Hayley Williams faced criticism after calling Christian nationalism “the greatest threat to American democracy” at her concert. (Getty Images)
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Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams faced criticism after telling fans during a September concert that Christian nationalism is “the greatest threat to American democracy,” adding another political declaration to a tour where she had repeatedly spoken out against President Donald Trump, immigration enforcement and Israel’s war in Gaza.
In the recirculated clip, Williams made the declaration before performing “True Believer,” a track from her 2025 solo album, “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.”
Her statement specifically targeted Christian nationalism, rather than Christians or Christianity broadly.
“The greatest threat to American democracy is Christian nationalism,” Williams said.
The rock singer also shouted ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘F— ICE’ during a recent show. (Getty Images)
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Lisa Cusack, president of the Don’t L.A. My Burbank PAC, told Fox News Digital that Williams’ comment ignored Christianity’s influence on the nation’s founding principles and democratic system.
“Incredibly ignorant comment considering Christianity is woven into the fabric of every founding document that proscribes Americans’ democratic rights,” she said. “There would be no Natural Law without Christianity, and without that, no human rights that exist beyond a government’s power. Christianity sees all people as made in the image of God, so are all valuable, no matter how successful, and puts self-sacrifice above power.”
“Democracy has thrived in the Christian nations across the world for a reason. The true threat is this kind of ignorant bigotry,” she continued.
At another recent concert, Williams also recently shouted “F— ICE” and “FREE MOTHERF—— PALESTINE!” while performing her song, “Ice in My OJ,” prompting a response from the Department of Homeland Security.
Lisa Cusack, president of the Don’t L.A. My Burbank PAC, criticized Williams’ remarks and called them “ignorant bigotry” in a statement to Fox News Digital. (Getty Images for Inc. at Inc. Fo)
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A DHS spokesperson responded to Williams’ anti-ICE remarks by defending federal immigration officers and urging the singer to recognize their work.
“America is grateful all the time for our federal law enforcement officers who keep us safe,” the spokesperson said, in a statement to Fox News Digital. “We suggest Ms. Williams to thank them for their service, not belittle their sacrifice.”
Williams has incorporated political commentary into her performances for years.
During Paramore’s performance at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival, the singer warned concertgoers against returning Trump to the White House and accused him of supporting an agenda that would harm women, poor Americans, racial minorities and the LGBTQ community.
Williams framed that presidential election as a decision about the future of American democracy.
Hayley Williams called Christian nationalism the greatest threat to American democracy at a recent concert, drawing sharp pushback. (Getty Images for The Recording A)
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“Project 2025 is Donald Trump’s playbook for controlling and punishing women, poor people, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community,” she said. “It is time for all Americans to band together and to finally defeat the Trump agenda. And the only way to do that is by confronting him at the polls.
“Do you want to live in a dictatorship? Well, show up and vote,” she continued.
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Williams also targeted Republican voters during a 2023 performance at the Adjacent Music Festival in Atlantic City, New Jersey. After saying she was comfortable discussing politics, Williams singled out supporters of then-presidential candidate Ron DeSantis.
“If you vote for Ron DeSantis, you’re f—— dead to me,” Williams said.
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Fox News Digital reached out to Williams’ publicist for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.