Nicole Scherzinger Faces Backlash for Commenting on Russell Brand’s “Make Jesus First Again” Post

Scherzinger is currently starring in 'Sunset Blvd.' on Broadway and her comments were met with a wave of outrage from the theater community.

Nicole Scherzingeris facing a backlash on social media for liking a post fromRussell Brand, the controversial comedian-turned-podcaster who is facing a number of sexual assault allegations.

On his personal Instagram, Brand posted a picture of himself holding a hat that said “Make Jesus First Again,” seemingly an allusion to the Trump campaign’s MAGA hat and also a reference to Brand’s recent conversion to Christianity.

In screengrabs that circulated online, Scherzinger appeared to have replied to the picture with the comment, “Where do I get this hat!!!?” Scherzinger’s comment is no longer on the post.

This week, U.K. detectives investigating sexual assault allegations against Brandhave asked prosecutors in the country to consider bringing charges against the former comedian. London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed it had received “a number of allegations of sexual offenses in London” and elsewhere in the U.K. following a joint investigation into Brand byChannel 4’sDispatchesprogram as well asThe Times of LondonandThe Sunday Times of Londonnewspapersin September 2023.Dispatchesaired extensive allegations,including claims of rape and sexual assault, against Brand.

Brand has denied all claims made against him, which date between 2006 and 2013, when the 49-year-old was at the height of his fame.

The Hollywood Reporterhas reached out to Scherzinger’s reps for comment on the post.

The controversy comes as Scherzinger is receiving rave reviews and attracting strong awards buzz for her performance in theSunset Blvd. revivalon Broadway. In aglowing review,The Hollywood Reporter‘s David Rooney wrote that, “Many wondered if the performer, made famous by early 2000s girl group the Pussycat Dolls, was too young, or if she had the stage presence and acting chops for the role. But those concerns vanish almost from the moment she’s hoisted by the chorus into the spotlight during Lloyd’s amusing live-capture opening credits, just as the title appears in the boldest of red fonts.”

Reps forSunset Blvd. did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Comments onSunset Blvd.appear to have been disabled, but many Broadway fans took to Scherzinger’s personal Instagram to express their dismay for what they believe is her positive stance toward Trump.

“You don’t get to come into our community and spread your nonsense,” one comment read.

The production, which opened on Broadway on Oct. 23, transferred to New York after a successful run in London’s West End.