On December 31, 2025, Dr. Pastor Jamal Bryant set the record straight regarding the scrutiny his wife, Dr. Karri Bryant, received over the dress she wore to the mayor’s Mask Ball during New Year’s Eve service at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
Bryant preached a sermon during the church’s New Year’s Eve Experience titled “Y’all Mad About a Dress,” in which he directly addressed what he described as the double standards and hypocrisy women face regarding modesty, citing biblical references throughout. The 54-year-old Baltimore native criticized the tendency to judge outward appearance while ignoring internal struggles, noting that people often have no idea what others are enduring simply to keep themselves from breaking down, lashing out – not given them credit for even making it to church without being criticize.
He went on to challenge what he described as selective accountability within the pulpit, calling out overweight preachers who deliver sermons on modesty while failing to address gluttony. Bryant also highlighted how women are held to a higher standard than men when it comes to sexual temptation and condemned the culture of victim-blaming in American rape culture, noting that women who experience sexual assault are often asked what they were wearing rather than holding perpetrators accountable.
Highlights of Dr. Pastor Jamal Bryant sermon on, Y’all Mad About a Dress?; Photo Credit: New Birth Missionary Baptist Church/Screenshot
“Maybe you forgot about Joseph, whose father, Jacob, gave him a ornate multi-colored rope, signifying that he had favor. Now what had to know is that Joseph never asked for it.”
“It was just given to him. And the bible says that his brothers hated him for it, and wanted to kill him simply because of the rope he had on. He was seen from way off and said, ‘Behold the dreamer. What are we going to do about him?’ They were upset and annoyed for him to be anointed and fly,” the Morehouse and Duke University graduate stated in his sermon referencing Joseph’s favor which made his brothers upset.
“See it’s all right for you to be anointed as long as you don’t look like nothing. As look like 12 years of slave they think you’re holy,” he added.
Bryant stated that those criticizing his wife’s attire are insecure, petty, jealous, and small-minded, noting that some people create a false narrative of holiness based on a dress and are unable to think beyond their narrow perspectives.
He added that critics were embracing ignorance and lacking understanding, emphasizing that the dress was not see-through but flesh-colored, calling out those who, in his words, “haven’t been nowhere,” to even know and understand.
Bryant also pointed out that while people were quick to criticize the outfit, they failed to acknowledge that his wife prayed “until heaven came down,” that $4 million was raised for the United Negro College Fund, and that the event was one of the largest fundraisers for HBCUs in the country.
Dr. Karri Bryant’s dress she worn at Mayor Andre Dickens’ mask ball that received scrutiny over social media; Courtesy of Instagram/Dr. Jamal Bryant and Facebook
He made it clear that he purchased the dress and said he liked it. Bryant concluded by emphasizing that people should not concern themselves with his wife and that if he approves the dress, that is all that matters.
Photos of the sheer dress worn by his wife at the event circulated on social media, prompting Bryant to speak out against the backlash critics of her appearance.
The Mayor’s Mask Ball, hosted by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, was held on December 20th at the Signia by Hilton Atlanta, Georgia in support of HBCU students through fundraising efforts for the United Negro College Fund.
One TikTok user who goes by the name AuntieReeta shared her views on the dress, expressing disagreement of Karri wearing the gown, and writing the following statement:
“In my opinion, this evening gown worn by Karri Turner-Bryant at the UNCF Mayor’s Ball was inappropriate for a formal gala/ballroom setting, especially for a pastor’s wife. A nude and black gown with a dark area appearing in the private region is not okay for the public eye.
@AuntieReeta/TikTok
As a First Lady, there’s a level of responsibility and discernment that comes with the role. And honestly, for Pastor Jamal Bryant to allow his wife to step out dressed like that speaks volumes to me. We can’t say we’re not of the world, yet still dress and move like it.
This isn’t about hate—it’s about standards, accountability, and leadership. If we’re claiming God, we should look different.
Be the change.”
Conversely, others disagreed with the criticism of the dress. One TikTok user who goes by the name Gott One shared a commentary offering a different perspective, writing the following statement:
“Pastor Jamal Bryant’s wife is catching backlash over this dress. As the first lady of the church, many feel it was inappropriate. For clarity, it’s an illusion dress… flesh colored fabric under lace, not exposed skin. And let’s be honest, curves don’t disappear just because someone puts on a different outfit.
@GottOne/TikTok
The real question isn’t her body… it’s the standard.
What does the Bible actually say about how women should dress, and does this align with the biblical image people expect from a first lady?”
The debate has sparked broader discussion online:
Should First Ladies and women who represent the body of Christ be held to a higher standard when it comes to what they wear in public, or is it time to rethink traditional expectations of modesty?
– Peeps, chime in and share your thoughts.
