Kirk Franklin has issued a public apology after his eldest son posted a recording of a conversation between them in which Franklin can be heard swearing repeatedly.
Kerrion Rashad, 32, posted a video of the conversation on Instagram, in which Franklin can be heard threatening him with violence and warning his son not to disrespect him.
"No father should speak to their children like this," Kerrion captioned the video. "If I have any issues it’s because of this type of treatment that I deal with behind closed doors."
Responding to the video, Franklin apologised for his language and opened up about his family difficulties.
"For many years, we have had a toxic relationship with [Kerrion] as a family. We have tried counselling and therapy to try and rectify this private family matter.
"Recently, my son and I had an argument that he chose to record. I felt extremely disrespected in that conversation and I lost my temper. And I said words that are not appropriate, and I am sincerely sorry to all of you. I sincerely apologise."
Franklin revealed that, during the call, he managed to get the family therapist on the phone to try and help, but that Kerrion chose not to take part.
"I'm not perfect, I'm human, I'm going to make mistakes and I'm trying to get it right," he added.
"Please keep me and my family in your prayers."
Many responded to Franklin's video with messages of support and encouragement.
"It ain’t our business," wrote fellow Christian artist Lecrae. "God be with your family bro."
"No apologies needed at all," added gospel singer Koryn Hawthorne. "Prayers for your family."
Kerrion rejected his father's apology in a series of follow-up Instagram posts.
“He apologised to his fans only and not me," he wrote. "This is why I’m done."
He also urged people not to be too harsh on his Dad for the exchange.
“Plz do not crucify my father. I am not here to bash him across the board. I didn’t even cuss in the recording,” he said.
“I just said what he said back to me. My father has been speaking very mean & manipulatively to me for 15 years now. My voice will be heard. I forgive him for the past pain.”