Pastor Jamal Bryant of Atlanta’s New Birth Missionary Baptist Church recently took a stand against critics of his wife, Dr. Karri Turner Bryant, following controversy surrounding her choice of attire at a major fundraising event. During a passionate New Year’s Eve service on December 31, Bryant addressed backlash aimed at his wife’s flesh-colored dress, which she wore to the 2025 UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball on December 20.
The gown, adorned with black lace and a large black bow, sparked debate on social media, with some commenters questioning its appropriateness for a pastor’s wife. In response, Bryant emphasized the significant contributions made by his wife at the event, which raised over $4 million for the United Negro College Fund, making it the largest fundraiser for historically Black colleges and universities in the nation.
“I needed to deal with it head on,” Bryant stated during the service. He criticized the negative commentary, pointing out that no one acknowledged the charity work or the impact of the event. “Insecure, jealous, petty small-minded people got in their feelings and set up a false barometer of holiness based off of a dress,” he declared.
Bryant directly addressed misconceptions about the dress, affirming, “The dress was not see-through, the dress was flesh-color.” He boldly declared, “I bought the dress! And I like it. I don’t care whether you like it or not, she ain’t married to all. She married to me.”
Dr. Turner Bryant visibly appreciated her husband’s defense, expressing gratitude in the comments section of his post. She wrote, “Your words have been like a healing salve to my heart,” highlighting their supportive relationship amidst public scrutiny.
Pastor Bryant shifted attention back to important issues facing the community, noting that over 100 individuals were saved during the service, and more than 1,000 children participated in their youth program. He urged followers to focus on pressing community problems such as Black unemployment and access to healthcare and education.
Support for Dr. Turner Bryant poured in online, with enthusiastic reactions from celebrities and followers alike, further reinforcing a sense of community and positivity around the message of empowerment.
This incident not only underscores the challenges public figures face but also highlights the importance of supporting one another in the face of criticism, particularly when doing meaningful work within the community. The focus on uplifting messages and the significant achievements of the couple serve as a reminder of the greater good prevailing over negativity.