Lil Nas X ‘Didn’t Mean To Mock’ Christianity In ‘J Christ’ Music Video
Lil Nas X is addressing the issue surrounding his latest single as the entertainer responds to concerns regarding the offensive nature of his “J Christ” music video.
Lil Nas X posted a not-so-apology regarding the video, which many call the visual sacrilegious. The video and promotional materials referenced many elements of Christianity, including partaking in Communion, which offended more religious viewers. While Lil Nas X wanted to communicate his true intentions with the song, he refrained from apologizing for his artistic vision.
wanted to get something off of my chest… pic.twitter.com/9d8abScSk8
— ✟ (@LilNasX) January 15, 2024
“Hello, everybody,” he began in the clip. “I wanted to, not necessarily apologize, but I wanted to explain, like, where my head at and where it’s been for like the last week.”
He noted that mocking the religion was not the message he aimed to convey,
“So first of all, when I did the artwork, I knew there would be some upset people or whatnot, simply ’cause religion’s a very sensitive topic for a lot of people. But I also didn’t mean to mock. This wasn’t like a ‘F**k you to you people,’ ‘F**k you to the Christians.’ It was not that. It was literally me saying I’m back like Jesus.”
However, he did apologize for the promotion video, which many also condemned for its cannibalistic undertones, while stating that he meant for it to “lighten the mood.” He admitted that he was unaware of the seriousness of the act.
“But I do apologize for that. I will say I am sorry for that. Though I don’t agree with all of Christianity’s rules or whatnot, I know not everybody follows Christianity by the book one hundred percent, or the world would be a lot crazier,” he added. “But I do apologize for that. This is not to try to get everyone on my good side or whatnot, this is more so to clear my own head about my own decisions. I know I messed up really bad this time, and I can act unbothered all I want, but it’s definitely taken a mental toll on me.”
The Jesus imagery is a break away from his last era, which depicted a more Satanic version of the Grammy winner. The rapper has been honest about his complicated relationship with religion but remains adamant that he never meant to “diss” Christian customs and beliefs. He ended the video by stating that although this new era has begun with controversy, he will continue striving to “promote love” through his upcoming music.
“I was put on this Earth to, you know, bring people closer together and promote love. That’s who I am, I’m not like some evil, demon guy trying to destroy everybody’s values and stuff. That’s not me…I hope sooner or later we can move forward, and I’m excited for the rest of this era and things I have planned.”