Ashley James, a 39-year-old mother-of-two, has ignited a fierce debate after being accused of 'mocking the Bible' and 'spreading misinformation' on what many consider the most religious day of the year. The controversy erupted when James, currently on a solo holiday in Tulum, Mexico, shared a passage from the Bible on Easter Sunday while posing in her bikini.
The Provocative Post
James posted Psalm 116 verse 11, which reads: 'I said in my haste. All men are liars. Thank you.' She accompanied this with a message explaining her playful approach. 'Hi everyone. Happy easter. I thought I would celebrate today with a favourite reading from the bible,' she wrote.
Defending Her Position
In detailed comments, James elaborated on her motivations. 'As you know, some people like to call me “woke” or a “feminazi”… and a few have even suggested I find God. So I took their advice and read the Bible. And do you know what… they were right, I really connected with it,' she penned.
She clarified her stance: 'Obviously this is a joke. I respect all faiths: Faith is beautiful. What I don’t respect is people using religion to justify war, control, and oppression, especially when it’s used to police women’s bodies, sexuality, and queer communities, or to fuel hostility towards immigrants.'
Political Criticism
James specifically targeted recent political rhetoric from the United States. 'Because some of the Easter messaging coming out of the White House this week has been honestly disturbing. Paula White-Cain compared Trump to Jesus, saying he had been “betrayed”, “arrested” and “falsely accused.” Franklin Graham used religious language to frame war, claiming Iranians want the death of all Jews and positioning Trump as chosen by God in justifying the war.'
She posed challenging questions: 'And it just makes me think…Do you really believe Jesus would support stripping families apart and detaining them? Building ballrooms while people struggle to survive? Accepting a $400m private jet while cutting healthcare? Calling some humans “illegal”? Killing innocent civilians around the world? Or bragging about grabbing women “by the pussy”?'
Religious Interpretation
James argued for consistent biblical interpretation: 'If we’re going to start taking everything in the Bible literally, then let’s actually apply it properly, not just when it suits power. As William Blake said, “A truth that’s told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent.”'
She concluded her religious commentary: 'Faith, to me, should be about compassion, equality, and human rights. Creating a world of love and peace. So Happy Easter, lovers, and here’s to dreaming of a more beautiful world.'
Mixed Reactions
The post generated polarized responses. Critics accused James of disrespect: 'Please don’t mock the Bible. And on this sacred and Holy weekend let’s not tie Trump and his antics back to Jesus, a lot of bad people use all religions for their own purposes, he’s no different.'
Another comment read: 'May as well rebrand as Ashley TikyToky the level of rage baiting for clicks and money making. The lack of authenticity is astounding. Mocking your child’s interest in religion twice in one week and now mocking religion more broadly, just wow.'
However, supporters praised her stance. Celebrity reactions included Carol Vorderman sharing laughing emojis, Millie Mackintosh posting praising hand emojis, and Alice Evans writing: 'You absolutely ROCK.' Other followers commented: 'Can’t believe the amount of hate you get for this incredible content keep fighting the good fight.'
Additional Controversy
James also shared a video comparing Trump to Jesus, questioning: 'I am pretty sure even by conservative Christian values this is blasphemy? I mean wtf is this? How on earth can Trump be compared to Jesus. People are MAD. The version of conservative Christianity rising in the US now is deeply disturbing.'
She expanded her critique: 'You cannot claim faith while supporting war that kills innocent people. You cannot call yourself Christian while deciding which humans deserve safety and which don't. And you cannot be "pro-life" while denying women life-saving healthcare. This isn't about religion. It's about politics power and control and using faith to justify harm.'
Personal Context
James addressed her decision to holiday alone during Easter, responding to criticism about leaving her children. 'Is it selfish to go away without your kids? Some people have said so in the comments. Others think it’s weird I’ve chosen to come away on my own. I know for some people it’s their worst nightmare but I love my own company!'
She defended her choice: 'But in my eyes, filling my own cup makes me a better mum. And I always wonder why society expects mums to be all sacrificing, to give up their hobbies, and yet not change after having kids. Whenever Tommy goes away, no one questions him. They don’t ask who’s looking after the kids or question his commitment. And yet when I go away, it’s always questioned.'
Reflections on Solo Travel
James shared personal insights: 'Solo travel is actually how I learned to be happy. When I was single in my late 20s, I felt lonely and like I’d failed somehow. Travelling alone changed that. It taught me my life could be full, exciting and joyful without needing to look like a relationship or motherhood. It’s where I got to know myself… and started to actually like myself.'
She explained her current motivation: 'So coming away now isn’t about “escaping” my life, it’s about reconnecting with that part of me. And if I’m honest, I really needed it. I’ve been feeling burnt out with early starts, work, the book… all of it. I could feel myself running on empty.'
Regarding her family, she added: 'Of course I miss the kids SO much. They’re having the best time in France with Tommy and their grandparents, which is so special for them. It also gives them space to build those relationships without me always being there, which is important - for them and Tommy too. And for me, it’s a chance to slow down, read, think, and just be.'
James concluded with a message to other mothers: 'I know so many mums feel guilt existing outside of motherhood, but we’re showing our kids we can still have rich, full lives. And one day when they leave the nest, we still have our own things. Mums aren’t robots. We can be self sacrificing, but sometimes we need things for ourselves too - and we shouldn’t feel guilt for that. So some say it’s selfish, but I say it’s selfless.'
