Tye Tribbett is urging Christians to consider how they deliver correction after a public rebuke of fellow gospel artist B. Slade at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's homecoming gospel concert sparked debate online.
The concert took place on November 1, 2026, at the university's Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center in Princess Anne, Maryland. Tribbett, B. Slade and Preston Jonzell were among the featured performers at the opening event of UMES's homecoming week.
Following B. Slade's performance, a woman addressed the audience, read from 1 Corinthians 5:9-12 and criticised those who welcomed him to the stage. Her comments singled out the wig he wore while performing. The microphone was subsequently cut off, and music began playing over the sound system.
According to an account shared by Inspirational Gospel Channel, Tribbett later addressed both the woman and the audience, acknowledging her courage while challenging the way she expressed her concerns.
His emphasis was on the responsibility that accompanies spiritual correction. The account describes Tribbett encouraging her to approach others with compassion, consider the pain they may carry and bring greater wisdom to difficult conversations.
"Ways matter," he said, according to the post.
Tribbett also expressed love for the woman while affirming his love for B. Slade, whom he described as his spiritual brother. His response placed the treatment of both people at the centre of the discussion.
The distinction matters in a controversy that has drawn sharply different reactions. The post describes some viewers praising the woman's willingness to speak publicly, while others have called for greater compassion towards B. Slade. Tribbett's reported remarks focused on how conviction is communicated and whether correction is offered with care.
The university has since addressed the incident. According to Eastern Shore Undercover's report of a November 4 statement, UMES identified the speaker as a graduate student serving as a student emcee. The university said her comments could be perceived as derogatory towards the LGBTQIA+ community and apologised to the performers and attendees.
"UMES does not condone hate speech of any kind," the university said. It added that the situation was under review and that appropriate action would follow. The report did not identify a specific disciplinary outcome.
For gospel audiences following the exchange, Tribbett's response raises a pastoral question about the relationship between conviction and compassion. As described in the shared account, his appeal was to recognise that the manner of addressing someone carries its own spiritual responsibility. Courage in speaking, he suggested, must be accompanied by wisdom and love.
