Kirk Franklin believes his oldest son, Kerrion Franklin, has not taken accountability of his part in their estranged relationship.
The gospel artist, 56, who releases his double album I Am What I Am on Oct. 30, recalled his falling out with Kerrion, 38, on the Monday (Oct. 26) episode of Big Boy’s Neighborhood. Franklin welcomed his first son with a former girlfriend in 1988, while he also shares a biological son and daughter with Tammy Franklin, his wife of thirty years.
In the leaked audio recording from March 2021, Franklin was heard threatening and cursing at Kerrion during an argument, to which he later issued a public apology.
“And I come to find out that he was auditioning for this reality TV show,” Franklin said around the 39-minute mark of the video below. “We've had tensions for years. I love him. He’s an incredible young man and we've dealt with his issues for years. … I love him. He's my first born.”
Franklin continued, “He's still not at a place where he's owning the things he needs to be able to be.”
The gospel artist went on to imply that his oldest son has been struggling with his mental health and acknowledged that it isn’t his “fault.”
During an appearance on Way Up With Angela Yee in September, Franklin admitted that he thought his career would be “over” after the phone call with his son was exposed.
"He's not my only kid. I got other kids to provide for," Franklin said at the time. "I love him. I'm not trying to minimize my love, but also, you know, he got younger siblings that I got to help take care of."
