Forrest Frank’s Faith-Fueled Stand: Losing Followers for Declaring “Jesus Christ is Lord”
In the whirlwind of social media, where influence is currency and opinions ignite, Christian musician Forrest Frank has found himself at the heart of a digital tempest. On September 12, 2025, the 30-year-old artist, known for chart-topping hits like “Good Day” and a massive online following, posted a heartfelt tribute to assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, declaring, “Jesus Christ is Lord.” The post, shared on Instagram and X, cost him nearly 30,000 followers overnight, a significant dent in his millions-strong audience. Undeterred, Frank doubled down: “I don’t care if you follow me, but I do care if you follow Jesus.” This bold stance has sparked widespread debate, highlighting the intersection of faith, politics, and celebrity in a polarized America.
Charlie Kirk’s assassination on September 10, 2025, shook the nation. The 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) was fatally shot in the neck by 22-year-old Tyler W. Smith during a speech at Utah Valley University. A father of two and a fervent advocate for conservative values—patriotism, limited government, and Christian faith—Kirk’s death was mourned as a politically motivated attack, with Smith linked to leftist groups. Tributes poured in from conservative leaders like Donald Trump, while Erika Kirk vowed to carry on her husband’s legacy. Yet, the tragedy also fueled vitriol, with mockery and division erupting online, from expelled students to fired professionals.
Forrest Frank, whose music blends pop, hip-hop, and gospel, entered this fray with a post that was both elegy and evangelism. On Instagram, he shared a photo of Kirk speaking, captioning it: “Charlie Kirk stood for truth and faith in a world that often rejects both. Jesus Christ is Lord, and I pray his family finds peace.” The declaration, rooted in his Christian identity, was a nod to Kirk’s outspoken faith, often woven into TPUSA rallies. But the post, especially its explicit invocation of Jesus, triggered a backlash. Within hours, Frank’s follower count plummeted—29,800 unfollows by morning, per analytics tools like HypeAuditor. Comments flooded in, ranging from “Unfollowed. Keep politics out of music” to “Why glorify a divisive figure?”
Frank’s response was unyielding. In a follow-up X post, he wrote: “Lost followers for speaking truth. I don’t care if you follow me, but I do care if you follow Jesus. Charlie’s death reminds us life is short—choose what lasts.” This defiance cemented his stance, resonating with fans who praised his courage. “Forrest standing firm for Christ is why I’m still here,” one supporter commented. Another shared a Bible verse, John 15:18: “If the world hates you, know it hated me first.” Yet, detractors accused him of aligning with Kirk’s controversial views on immigration, abortion, and LGBTQ+ issues, labeling him “tone-deaf” in a time of grief. Hashtags like #ForrestFrankCancelled and #JesusIsLord trended, with X posts amassing over 2 million engagements.
The backlash reflects broader tensions. Kirk’s assassination has polarized discourse, with conservatives framing it as martyrdom and progressives questioning his legacy. Frank, whose music often skirts political specifics, waded into this divide by tying his faith to Kirk’s. His follower loss—roughly 1% of his 3 million-strong base—pales compared to his reach but signals the cost of public faith in a secular-leaning industry. Christian artists like Lauren Daigle have faced similar pushback for religious posts, but Frank’s explicit nod to Kirk, a lightning rod for controversy, amplified the stakes.
Social media reactions were a microcosm of America’s culture wars. Conservative outlets like The Daily Wire praised Frank, with headlines like “Musician Stands for Christ Amid Backlash.” Supporters on X, including TPUSA’s Jack Poso, called him “a warrior for the Kingdom.” Meanwhile, liberal voices on Reddit and TikTok criticized the post’s timing, arguing it seemed to endorse Kirk’s politics. One viral TikTok quipped: “Forrest Frank preaching while the Kirk family grieves? Bad look.” Others defended his right to free expression, noting that celebrity faith often provokes outsized reactions. Data from Pew Research shows 60% of Americans view public religious statements by celebrities as divisive, yet 45% admire their authenticity.
Frank’s career, built on viral hits and a wholesome persona, has weathered storms before. His 2024 album Child of God topped Christian charts, and his tours sell out arenas. But this incident tests his resilience in a new way. Unlike Ava Raine, who faced death threats for critiquing Kirk, Frank’s backlash is mostly digital—though some venues reported refund requests for his upcoming shows. Industry insiders speculate he’ll lean into his Christian base, much like Kanye West did post-2020. Frank’s silence since the follow-up post suggests a strategic pause, but his team confirmed to Billboard he’s working on a new single addressing faith under fire.
This saga underscores the risks of blending spirituality with politics. Kirk’s death, like his life, exposed fault lines—faith versus secularism, free speech versus sensitivity. Frank’s declaration, “I don’t care if you follow me, but I do care if you follow Jesus,” echoes Kirk’s own unapologetic style, prioritizing conviction over popularity. As Erika Kirk continues his TPUSA mission and memorials draw thousands, Frank’s loss of followers is a small price for a larger statement. In a fleeting world of likes and unfollows, his stand for faith may resonate longer than the backlash, proving that even in division, a voice for belief can endure.
