ospel legend Marvin Sapp was trending online Friday, March 28, 2025—not for a new song, but for a viral video from 2024 that sparked outrage, misinformation, and unconfirmed rumors of his arrest. The clip, showing Sapp telling church ushers to “close the doors” during a fundraising appeal, triggered widespread backlash and false claims that he’s now in jail on charges of “kidnapping.” So far, there is no official confirmation from police or credible news sources that Sapp has been arrested. But the internet is buzzing, and the controversy has taken on a life of its own.
The clip comes from a sermon Sapp delivered at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Convention in Baltimore in July 2024. Preaching to an audience of about 2,000 people (half in person, half online), the “Never Would Have Made It” singer asked attendees to donate $20 each, aiming to raise $40,000 for the conference.
Then, he got intense.
“Ushers, close the doors. Close the doors,” he says in the now-viral video.
“We all gon’ leave together. Y’all ain’t going nowhere but the restaurant.”
He then invited people to walk to the altar to give, urging transparency by watching the donations himself. He also asked pastors on stage to contribute $100 each.
The video resurfaced on X and TikTok this week, and responses came quick. One user posted:
“Marvin Sapp is hustling his congregation for 40K.”
Another wrote:
“I’d have called 911 and walked out. Open them doors or catch a charge.”
Some called it a “shakedown,” and others pointed to Sapp’s estimated $4 million net worth, asking why he needed anyone’s $20:
“He’s got Louis Vuitton but needs my $20?”
By Friday night, posts on X falsely claimed Sapp had been arrested. One viral tweet from ace225luv alleged:
“Marvin Sapp arrested on 1500 charges of kidnapping,” linking to a page with no proof. Others echoed the claim, citing “false imprisonment” or “coercion”—charges some legal experts say could apply, though no charges have been filed.
Sapp addressed the controversy on Facebook Friday afternoon.
“This got twisted,” he wrote.
“Closing doors during offerings is normal—it keeps things secure and respectful for the money team.”
He emphasized that he was tasked with raising funds for the event and even gave more than $20 himself. He defended his actions with a biblical reference—King David calling for offerings in 1 Chronicles 29—and urged people to share the full context, not just the viral moment.
As of Saturday morning, no police report, mugshot, or credible outlet has reported any arrest. Sapp’s team hasn’t issued a new statement beyond his Facebook post, and his church, Lighthouse Full Life Center, has remained silent. Legal experts online noted that if anyone felt confined against their will, charges of false imprisonment could technically apply—punishable by jail time or fines. But again, no such action has been taken.
Sapp is no stranger to public scrutiny. A 13-time Grammy nominee and winner of 24 Stellar Awards, he’s led churches in both Michigan and Texas, and raised three children alone after his wife MaLinda died of cancer in 2010. He previously made headlines in 2013 over a stalking case that ended in tragedy. Whether or not he faces legal consequences this time, the backlash may still sting.
“Church used to be safe,” one X user sighed. “Now it’s business.”
For now, Marvin Sapp remains free—but not free from criticism. And until more facts emerge, the internet remains divided: faith vs. fundraising, respect vs. resentment, truth vs. trend.