Days after Kat Von D announced her baptism on Instagram, the tattoo artist is now speaking out on her recent conversation and addressing the backlash she received from a particular group of people.
In a video posted to her Instagram, the makeup mogul said that she doesn’t plan to speak too often about her growing faith because it’s still new, and she would prefer to grow in her faith without dealing with the burden of the public eye.
“I don’t really feel equipped to be the poster child for Christianity,” Von D said. “I think that I’m still learning and, as I do, I will become more equipped, but, for the time being, I feel like — I’ve never really been that and I don’t plan on doing that.
“But this is where I’m at and, to me, my baptism was a public demonstration of where I stand with my faith and basically letting people know that I’m not ashamed,” she continued. “And so that’s why I really wanted to share it with people. And if there was anyone out there that felt like they were at a crossroads and don’t feel like you fit in — because I don’t feel like I fit in anywhere now, or that I ever have, to be honest — you’re not alone.”
Von D went on to share she was surprised most of the criticism online came from Christians, instead of atheist or agnostic fans that she had been expecting.
“It was really the Christians who were the worst,” she said. “It was really just sad to see this critical display of judgment from Christians, and I don’t understand what would inspire that, aside from something that’s more egoic, because that isn’t Christlike, to judge people or judge people’s journey. You would think that most Christians would be happy for you when you come to this point in your life, especially when you get baptized.
“Baptism is so beautiful and it’s such a big landmark in time,” she continued. “For me, at least, it was one of the most important days of my life, so it’s strange that these handful of negative, critical Christians would come at me in such a public way.”
The Miami Ink star also clarified that, despite the rumors, her salvation is not “a PR stunt to get clicks and follows or views.” She also called out critics who doubted her faith because of the way she dresses, predominately in black clothing with dark makeup.
“I think it’s really insane that we live in a time where people still judge a book by its cover,” she said.”I wasn’t aware that there’s a uniform that you’re supposed to wear once you give your heart to Jesus.”
She even called out those who criticized the way in which she was baptized, as some claimed she made it a spectacle.
“I didn’t get baptized to be saved,” Von D said. “I was already saved. And I didn’t get baptized to make it about me; it was never about me.”
Von D has been on a lengthy spiritual journey over the last several years. In July 2022, she posted on Instagram that she was moving away from dabbling in occult practices, witchcraft and tarot. Since then, she has been involved in her small church, Switzerland Baptist Church in Vevay, Indiana, even joining the church choir (you can see her on the end in the video below).
“Our little choir, we sing from the heart,” she said. “We might not be the best, but we sing from the heart and I think that’s what worship is and what it should be. I love that my little humble church was so warm and welcoming to all my friends who flew out and have embraced me and my family so deeply that I’ve never really felt this feeling of family.”
