Singer-songwriter Joy Villa turned heads and sparked conversation on the red carpet at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, using her fashion as a platform for protest. The artist arrived at the Crypto.com Arena wearing a striking blue jumpsuit emblazoned with the provocative phrase "Scientology Kills" across the chest, a direct challenge to the controversial religious organization.
A Detailed Statement Through Fashion
Villa's ensemble was carefully constructed to convey multiple layers of meaning. She paired the attention-grabbing jumpsuit with a vibrant pink fuzzy coat that featured numerous small notes attached to its surface. Each note bore the name of an individual who has allegedly had connections to Scientology, creating a visual roster of associated figures. This coordinated look represented one of the most politically charged fashion statements seen at this year's prestigious music awards ceremony.
A History of Political Fashion Statements
This dramatic appearance continues Villa's established pattern of using Grammy red carpet moments to express conservative viewpoints and political commentary through her wardrobe choices. Her history of statement-making fashion includes wearing a "Make America Great Again" dress at the 2017 Grammys in support of then-President Donald Trump. The following year, she appeared in a white gown featuring a fetus inside a rainbow with the words "Choose Life," aligning with anti-abortion messaging. At the 2020 ceremony, Villa again expressed support for Trump with a dress that read "impeached and re-elected" on the back.
Personal Experience with Scientology
Villa's protest carries particular weight given her personal history with the organization she now criticizes. In May 2025, the singer publicly announced during a live social media broadcast that she had left Scientology after fifteen years of membership. Earlier this month, she elaborated on her departure in a detailed essay published by Evie magazine, describing how the religion was "slowly destroying" her both emotionally and financially.
The artist revealed she had contributed approximately $2 million to the organization during her time as a member. She wrote candidly about her deteriorating mental state, explaining, "I was working twelve-hour days, mentally depleted, spiritually numb, emotionally unraveling. I was deeply depressed. So depressed that I began to scare myself. I did not want to die, but I no longer wanted to live."
Questioning Attribution of Success
Villa further expressed frustration with how Scientology framed her professional achievements. According to her account, the organization consistently attributed her success not to her talent, perseverance, or divine blessing, but rather to "auditing, donations, and loyalty to the organization." She lamented that "my success became propaganda. My life became marketing," suggesting her artistic accomplishments were co-opted to serve the church's promotional needs.
Remembering Those Affected
One particularly poignant name featured on Villa's coat was Philip Gale, a software internet developer who died by suicide in 1998. Reports indicate that leaving Scientology had been a "traumatic" experience for Gale, highlighting the potential psychological impact of disengagement from the organization. By including his name among others, Villa memorialized individuals whose lives were reportedly affected by their involvement with the church.
Through this carefully orchestrated red carpet appearance, Joy Villa transformed a typically glamorous awards show moment into a platform for personal testimony and social commentary, drawing attention to her experiences and concerns regarding Scientology's influence on its members.
