OnlyFans star Lily Philips is no stranger to causing a stir, but she has now revealed the story behind images of her attending a Brisbane church that sent social media into a pearl-clutching spiral.
In April, pictures of the 24-year-old surfaced, climbing the steps of St. John’s Cathedral in the city’s CBD. She was joined by close Aussie friend, Annie Knight, and her fellow castmates from the new Stan series Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money. Social media scoffed at the display, questioning the appropriateness of the racy outfits the women were wearing, but now Philips has set the story straight.
But crossing the threshold and into the House of God wasn’t just another stunt. While many sex workers might throw the phrase ‘oh God!’ around for a variety of NSFW reasons, Phillips’ context differs. The popular sex worker had been attending her own baptism.
“I think for me, I do believe that God’s rules have definitely evolved,” Phillips told news.com.au.
Philips has been vocal in the past about her relationship with her faith, adhering to what she refers to as “bespoke religion”, adding that her faith has always been a huge part of who she is and is responsible for grounding her and reminding her what truly matters.
“There was a point when... all I cared about was monetary stuff. I think what faith has helped me to do was really ground me and make me so grateful for what I already have,” she explained.
While her career choice might strike many as far from biblical, she doesn’t believe God would judge her.
“Obviously, I think at the end of the day it’s something that is natural, sex,” she explained. “I don’t think he’s against gay marriage anymore, I don’t think he’s necessarily against abortions, I think as the world evolves so has God.”
Last week, the first episode of the reality show aired, and fans were given a glimpse at the stars within the church in the show reel of what is to come within the season. Viewers saw snippets of the cast receiving Holy Communion and singing hymns from prayer books in the pews of the church.
Friend and fellow OnlyFans creator, Annie Knight, also shared her own experience with faith. “I grew up Catholic. I went to an all-girl Catholic school, and so I hadn’t stepped foot in a church since I was 18,” the 29-year-old told news.com.au. “Being able to go back to Church and just experience it all again, it was actually quite nostalgic.”
She recalled the lyrics to hymns she once had to memorise, sparking fond memories. While she doesn’t adhere to any religious beliefs now, she was still surprised at how warm their welcome was into the church.
“It was nice to be accepted by everyone there. It was really good,” she said. “There’s always going to be a few judgmental people, but I think overall it was really amazing that we were welcomed with open arms. I guess society is changing and everybody’s getting a little more accepting of our industry, which is great.”
When news.com.au reached out to the church in January, they explained producers had contacted the church Dean because someone had been “wanting to reconnect with her faith”. “She wanted to reconnect to her baptism, and he facilitated that as he would anyone. There was no special treatment,” the spokesperson said.
In fact, Ms Philips believes that hate is the ultimate testament of her righteousness. “I think if you haven’t got haters, then you’re not really at a level of success,” she said. “Haters are a really good sign you’re doing well… that you’re making waves.”
