Hundreds of thousands of Ice Spice fans abandon her after she throws up devil horns during a Christian prayer in a backstage video.
Ice Spice, the Bronx-born rapper whose real name is Isis Naija Gaston, is facing significant backlash after a video surfaced in which she and fellow influencer Tylil James were seen mocking God and Christianity. The video, which quickly went viral, has led to Ice Spice losing over 512,000 Instagram followers in just 12 days, according to Pop Flop. Fans and critics alike have expressed outrage over what many view as a blatant display of disrespect toward religious beliefs.
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The controversy began when Ice Spice and Tylil James participated in what started as a prayer, but quickly devolved into mockery. In the video, James begins by saying, “We gone pray for Ice Spice, I’ma turn up for her like I’m Christian… nah, I’m just playing.” What could have been a moment of sincerity was immediately undercut by the joking tone, setting the stage for what followed. As James continues, Ice Spice is seen making faces, sticking out her tongue, and throwing up devil horns—a symbol that many viewers interpreted as a deliberate insult to Christianity.
The video didn’t end there. Almost immediately after the mock prayer concluded, an iced coffee was knocked over, spilling all over Tylil James’ pants. Many on social media were quick to label this moment as “karma,” with fans and detractors alike calling the spill a symbolic consequence for the irreverence displayed moments earlier.
This incident has sparked a significant amount of debate, with fans voicing their disappointment and frustration. One commented, “It’s not funny to mock God, especially when so many people look up to you. I used to be a fan, but this is too much.” Another wrote, “Respecting people’s beliefs is the bare minimum. What she did is unforgivable.”
The Deliverance is the #1 movie on Netflix & they’re saying the spirit from that house den jumped on Ice Spice.
— Mílagro (@MobzWorld) September 2, 2024
Ice Spice was backstage and a prayer was taking place. People feel like Ice wasn’t respectful due to her making faces and squirming versus closing her eyes and bowing… pic.twitter.com/rOOgR1oVgx
For Ice Spice, this backlash represents more than just a temporary dip in her social media numbers—it’s a direct challenge to her public image. Ice Spice’s career has been on a steep rise since her breakout hit “Munch (Feelin’ U)” and collaborations with high-profile artists like Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift. However, this controversy could derail her momentum, especially considering how quickly her follower count has dropped.
What has made the backlash even more severe is the perception that both Ice Spice and Tylil James were not simply joking around but actively mocking religious faith. James’ casual dismissal of the prayer with his “nah, I’m just playing” comment and Ice Spice’s exaggerated expressions and devil horns sent a message to many that this was not a harmless joke but a targeted jab at Christianity.
While Ice Spice has remained silent on the matter, continuing to post regular updates on her Instagram, the fallout is clear. Her follower count continues to drop, and the criticism grows louder. Tylil James, though less impacted, has also been criticized for his role in the incident. Some fans of the influencer have called on him to address the situation and apologize, though he has yet to do so.
The significance of this incident goes beyond a simple viral video. For many fans, especially those who hold religious beliefs, this felt like a personal attack. It wasn’t just about two public figures joking around—it was seen as an outright insult to their faith. And in a time when celebrities are expected to navigate these lines carefully, this mockery struck a nerve.
Ice Spice’s music and personality. However, with this recent controversy, the rapper’s relationship with her audience has been severely strained. Losing half a million followers in such a short time is no small matter, especially for an artist who relies heavily on her online presence.
Whether Ice Spice and Tylil James intended for the video to be taken so seriously or not, the damage has been done. Fans who once ed them have turned away, and the conversation around the video has extended far beyond just the usual cycle of celebrity gossip. It has ignited a larger discussion about the responsibilities of public figures when it comes to respecting religious beliefs.
For now, the fallout continues, and the silence from both Ice Spice and Tylil James is only adding to the tension. What remains to be seen is whether they will address the controversy head-on or let the criticism continue to mount. Either way, this incident has marked a significant turning point in Ice Spice’s career—one that could define how she is viewed by fans and critics moving forward.
Featured Image Credit: American rapper Ice Spice (Isis Naija Gaston) wearing Dolce and Gabbana arrives at the BET Awards 2023 held at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California, United States. Photo by imagepressagency, licensed via DepositPhotos.