Gospel star Kirk Franklin says he has skipped fried food for 25 years
The singer revealed he has not eaten soul food, fast food, or soda in a quarter of a century, a claim that shocked radio host Kandi Burruss.
By Layla Richardson ·
Gospel singer Kirk Franklin told radio host Kandi Burruss that he has avoided fried food, fast food, soul food, and soda for approximately 25 years. Franklin made the disclosure during a conversation on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, noting that his dietary restrictions have remained consistent for nearly three decades.
The revelation caught Burruss off guard when Franklin mentioned a specific dish he has never tasted: a lemon pepper chicken wing. The item is a common staple in Atlanta's food culture. Franklin stated, “I don’t think I’ve ever had a lemon pepper chicken wing.” Burruss expressed surprise that a resident of the region could have gone so long without trying a local favorite.
Franklin addressed potential criticisms about his relationship with Southern culture. He joked that his food choices should not alter his identity. “Don’t take my black card, I need my black card because I love being black,” he said.
The discussion turned to the few occasions Franklin allows himself to deviate from his routine. He described a cheat day consisting of a hamburger and fries. Franklin estimated that these meals occur roughly twice a year. Burruss noted that fries are technically fried food, a detail that reinforced the strictness of his usual habits.
Franklin did not specify the initial reason for his dietary changes. He did not provide a timeline for when the shift occurred, only confirming the duration of the practice. His comments focused on the consistency of his choices rather than the motivation behind them.
Burruss reacted to the news by suggesting Franklin may have missed out on a key cultural experience. The host emphasized the rarity of avoiding a specific regional dish for such a long period. Franklin maintained that his current routine remains unchanged.
