In the season premier of FOX's hit show 'Empire', popular gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin was deliberately associated with the gay and lesbian group GLAD.

McClurkin has openly admitted to battling homosexually in the past but has since reformed because of his faith. 'Empire' has made it a point to highlight the way homosexuality is treated by some of black America. Show creator Lee Daniels is an openly gay man and perhaps wanted to make it a point to single out McClurkin.

In the season premier of season 2 Glad, a popular LGBTQ organization for gay and lesbian advocates and defenders made a cameo. "Fashion Queens" star Miss Lawrence was selected as the GLAD representative to serenad openly gay actor Jussie Smollett who plays Jamal Lion.

Miss Lawrence stopped by to congratulate Jamal on winning a GLAD award, and tried to encourage Jamal to sing a duet together by persuading his assistant to go by mentioning the Perfecting Faith Ministries pastor.

"Becky, Donnie McClurkin will be there," to which she replies, "Donnie McClurkin, I love him! We fall down but we get up don't we?"

A video posted by ?Δ????Δ?â„¢ (@rnbgenius) on Sep 24, 2015 at 10:11am PDT

 
Immediately all of McClurkin's supporters tweeted him about the mention. Many pointed to the fact that Miss Lawrence associated the pastor with a gay event despite his open stance against homosexuality.

During the Supreme Court ruling he took to Facebook and admittededly confessed his battle with homosexuality but maintained that God's word has the final say.

"With NO REGARD to what the Supreme Court of MAN decrees...no matter what MY past was or feelings & struggles ...GOD has set the only standard for marriage to be between man and woman...in biology, in physiology, in history, biblically & scripturally and that..I will NEVER speak against!"

When McClurkin found out about the 'Empire' mention he took to social media with a press release.

"There's no explanation or understandable reason for the actions people take under the guise of entertainment. When did the art of creative writing resort to penning scripts for shock value and controversy? During the premiere of FOX Television's hit show, Empire, the writers targeted gospel artist Donnie McClurkin." The release stated, "Let this experience be a reminder that as loving Christians we're called to share the good news of Christ and be examples of God's love on the earth."

Also included in the release was McClurkin's tweet on the matter, "It was brought to my attention via social media that my name was included in a "back-handed" manner during a scene in the FOX show, Empire. What might have been meant for evil, God uses for good! Despite the scripting used by @leedanielsent it has helped bring attention to the gospel of Jesus Christ that I sing and preach, an empowering moment! To my brothers and sisters, thank you for your support, encouragement & love! No negativity towards @leedanielsent let's show the love of Jesus."

To read McClurkin's battle with homosexuality and where he now finds his freedom click HERE.

Why do you think Daniels mentioned McClurkin in season 1 of his show? Leave your comments below.