Gwen Stefani is facing backlash over her latest promotional post for a faith-based app.
In an Instagram Reel shared yesterday, the singer appeared in a navy blue tweed top with flared sleeves and a white sequined collar. She accessorized with layered jewelry, wore her blonde hair in a side part, and opted for a soft nude makeup look.
In the video, the mother of three explained how she came across the Hallow app and shared her initial thoughts. Hallow is currently one of the most popular Catholic prayer and meditation apps, designed to help users deepen their relationship with God through guided audio sessions, Bible studies, and music.
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Gwen Stefani Faces Backlash for Promoting Prayer App
Stefani said she doesn’t remember exactly how she discovered the app, recalling that she stumbled upon it while scrolling. She admitted her first impression was that it seemed “weird,” but said she continued using it and came to appreciate the “incredible knowledge and people” involved with the platform. The post was labeled as a paid partnership between her and the app.
Following the upload, some social media users criticized the blonde beauty for monetizing a prayer app, while others expressed frustration that she has not been more vocal about other issues happening across the country.
“Grifting during Lent is wild. FYI, praying is FREE,” said one fan. Another wrote, “This lady loves a grift.”
Another commented, “Girl, 1996 ‘Just a Girl’ Gwen would be ashamed.”
“Pray for free. Period. No app needed,” someone else added.
Another wrote, “Gwen has never had a personality of her own. Her image is based on who she’s dating.”
“Since when do you need to pay to pray?” another questioned.
“Sellout,” said one user.
“Promoting a ‘pay-to-pray’ app is a weird stance for a religion. Why not make it free? What possibly could be the purpose of this app other than something sinful and greedy? Do Christians know that it’s a sin to waste, including overspending?” another wrote.
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Social Media Reacts
Other fans, however, came to her defense.
“Gwen looks beautiful here. Gwen has always been religious, and this just encourages prayer and makes it easier to bond with like-minded people. How is anything wrong with this?” one supporter commented.
“All the haters—but first and foremost, she is a baptized Catholic and a musician. Music plays such an integral role in religion. Why shouldn’t it shift to other media? Why is that so strange to everyone?” another asked.
This isn’t the first time Gwen has posted and promoted the app, nor the first time she’s faced scrutiny over it.
In December 2024, the “Luxurious” hitmaker told fans that she will personally be participating in the app’s 40-day prayer challenge, Pray40, and explained that she is doing so because she hopes to “grow closer to God” in the lead-up to Easter.
“Ash Wednesday is here. The start of Lent—40 days of prayer, fasting, and reflection leading up to Easter. Every year, I try to make this time more intentional, and I’m so excited to do @hallowapp’s Pray40 challenge—The Way,” she captioned her post.
The “Just a Girl” musician added, “This challenge is all about deepening our faith and remembering what Jesus did for us. It’s led by some amazing ppl like @jonathanroumieofficial, @markwahlberg, and @prattprattpratt – and u’ll even get to hear my own faith story as part of it.”
