Gwen Stefani Faces Backlash for Promoting Christian App and Appearing to Shift MAGA

Gwen Stefani’s Controversial Pivot: From Pop Icon to MAGA Allegations

Gwen Stefani, once hailed as a trailblazer for outsiders and a proud LGBTQ+ ally, is now in hot water with fans who say she’s turning her back on her roots. The uproar kicked off near the end of 2023, when Gwen promoted Hallow, a Christian prayer app that grabbed headlines not just for its spiritual content, but its eye-watering price tag – charging up to $69.99 a year for premium features. To some fans, it felt completely out of step. Social media blew up with criticism, with Chrishell Stause from Selling Sunset even jokingly dubbing it ‘Pay To Pray.’ People questioned if charging high fees for access to faith content was really in line with basic Christian values, or just another way to cash in on religion.

The chatter was just beginning. By March 2025, things really caught fire when Gwen publicly praised Fox News veteran Tucker Carlson’s interview with Jonathan Roumie, the actor famous for playing Jesus on “The Chosen.” Stefani described Carlson's conversation as ‘enlightening’ and ‘beautiful,’ a shoutout that left many fans stunned. Carlson’s reputation for spreading far-right talking points—and his stint with Russian state-backed media—sparked waves of concern that Stefani might be veering into MAGA territory. The disconnect was all the more jarring for longtime supporters who remembered Stefani as a pop punk star who wore rainbow armbands and championed outsiders.

The relationship with country singer Blake Shelton, a well-known Trump supporter since 2016, has fueled speculation over whether Stefani’s political compass is being steered by her partner. Commentators have noted a recurring pattern: Gwen has sometimes picked up the interests (and politics) of the men she’s dated. This time, her shift is sparking real worry among diverse fans who see their former icon embracing conservative ideas that could clash with her previous identity.

Fans Grapple with Gwen’s Identity and Faith

One thing about Gwen has never been secret—her Catholic faith. Stefani was often spotted at church way before her marriage to Shelton, making faith a consistent part of her public story. But faith in her earlier days felt different: she was the same artist who spoke up for marginalized people and cheered on the LGBTQ+ community, both onstage solo and with No Doubt. Now, those same fans feel she’s sending mixed messages, making them wonder what she stands for.

Online conversations don’t just stop at disappointment. There’s a feeling of loss—like the Gwen they grew up with is fading away. Some blame a changing industry where celebrities align themselves with whichever narrative is most profitable. Others simply miss the bold, outspoken woman who seemed immune to peer pressure and industry trends. The debate is now bigger than one app or one interview. It’s about celebrity identity, personal beliefs, and how much a public figure owes to the communities that made them famous in the first place.

No matter where you stand, it’s clear that Gwen Stefani isn’t the same pop icon she was a decade ago. Whether this new direction is a sincere reflection of her personal journey or something pushed by her close relationships, one thing is certain: fans are watching closely, and they aren’t shy about saying exactly what they think.