Actor Nicholas Alexander Chavez drew significant backlash online after posting a Halloween video in which he dressed as Jesus in a BRAT-themed costume and performed a dance to Charli XCX’s song Apple. In the now-deleted video, Chavez wore a white toga-style outfit and sandals, mimicking the iconic imagery of Jesus. The video, which was initially shared on his Instagram account on November 1, has since gone viral, amassing millions of views across social media platforms.
The video depicted Chavez dancing while surrounded by actors dressed in costumes featuring fake wounds and arrows, staged around a long table, reminiscent of The Last Supper. Many internet users voiced disapproval over the portrayal, labeling it as disrespectful. One viewer on X commented, "Why is he mocking Jesus?" while another remarked, “What’s this sick obsession with celebrities mocking Christianity?” The criticism extended to other social media platforms, where users debated the boundaries between artistic expression and religious respect.
Chavez also shared a separate photo featuring himself with fake nails on his palms, mimicking the crucifixion, which further fueled criticism. Another X user commented, “Could non-Christians refrain from using The Last Supper in their stuff?”
Chavez, known for his roles on FX’s Grotesquerie as Father Charlie Mayhew and as Spencer Cassadine on ABC’s General Hospital, has not publicly addressed the backlash. The video’s song choice, Charli XCX’s Apple, from her Brat album, has become a viral TikTok dance trend created by Kelley Heyer. While many celebrities have joined the dance trend, Chavez’s religious-themed costume raised additional concerns. Chavez’s fans and critics continue to debate the intent behind his portrayal, highlighting ongoing tensions between religious sensitivity and creative freedom.
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