In a poignant celebration of life for Angie Stone, a notable incident unfolded that left many attendees unsettled. The memorial service, held on March 15 at First Nazareth Baptist Church in South Carolina, was dedicated to honoring the life of the beloved singer, who tragically passed away in a vehicle accident on March 1. The event was live-streamed, allowing fans and friends to pay their respects from afar.

During the four-hour service, Roger Bradley, a close friend and stylist to Stone, found himself at the center of controversy when he was denied the opportunity to speak. Scheduled to share his thoughts during a segment of awards and presentations, Bradley stood up three hours into the program, hoping to offer his personal memories of the late artist. However, Pastor Blakeley Scott interrupted, insisting that only those officially on the program could make remarks.

Despite Bradley’s insistence that his name appeared in the program—albeit misspelled—he was ultimately asked to return to his seat without any resolution. This exchange prompted a wave of support for Bradley on social media, with many fans defending his right to speak and criticizing the pastor’s handling of the situation. Dr. Leila Elizabeth Washington, a community member, shared a screenshot validating Bradley’s claims and expressed disappointment in how the moment was managed.

While some commentators believed Bradley could have navigated the situation differently, the overwhelming sentiment was one of support for him. Many felt that his desire to speak was a vital part of his grieving process that was unfairly stifled. The incident cast a shadow over an otherwise heartfelt tribute to Stone, who is survived by her daughter, Diamond Stone, and her son, Michael Archer, with singer D’Angelo.

As the community mourns the loss of Angie Stone, the discussions surrounding this moment serve as a reminder of the complexities of grief and the importance of honoring those who wish to share their love and memories. The second memorial service held in Atlanta on the same day brought together family and friends to celebrate her legacy in a more harmonious atmosphere.