA judge Somizi Mhlongo has for the first time spoken out about the Grace Bible Church debacle, which saw him storm out of the church over a homophobic sermon two weeks ago

Somizi lifted the lid on homophobia in churches after a pastor at the church labelled gay people “unnatural” and “a sin”.

During an interview with Carte Blanche, Somizi explained that he stood up during the service because he was tired of the hate against gay people.

"It's about time that we cannot be scared to speak out about what hurts us. As a person of influence you cannot stand there and perpetuate hate and I'm tired of the church using the Bible to be homophobic," he said.

Somizi added that he has no problem with the scripture but has a problem with it being 'edited' to perpetuate hate

"Don't edit the scripture say exactly what it states but don't edit it. I'm proud I stood up and created a debate."

The TV personality explained that he had been a member of Grace Bible Church for 32 years and it saddened him to notice that people laughed at him as he stood up.

“People smiled at me, they looked at me thinking I couldn’t take the heat or was embarrassed,” he added.

However, Somizi explained that he stood up for a reason and told himself that.