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A poster that screamed demonic imagery and mocked the crucifixion of Christ was banned by Britain’s advertising authority. On posters arranged throughout London, Demi Lovato was seen in a leather bondage-style outfit lying on a large cushioned crucifix with the words “album out now” plastered across the page.
An investigation was launched in August of 2022 when local residents complained the graphic poster was offensive and in the direct view of children. The 30-year-old singer titled her graphic album “Holy (Expletive).” (*Warning, this link contains iconography that is demonic.)
The Advertising Standards Authority in the U.K. released a report saying it “was reminiscent of Christ on the cross” with her legs bound in one direction. Between the graphic nature for children and the clear offence on religious grounds, her posters were taken down across London.
The ASA says they were “likely to be viewed as linking sexuality to the sacred symbol of the crucifix and the crucifixion, was likely to cause serious offence to Christians.”
Polydor Records claims they checked with the agency and felt the poster was acceptable to run.
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is something to be revered. God sent His one and only Son to come down and save us from the life of sin and bondage contained in the world. Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross we now have the access to freedom and eternal life. This is beautiful, not something to be mocked.
It is a win for religious liberty that the ASA in the UK took a stand and pulled the posters down. Pray for Demi Lovato. She was created in the image of God is immersed in a world that goes in every direction other than biblical values.
Lovato isn’t shy about her past struggles with drug and alcohol addictions. In 2018 she had an overdose which led to multiple health issues. One of the songs on her album “Skin Of My Teeth” talks about her internal struggle of wanting to be free from addiction, but being bound to the disease.
Although she’s using her talents to link sexuality to the crucifixion, it is the crucifixion that can bring her freedom. Pray that God would soften her heart and shower her with His love. We are all in need of a Savior. In one moment of our lives we too lived in bondage before we accepted God’s hand of mercy and grace.{eoa}
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Shelby Bowen is an assistant editor for Charisma Media.
