Graphic by Mary-Amma Blankson
“I’m everywhere, I’m so Julia.”
These were the first words congregants heard booming from the pulpit on Sunday morning, accompanied by an uncanny video of pop star Charli xcx preaching in between bumps.
The incident occurred at Holy Ghosted Church in Houston, Texas, after a “technical mix-up” led to an AI-generated deepfake of Charli xcx appearing on the big screen. Instead of a solemn eulogy honoring the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, worshippers were treated to a breathy, British-accented monologue about being a “365 partygirl” and “serving cunt,” leaving many confused and at least three elderly churchgoers speaking in tongues.
“We wanted to honor Mr. Kirk with dignity,” stated Pastor Evan Jellicle. “However, the task was left up to my 16-year-old son, who told me this was ‘literally mother.’ I assumed that he was referring to Mary!”
Witnesses report that when AI-Charli began preaching Charli 36:5, ushers scrambled to shut down the projector, but not before a majority of the congregation had risen to their feet and began a spirited chorus of, “I’m your favorite reference, baby.”
Church leadership promised a proper tribute to Charlie Kirk the following week, but some witnesses claim they have been spiritually moved by the mix-up. “I came here a Christian,” said 65-year-old Patri Perkins, “but I left a brat.”
