Gwen Stefani is facing backlash from some longtime fans after partnering with the prayer app Hallow. Earlier this month, the No Doubt frontwoman promoted the platform in a sponsored Instagram post.
“It is important this holiday season to spend time in prayer,” Stefani says in the video. “That is what Christmas is all about: letting God into our hearts and letting Jesus bring us his peace. Download Hallow and join me and millions of others in praying every day this advent and Christmas season on Hallow.”
In the caption, the singer added: “The season of Advent has always been a reminder to slow down, even when everything around us is moving so fast. It’s such a special time to reflect, pray and make room in your heart for Jesus.”
According to the company’s website, Hallow’s mission is to help people “build deeper and more meaningful relationships with God.” The service is offered by subscription, priced at $69.99 per year or $9.99 per month.
Since Stefani shared this “paid partnership,” many fans have voiced their disappointment over her collaboration with Hallow, including “A Bit Fruity” podcast host Matt Bernstein.
Bernstine noted that the platform contains anti-abortion messages, and has connections to Vice President JD Vance and conservative venture capitalist Peter Thiel.
Calling it a “pay-to-pray app,” he shared an example of these alleged anti-abortion prayers, including: “Jesus, we pray for every woman who is considering abortion… May every woman know the goodness, gift and beauty of her own life, and so be able to receive the gift of her child’s life.”
“If you’re looking for God this season, you don’t need to give these people $70 to find him. And Gwen Stefani, don’t you have enough goddamn money already?” Bernstein added.
Other fans also called out Stefani for working with Hallow over the platform’s alleged anti-LGBTQ views.
“This is very disappointing, Gwen,” one person wrote. “Lots of your fans are from the LGBTQ+ community and this feels like a deep betrayal.”
This is not Stefani’s first time partnering with Hallow, as she previously endorsed the app during Lent and Christmas last year. According to Metro, she has also reportedly recorded prayers and sermons for the platform.
She’s just one of many celebrities who have promoted Hallow, including Chris Pratt, Mark Wahlberg, Kevin James, Mario Lopez, and Bear Grylls.
