$40K Disaster: According to Marvin Sapp, He Was Threatened With Death Because of “Out Of Context” Sanctified Shakedown Video

Marvin Sapp is once again addressing the controversy following a widely shared video in which he called for a $40,000 gift and demanded that a church close its doors.

Others have exacerbated the matter to the point of threatening his life, according to Sapp, while some critics have only expressed their worries on social media.

Sapp clarified important information regarding the event, which he thinks has been exaggerated, during his appearance as a guest on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show on Monday. As previously reported, he was shown in a widely shared video at the 109th Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Convention in July 2024 in Baltimore, requesting $20 donations from 1,000 participants in person and 1,000 online viewers in order to accomplish a $40,000 target. Additionally, he strongly insisted that the ushers at the church shut the doors. 

Sapp clarified, though, that his remarks were misconstrued and that he merely meant for the doors to be “shut,” not locked.

“People can still enter and exit when doors are closed,” Sapp explained to Rickey Smiley. “They have criticized my tone, and I can honestly admit that, after watching the video, I may have been a bit too forceful. I sincerely apologize for that.”

He also refuted claims that he was profiting financially from church donations by clarifying that all of the money raised went toward the church’s conference budget rather than into his personal accounts.

“I’m not trying to be a pimp here,” Sapp declared. “I’m not attempting to exploit them. My desire has never been that. I take ministry seriously.

Sapp disclosed that in addition to the online criticism, the backlash has intensified into physical intimidation, involving threats against his life and disruptions at his place of worship.

On the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Sapp stated, “My church has been receiving phone calls because people have taken clickbait and made something out of it that it isn’t.” “People have cursed at me and called my church.” Since I’ve gotten death threats totaling more than $20, my employees are terrified and have closed the door. People have visited my church and our campus in an attempt to create difficulties, problems, and challenges.

Sapp went on to say that although he stays away from social media comments, his adult children, Madisson, MiKaila, and Marvin II, have personally witnessed the responses.

Sapp stated, “I am their only parent, which is why they are afraid.” “I am a widower. They fear for my security. Because of the hate and rage that people have displayed, we’ve had to upgrade and strengthen security, among other things that I’ve never had to do before,” he said. “And a misunderstanding is the cause of all of this.”

Sapp informed Rickey Smiley that he remains focused on his mission in spite of the drama.