Rapper-turned-pastor Mase denies banning wife from pulpit after DUI
Pastor Mason Betha, formerly a Bad Boy rapper called "Ma$e," has denied banning his wife from the pulpit after she was arrested for DUI last month.
In a statement on his church's Facebook page today, Betha denied even knowing that Twyla was arrested.
"The story that media outlets have released concerning the Betha family and the church are not accurate," the El Elyon International Church statement read.
"MA$E nor the members of the church had any idea of any occurrence of an arrest or these charges taking place before today.
"Our hearts go out to the entire Betha family and church members. Twyla is not banned from our church and the doors of our church have and always will be open to those who desire to seek a closer relationship with God through Jesus Christ."
TMZ reported that Twyla blew a 0.14 BAC and pled guilty to a DUI in April 2014.
The Bethas' trials have been made public recently, with alleged documents reporting that the couple has been separated off and on since 2012. Mase, 36, filed for divorce in January after 12 years of marriage, but reportedly withdrew the paperwork few weeks later. The current state of the divorce proceedings is unknown.
Mase was a multi-platinum hip-hop artist in the late '90s through the mid-2000's on Diddy's Bad Boy Records, and collaborated with the Notorious B.I.G., Dipset, 112, and many other successful acts. He founded El Elyon International Church in Atlanta in 2001, but returned to the music industry in 2004. According to its website, the church also has location in Phoenix.
Following another hiatus from music, and guest appearances on songs with Drake, Trey Songz and others, Mase announced in October 2013 that a new album, "Now We Even" is on the way.
Regarding the most recent drama regarding his wife, he does not appear to be phased.
"I'M FOCUSED ~ trust me," he tweeted on Thursday afternoon.