Who is Tommy Genesis? Canadian rapper under fire for 'blasphemous' True Blue video accused of mocking Hindu and Christian faiths

Time of India

9 hours ago

Indian-origin Canadian rapper Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj, known professionally as Tommy Genesis, is facing intense backlash following the release of her new music video, True Blue. The controversial video has sparked outrage online for its depiction of religious imagery that many viewers have called disrespectful and deeply offensive to both Hindu and Christian communities.
Tommy Genesis accused of cultural and religious insensitivity
In the alleged provocative music video, Tommy Genesis appears painted in blue, adorned in heavy gold jewellery, wearing a red bindi, and styled in a look reminiscent of Hindu goddess iconography. Simultaneously, she is seen handling a Christian cross, licking it and placing it suggestively near her backside. This blend of sacred symbolism and provocative visuals has prompted fierce criticism online, with many accusing the rapper of blatant cultural appropriation and religious insensitivity.
Backlash from both Hindu and Christian communities
The combination of Hindu goddess styling and irreverent use of the Christian cross has led to accusations of blasphemy from members of both religious communities. While Hindus slammed her for appropriating their culture and for her objectionable portrayal of Maa Kali, the presence of a Christian cross in the video also raised eyebrows. Many Christians also took offense at the way the cross was used, calling the visuals blasphemous and deeply disrespectful.
Several viewers have condemned the visuals as a "cheap attempt at getting famous" and an irresponsible use of sacred symbols for shock value. Others called on the artist to take accountability and issue a public apology.
One user wrote on X, "And people will let this shit pass? Like, wtf? Disrespecting 2 religions just like that?! @tommygenesis What happened to cultural appropriation? What the fuck is wrong with you? Respectfully delete this mv and apologise! You're disrespecting a religion that is as old as civilisation!"
And people will let this shit pass? Like wtf? Disrespecting 2 religions just like that?! @tommygenesis what happened to cultural appropriation? Wtf is wrong with you? Respectfully delete this mv and apologise! You're disrespecting a religion that is as old as civilization! https://t.co/RbXKb4eSEt
"Just listened to Tommy Genesis, whose real name is Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj. She is a Canadian artist with an Indian background from the Kerala and Tamil side. Her new song openly mocks both Hindu and Christian faiths. This is not creativity; this is pure disrespect. Surprised," another netizen added.
Just listened to Tommy Genesis whose real name is Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj. She is a Canadian artist with an Indian background from Kerala and Tamil side. Her new song openly mocks both Hindu and Christian faiths. This is not creativity this is pure disrespect. Surprised @YouTube… pic.twitter.com/2tMnfEQNfM
A third wrote, "Meet Tommy Genesis,, aka Genesis.. Yasmine Mohanraj A Vancouver, Canada-based rapper, shee has done her makeup in the video of one of her songs titled "True Blue" justto show her wokeness towards Hindu culture and disrespecting our Goddess Kali! This is blasphemy. Report her video on YouTube as much as possible. Tommy Genesis has yet to respond to the backlash."
Meet Tommy Genesis aka Genesis Yasmine MohanrajA Vancouver, Canada based rapperShe has done her makeup in the video of one of her songs titled "True Blue" just to show her wokeness towards Hindu culture and disrespecting our Goddess Kali !!This is blasphemy, Report her… pic.twitter.com/vSOe3fobEI
"Tommy Genesis, how dare you mock our culture? Don't have fucking shame doing this to someone's god. Do you even have any idea what Maa Kali represents? you disgusting women You western people's minds are wasted, bloody fucking b*tch. How dare you? Delete this video and apologise, you dumb b*tch," another enraged X user mentioned.
Tommy Genesis how dare you mocking our culture.Don't have fucking shame doing this someone's god. Do you even have any idea what Maa Kali represents? you disgusting womenYou west ppls mind is wasted bloody fucking b*tch how dare you.Delete this vdo and Apologise you dumb b*tch https://t.co/5Lmu1Xh6K9
Who is Tommy Genesis?
Tommy Genesis, whose real name is Yasmine Mohanraj, is known for pushing boundaries in both music and style. When she's not rapping, she's modelling for top fashion brands. With Tamil and Swedish roots, she grew up in Vancouver and studied film and sculpture before stepping into the world of music. Tommy, 34, first gained attention in the underground scene with her raw, experimental sound and bold lyrics that explore themes of identity, sexuality, and rebellion.
Over the years, she's been called 'the internet's most rebellious underground rap queen' by Dazed and has collaborated with artists like Charli XCX while also modelling for brands like Calvin Klein. Tommy's work often blurs the line between art and controversy, and she's never been afraid to challenge norms.
Meanwhile, the incident has reignited conversations about the responsibility artists have when drawing inspiration from religion and culture. While Genesis is known for her provocative and experimental style, many on social media argue that creative freedom should not come at the cost of deeply held beliefs.
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