The footage, taken at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Convention in Baltimore, shows Sapp instructing ushers to “close the doors” while attendees contributed financially. “There’s 1,000 of you. I said close them doors. Ushers, close the doors,” Sapp is heard saying. He then challenges attendees to “sow a $20 seed,” while some were seen contributing $100 bills.
The incident sparked backlash on social media. Critics accused Sapp of using high-pressure tactics, with one user posting, “That’s not faith, that’s a shakedown.” Another wrote, “He’s hustling his congregation for $40K in God’s name.”
Sapp, who previously performed at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ 50th birthday party, responded via Facebook, denying allegations of coercion. “My directive was not about control,” he wrote. “It was about creating a safe, focused, and reverent environment for those choosing to give.” He explained that collecting donations can be a “vulnerable and exposed” time for both the finance and security teams.
Despite the controversy, Sapp remains a respected gospel artist, with his hit song “Never Would Have Made It” being praised by celebrities and athletes like DJ Reed and Dwight Gooden. However, the debate over his fundraising tactics continues.