Gwen Stefani has been criticised for promoting a Catholic prayer and meditation app, Hallow.

The singer-songwriter has received backlash from fans for the paid-for app’s pro-life stance, which its chief executive said it “proudly and unequivocally” supports. 

In a social media clip, Stefani shares her belief that “it is important this holiday season to spend time in prayer. That is what Christmas is all about: letting God into our hearts and letting Jesus bring us his peace".

One Instagram user commented “I ain’t no Hallow app girl” - a play on her 2005 single Hollaback Girl. 

“This is very disappointing Gwen,” one fan commented, “lots of your fans are from the LGBTQ+ community and this feels like a deep betrayal".

Another said: “honestly never thought that you would be anti-abortion.” Others accused her of being a “traitorous girl” and being a “grifter of Jesus.”

Some fans came to Stefani’s defence, praising her for “promoting something others try to demonise” and “shining light in the midst of darkness".

WWE star Nikki Bella responded with a heart and praying hands emoji. 

Stefani spoke of her return to faith in Hallow’s Lent campaign, having fallen away at the beginning of her music career. 

“Then came a time in my life where I felt like I was losing everything,” she said, “feeling so desperate, I got on my knees, I asked God: 'Please, please get me well. Please use my gift of music again. Please let me be the person I used to be.'”

Alex Jones, chief executive of Hallow, previously told the National Catholic Register that it “stands proudly and unequivocally in support of all Catholic Church teaching, especially the pro-life stance of the Church".

The subscription-based app frequently partners with celebrities.