Bunnie Xo defends Jelly Roll after ‘performative Christian’ backlash

Bunnie Xo defends Jelly Roll after Grammys backlash, rejecting claims he is a “performative Christian”

Bunnie Xo is standing firmly by her husband Jelly Roll following backlash to his faith-centered speech at the 2026 Grammys.

The podcast host addressed the controversy during the February 8 episode of her Dumb Blonde podcast, criticizing those who labeled the country star a “performative Christian.”

Jelly Roll, 41, referenced his faith multiple times while accepting the award for Best Contemporary Country Album. During his speech, the singer emphasized inclusivity, stating that Jesus is “for everybody” and not tied to political parties or institutions. While many fans praised the message, others questioned his sincerity online, sparking heated debate across social media.

Responding to the criticism, Bunnie Xo, 46, described the reaction as “horrific” and “sad,” arguing that religion is often weaponized rather than celebrated. She revealed that her own relationship with Christianity has been complicated due to experiences growing up around what she perceived as hypocrisy.

The media personality also called out a social media user who accused Jelly Roll of being a “performative Christian,” defending her husband’s beliefs and character. According to Bunnie Xo, the singer has never pressured others to practice religion and simply shares a message of acceptance.

“All he is saying is that Jesus loves everyone,” she explained, adding that questioning someone’s personal faith crosses a line.

Despite the controversy, Jelly Roll had a major night at the Grammys. In addition to Best Contemporary Country Album for Beautifully Broken, he won Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Shaboozey for “Amen” and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song alongside Brandon Lake for “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”

The debate surrounding his speech highlights the ongoing intersection of faith, celebrity culture, and public scrutiny in the music industry.