Lil Nas X apologizes for his controversial ‘J Christ’ promotion following backlash over a video that includes him strapped to a cross.
On Friday, January 12, Lil Nas X launched his new single, “J Christ,” together with an accompanying video that includes non secular imagery exhibiting the singer strapped to a cross. Following a weekend of backlash, he took to social media on Monday to apologize for some features of his promotional ways.
Within the 4 and a half minute apology video, Lil Nas begins by saying he needs to “clarify the place my head is at,” and to not essentially apologize for “J Christ,” though he later says that he’s sorry for some features of his promotion for the only.
“This isn’t to attempt to get all people on my good facet or whatnot. That is extra to clear my head about my very own selections. I do know I tousled actually dangerous this time,” says the artist, whose actual identify is Montero, the namesake of his debut album. “And I can act unbothered all I would like, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly taking a psychological toll on me.”
He explains that he knew the only’s art work would inevitably result in some backlash, as a result of “faith is a delicate matter,” nevertheless it was not his intention to mock or offend outright.
“I didn’t imply to mock. This wasn’t a ‘f—ok you to you individuals, f—ok you to the Christians.’ It was not that. It was ‘I’m again like Jesus,’” mentioned Lil Nas. “I’m not the primary individual to decorate up as Jesus. I’m not the primary rapper, I’m not the primary artist, and I received’t be the final.”
Lil Nas X additionally apologized for a TikTok video during which he was consuming communion bread and consuming wine from a chalice whereas dressed as Jesus. He says he meant to “lighten the temper” with it, not deliberately provoke extra controversy.
“I assumed that was one thing all of us needed to do as children and whatnot, however I didn’t perceive the fact of how me consuming the communion is the symbolism of Jesus’ blood and bones or one thing like that,” he continued. “I didn’t imply it as a cannibalism factor or no matter — however I do apologize for that. I’ll say I’m sorry for that. That was overboard.”
“I used to be placed on this earth to convey individuals nearer collectively and promote love. That’s who I’m,” he mentioned in closing the video. “I’m not an evil demon man attempting to destroy somebody’s values. That’s not me.”
Evidently, this isn’t the primary non secular controversy stemming from Lil Nas X’s work. He gave the satan a lap dance within the video for “Montero (Name Me By Your Title),” and later marketed footwear containing drops of his blood. For the latter incident, members of his workforce reportedly needed to verify he was not a “satanist or satan worshipper” earlier than his efficiency on the 2021 BET Awards.