A video showing a teenager in the United States apologizing to her church congregation for being pregnant has gone viral, sparking intense discussions across social media. The clip, which was shared by media personality and journalist Jemele Hill on Instagram, comes from the True Vine Apostolic Church in Hampton, Virginia, led by Bishop Terry Jackson and First Lady Sister Paulette Jackson. Hill, commenting on the post, expressed her disapproval, stating, “The only person who should be ashamed in this scenario is the pastor. I hope she finds a new church home.”

In the video, a visibly emotional teenager stands before the congregation and apologizes, saying, “I want to apologize to everybody in here because I am pregnant… I’m sorry y’all. I just hope that y’all all forgive me.” Her words are met with applause from the congregation, and she requests their prayers before the pastor steps up to speak.

The pastor’s response was harsh, as he told the congregation, “If you sin, you don’t wait till the baby comes to repent… she already knows what time it is. We ain’t gon’ condone your sin now… Ain’t no baby showers going on, that’s what you lose out on.” He further stated that no one from the church should attend a baby shower for someone who had a child out of wedlock.

The video has provoked widespread condemnation, with many people voicing their support for the teenager and criticizing the church’s public shaming. Television host Sunny Hostin was among those who expressed support, offering to host the teen’s baby shower and assuring her that her baby would be celebrated.

However, in response to the backlash, a woman claiming to be the teenager’s grandmother defended both the church’s and the family’s actions. In a Facebook post, Dee Myles explained that her daughter, the teenager, had not been coerced into standing before the congregation, and that the family was proud of their beliefs and actions. She added that they were not seeking external validation and appreciated those who supported their stance.