JOIN US MAY 20-21 FOR RESTORE CONFERENCE

Mary
DeMuth

Scot
McKnight

Screenshot 2023-01-13 at 1.50.18 PM

Naghmeh
Panahi

Reporting the Truth.
Restoring the Church.

Dante Bowe Posts, Then Removes, Apology for Behavior Causing Split with Maverick City Music

By Julie Roys
dante bowe maverick city music
Grammy-nominated artist Dante Bowe has apologized for behavior that caused a break in his relationship with Christian band Maverick City Music. (Photo via Instagram)

Five-time Grammy-nominated artist Dante Bowe posted an apology Thursday for behavior that caused a break in his relationship with popular Christian band Maverick City Music. The apology then disappeared from Instagram without explanation.

“This platform of success I enjoy is a blessing that is both gifted to me and shared with YOU, my faith community, family, friends, supporters and fellow artists,” Bowe wrote in a post to  Instagram Thursday. “I sincerely apologize for the impact of my behavior and that it has offended many people on the platform we share together.”

By Saturday, the post no longer appeared on Bowe’s Instagram account.

As reported earlier this week, Maverick City Music put a “pause” on its relationship with Bowe due to “behavior inconsistent with our core values and beliefs.”

The band did not give details about Bowe’s behavior.

Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of “Even If He Doesn’t: What We Believe about God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense” by Kristen LaValley. To donate, click here.

However, several YouTube and TikTok accounts shared video of Bowe reportedly on a party bus dancing and singing with Bad Bunny. Bad Bunny is a popular singer whose lyrics are sexually graphic and violent. The secular performer made headlines a couple months ago for kissing a male dancer during a live MTV Video Music Awards.*

Others posted a portion of an interview circulated on social media several months ago where Bowe said he was looking forward to seeing Lil nas X perform at the Grammy Awards. Lil nas X is an openly LGBT rapper who partnered with a company to sell “unauthorized” Nike Satan Shoes, featuring an inverted cross, bronze pentagram, and a drop of real human blood.

Bowe has appeared on two Maverick City Music albums (Volumes I and II) as a songwriter. His 2021 single, “Joyful,” won the GMA Dove Award for Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year.

Debuting in 2018 as a diverse music collective, Maverick City Music quickly has become one of the most popular American worship bands and won multiple Dove Awards.

On Tuesday, Bowe posted to Instagram that he’d be “taking time off social media to rest mentally and physically. Years ago, when I dreamt of all I would accomplish one day, I didn’t account for the pressure and opinions that would come with it. It’s important for everyone to step back and refocus.”

Bowe then made his Instagram account private.

On Thursday, Bowe made his Instagram account public again and posted his apology.

Dante Bowe Apology
(Source: Instagram Screenshot via ChurchLeaders)

“This experience has been a very real reminder of the importance of being incredibly intentional with how I utilize and engage with the tools social platforms provide,” Bowe wrote in his post. “Throughout this process, I have received wise counsel which influenced my decision to take a step back and reflect about my actions so that I may recommit to living in the purpose God has for my life.”

Bowe also thanked Maverick City Music for “their continued support now and always.”

maverick city music
Maverick City Music (Courtesy Photo)

On Thursday, Maverick City also posted a message, supporting Bowe.

“We are in full support of Dante as he continues his journey towards health and happiness,” the band said on its Instagram account. “Our ethos has always and will always be centered on family. We are all imperfect people who need a perfect Savior. Dante is apart (sic) of our family and will always be.”

Bowe is scheduled to kick off his “Joyful” tour, visiting churches across the nation, in late October. The tour website is still selling tickets. The Roys Report has reached out to several of the churches where Bowe is set to perform for comment but has not heard back.

Update: This post has been updated to include information about Bowe’s apology disappearing from Instagram and a clarification concerning “Satan Shoes.”

Julie Roys is a veteran investigative reporter and founder of The Roys Report. Before that, she hosted a national talk show on the Moody Radio Network, called Up for Debate. She’s also worked as a TV reporter for a CBS affiliate, a newswriter for WGN-TV and Fox News Chicago, and has published articles in numerous periodicals.

SHARE THIS:

GET EMAIL UPDATES!

Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox!

Don’t worry we won’t spam you.

More to explore
discussion

27 Responses

  1. Social media is a heck of a drug. I wish Mr. Bowe success in getting his actions and presentation more under control.

    1. Forgiveness, yes! But excuse, no! So often in the Evangelical community this is easily confused. Forgiveness is screamed for the offender almost immediately, it’s the Christ-like things to do. So much so it has become their very excuse.

      But what about the offended, the betrayed, the one facing the result of the “behaviors that caused the break”, the broken hearted. They get, forgive like Jesus? The ultimate Jesus juke every time. The biblical excuse/scapegoat every time? Is this what Jesus would really say? The way it’s said in todays church circles and lived out is so cold and without meaning I’m not sure it’s even close to what Jesus meant. It’s why guys like get new record deals, leaders like Driscoll get replatformed and guys like Andy Wood replace legacy Pastors like Rick Warren.

      1. Glenn,

        Did you forget? Did you forget that God is sovereign? That He will make sure those who suffered at the hands of Dante will receive their justice in due course?
        And, trust me, Dante will get what’s coming to him regardless of whether he is forgiven or not. Do you remember how David was forgiven by God, but then he lost his son? Forgiveness is not a free pass, friend. There are always consequences for sin. You can count on it.

      2. Please be sure Dante Bowes read this message..I need so much for Him to know The Truth..SomeOne is planting a bad seed for You to be A Villain..do not let it happen..text Me personally at sylviamcbride12@ gmail.com..You are Maverick City Music You are The Voice EveryBody Love and need You are #1..not Kurt Franklin nor Chandler..I stand on that..I have been trying to see how to contact You since day 1 of the rebelling..Kurt Franklin messed up Maverick City..even though The Spirit of Our Lord Stand..Trust Me..call Me there is more to say to You..Respectfully

    2. Did Mr. Bowe hurt any one of us or do wrong to us? I don’t think so, so why are we being asked to “forgive” him? His poor choices seem to have affected the careers of his bandmates, so it’s for them to forgive him.

      1. Cynthia,

        Did my Scottish ancestors hurt any black Americans or do wrong to them? No, they did not. So why are they being asked to seek forgiveness of black Americans?

        Get the problem here? Each individual is responsible for his or her own sins. Period.

        My point in extending forgiveness to Dante, even though he did nothing to hurt me personally, was to prevent the opposite attitude: One of condemnation, blame, anger, and accusation. Too often, people (especially on this site and similar ones) seem to think it is okay to judge people.

        As a Christian, I believe we should leave that to the God of the Universe. We are told to forgive as Christ forgave us.

    3. Live and learn. Learn a grow. You know what you received with this group. They will always be a part of you and you of them. It’s good to see that regardless of what happened, they are still showing you the love of God. Continue to love and be loved. Your fans or should I say that I’ve grown from listening to the music and messages from you all. Thanks. Please continue to pray for the best for each other. Include God in every decision. I’m also happy to see that you’re not bashing or casting each other into the lake of fire.

    4. (James 3:1) Taking a stage in Christ’s name, brings an expectation of decency. You could’ve formerly been a cannibal (some of us were). We won’t hold a wicked past against you. Christ doesn’t. We do expect godliness to be the norm for you today. Christ does too. (Ephesians 5:15)

  2. I have to wonder if the behavior is more devastating than this to cause such a break. I don’t expect Christian artists to only listen to or enjoy Christian music. My taste in music is quite vast – I even attended an Elton John concert (as a birthday gift to my dad, who is a lifelong fan) with my family recently. We had a great time singing and dancing for over 2 hours.
    I don’t see that as some sort of endorsement of whatever Elton John does or believes in his personal life, but just an enjoyment of his legendary music. Am I missing something?

    1. You’re absolutely not wrong. Judging isn’t what We’re hear to do. Forgive and love him. No one is perfect. Who has the power to condemn anyone. People need to sweep around their own front door. Stop judging others and focus on working through your imperfections. Thanks Marin Heiskell for being transparent.

    2. If God thought we were perfect, he would not have given us his only son, so who are we to judge another persons character , if God was to cast us out for every thing we did, there would be no one standing, I love you brother, God promised to move our sins as far as the east is from the west, know that you are forgiven, go and sin no more! Be bless and walk in favor, everyone has to give account for their soul.

    3. I don’t get it, either, Marin. Though I should note I don’t know this band at all.

      I’m assuming there is more behind the scenes because what are being floated as the reasons are super legalistic. Especially the one about looking forward to someone performing.

  3. We’ll I’m glad the truth came out. I knew something wasn’t right way before the tour. I kept wondering why he wasn’t touring with them. I’m glad he’s doing it the right way and putting it on the table so he can be free and move on. The Devil is after his Anointing bc of the mantel he carry. We all have been deceived and forgiven. I will continue too pray for him that God return him too that place. I wish him peace and understanding as he go through this period. He has too protect that voice, U will never hear another one like it on this earth. God get the Glory bc he created it. may God continue too bless him. Stay strong brother.

  4. I believe if we are living as Christ Jesus would absolutely apologize our Lord and savior sent His only some son to die on a cross for us I believe we forget that because we cannot imagine that kind of love we all have short comings and fall at times his praise and worship shows his real love for God I believe now let’s keep this positive as Christ Jesus would have us and forgive this man and lift him up in our prayers..much love for Dante bowe he has inspired me through my walk with God so I pray for his time off and in Jesus name he will return a fresh man ..I love yall

  5. Praise God! “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”

    God’s word does not lie! Dante be encourage. It’s working for your good and Kingdom of God. We are praying for you.

  6. Dante keep your head up because we all fall short of the glory of God every day. Forgiveness is the key to recovery. Remember Jesus die for our sins because He knew one day we all would need a Savior.

  7. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
    Please maverick should be careful on how to manage Dante issues.
    I have received a lot from the grace that Dante Bowe carry through his powerful songs.
    He inspired me in my gospel music career.
    I always enjoyed his performance with maverick family praising and worshipping God together.
    Please let’s keep praying for him.

    I love Dante……

  8. Major disappointment, but in a personal and public repentance, he will be forgiven. That doesn’t necessarily mean the consequences of sin will be gone. They will remain and that’s what sin does. Killing sin is a daily thing— it only can be done with the miraculous help from God, never from our own self help or the things of the world. I hope and pray he draws even more closer to our Father God during this time and that Dante would run toward the Lord and not look back.

  9. Bowe wrote in a post on Instagram. “I sincerely apologize for the impact of my behavior and that it has offended many people on the platform we share together.”

    Notice how he doesn’t repent of any behavior, but apologizes for the ‘impact” of it. Notice how he avoids saying his behavior was offensive, but laments how his behavior offended many people.
    This ‘apology’ has careful wordsmithing and PR people I suspect.
    Also note: “We are in full support of Dante as he continues his journey towards health and happiness,” the band said on its Instagram account. It seems ‘getting healthy’ is the new positive way to speak of sin and repentance and reconciliation and restitution! ‘Getting healthy” avoids having to admit what you were doing is sinful.

    “towards health and happiness”? You mean towards Christ.

    1. Well said Kevin. Getting healthy is certainly an admirable thing but repentance first. Unfortunately, even when you repent some people will refuse to forgive and use your mistakes as a club against you. Not saying that is what happened here – I don’t sense any true humility. I agree about the wordsmithing. PR apology.

  10. From my heart of hearts, I wish Dante could be forgiven . Mistakes are part and parcel of life and forgiveness is what Jesus taught us in his encounter with the sinful woman.

  11. Here’s another viewpoint. People like him that use Christ as a platform for money and adulation might be getting the judgement from God they deserve. Maverick City doesn’t play for free. They are paid mid five figures to six figures to show up. Dante Bowe doesn’t either. Not really ministry. Not really God focused. When you have a press kit after your name on a website, its not really that hard to tell who you think is important.

Leave a Reply

The Roys Report seeks to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. Toward that end, the site requires that people register before they begin commenting. This means no anonymous comments will be allowed. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted.
 
MOST RECENT Articles
MOST popular articles
en_USEnglish

Donate

Hi. We see this is the third article this month you’ve found worth reading. Great! Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church?

Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of “The Atlas Factor: Shifting Leadership Onto the Shoulders of Jesus” by Lance Ford.