Kirk Franklin Expresses Disappointment in 'Preachers of LA' Amid Suggestion Reality Show Turned People Away From God

Gospel singer Kirk Franklin, who declared months ago that fans would never see him on "Preachers of L.A.," stated during a recent radio interview that he was disappointed in the reality show, while a radio host D.L. Hughley suggested the Oxygen program has turned people away from God.

Franklin, asked during an appearance on "The D.L. Hughley Show" this week if he would appear on "Preachers of L.A.," revealed that he was not a fan of the show which gives an inside look at the ministries and personal lives of its leading men.

In a trivia segment of his radio program called "This or That," actor/comedian D.L. Hughley asked Franklin if he would "rather star in the next season of ("Preachers of L.A.") or have your beautiful wife, Tammy (Collins), star in the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta?'"

After Franklin declined to choose either one of the reality show options, Hughley went on to give his take of "Preachers of L.A.," which was renewed earlier this year for a second season.

"I lived in L.A. my whole life, and to me, I thought the purpose of that show was to drag nonbelievers, people who don't have access to God and don't have relationship with Him, that it would be so attractive that it would draw them to Him," said Hughley. "I think it's done the opposite."

Franklin responded by stating that there were people on "Preachers of L.A." whom he considers friends and whom he respects, but rejected the program. "I'm very disappointed in that show," he told Hughley.

The award-winning gospel artist and "American Bible Challenge" co-host previously had hinted at his feelings toward the faith-based reality show during a December 2013 concert in Detroit, Mich., when he told fans, "You'll never see your boy on real 'Preachers of L.A.'"

The Oxygen network reality show was controversial even before it aired, with some Christians debating whether the program would harm or help the faith community, while others called for a boycott. One of the major points of consternation for critics was the portrayal of the apparent flashy lifestyles of the ministers involved in the program.

Despite the controversy, "Preachers of L.A." was a major hit for Oxygen, averaging more than one million total viewers during its eight-episode run that started in Oct. 2013. In addition to being renewed by Oxygen Media for a second season, "Preachers of L.A." could have potential spin-off series for major cities like New York, Dallas, Atlanta and Detroit.

Preachers of LA's Deitrick Haddon Responds to T.D. Jakes' Rebuke of TV Show

Deitrick Haddon, the minister and gospel singer who appears on the Oxygen docu-series "Preachers of L.A." was shocked that his show received criticism from Bishop T.D. Jakes recently.

Jakes, the senior pastor of The Potter's House megachurch in Dallas, Texas, wanted to make sure his congregation knew that he is not using their financial contributions on personal gain after the first episode of the controversial show aired.

"Now, I know you been watching that junk on TV. I want to tell you right now, not one dime of what you're sowing right now will buy my suit. I want you to know my car is paid for," Jakes told his congregation Sunday, according to EEW magazine reports. "I want you to know I got my house on my own. I want you to know I'm not bling-blinging. I am not shake and bake. I had money when I came to Dallas and I plan to have some when I leave."

Haddon reacted to Jakes' criticism on the radio station PRAISE 102.5, where he admitted his shock.

"I have the absolute utmost respect for Bishop TD Jakes and what he represents. I considered him one of our generals in this generation," Haddon said. "I was a bit taken back and shocked when I saw his view on the show, being that he's a forefather in unorthodox, unconventional methods of sharing the Gospel, whether it be through MegaFest or partnering with comedians or Oprah."

Haddon's statements came after Jakes rebuked the spirit that caused people to think that financial contributions should go into preachers' pockets.

'Pastors of LA' Reality Show Coming to Oxygen

The past year has seen a bevy of faith-based reality programming from networks like TLC, Lifetime and BET. Oxygen Media is joining the pack with its own reality show looking at the lives of southern California pastors, tentatively titled "Pastors of L.A."

The "authentic new docu-series" starring Bishop Noel Jones, Deitrick Haddon and four other high-profile Christian ministers is scheduled to debut in the fall of this year, and appears to follow in the vein of BET's "The Sheards" and WE tv's "Mary Mary" – promising viewers an inside look at the lives of popular and otherwise inaccessible men of faith.

"'Pastors of L.A.' will give viewers a candid and revealing look at six boldly different and world renowned mega-pastors in southern California, who are willing to share diverse aspects of their lives, from their work in the community and with their parishioners to the very large and sometimes provocative lives they lead away from the pulpit," according to a press release from Oxygen.

"This show documents a journey of transparency from one man to the next as they endeavor to lead others to their own truth and self-discovery," said exec producer Holly Carter.

"We intend to portray the human side of these pastors and the real world in which they live and work," added producer Lemuel Plummer.

Pastor Jones, brother of actress, recording artist and model Grace Jones, and Haddon, who has a long list of Dove, Stellar and Grammy awards, appear to be headliners of the series.

Jones has been leading City of Refuge Church in Gardena, Calif., since 1994 and travels extensively to preach and lecture. The bishop, who is unmarried, suggested last year that rumors claiming he had fathered actress and singer Stacy Francis' second child, were exactly that – "rumors and innuendo." Among the many celebrities said to attend City of Refuge Church is controversial rapper The Game, who was reportedly baptized at the Los Angeles-area church in 2011.

Haddon, meanwhile, whom Oxygen Media describes as "a dynamic personality, singer, songwriter, and preacher," went through a divorce in 2011 that surprised many of his gospel music fans and led to him being shunned by members of his church. The award-laden recording artist also surprised fans when it was revealed in April that he had fathered a child out of wedlock and was engaged to be married. Currently, Haddon is working on a live production for his upcoming album League of Xtraordinary Worshippers.

While faith-based reality programming like "The Sheards" has proven successful with viewers, Lifetime was not as lucky with "The Sisterhood." The program about preachers' wives was canceled after the first season following strong backlash from Christians who felt the reality show was offensive.