Jelly Roll’s wife has defended the country singer after he faced online backlash for referencing Jesus during his acceptance speech at the Grammy Awards.

The artist thanked Jesus while accepting the award for Best Contemporary Country Album for his project Beautifully Broken, one of three awards he received on the night.

“I know they’re going to try to kick me off here, so just let me try to get this out. First of all, Jesus, I hear you, and I’m listening, Lord. I am listening, Lord,” he said during his speech.

He continued: “I want to tell y’all right now, Jesus is for everybody. Jesus is not owned by one political party. Jesus is not owned by no music label. Jesus is Jesus, and anybody can have a relationship with Him. I love you, Lord.”

Following the ceremony, some social media users criticised the singer, accusing him of being a “performative Christian” and of avoiding political stances. Critics also pointed to his public expressions of faith while not addressing the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, an issue raised by some artists during the awards.

His wife, Bunnie Xo — whose real name is Alisa DeFord — described the reaction as “horrific” and “borderline demonic,” according to The Christian Post.

Speaking on a recent episode of her podcast Dumb Blonde, she said: “The problem is that people are weaponizing the Bible and religion way more than they are celebrating the name of Jesus.”

She added: “It's to the point where they're just proving why people do not want to be a Christian.”

Bunnie Xo said she was attempting to “turn the other cheek,” but questioned the motives of critics.

“In what world is it okay to ever question somebody’s walk with God?”