Brittany Renner, the 33-year-old star of VH1’s Basketball Wives, is once again at the center of online controversy. Less than a year after publicly embracing Islam and adopting modest clothing, Renner has returned to her familiar provocative style, sparking widespread shock and disappointment among her followers. She had previously described her conversion as a transformative “beautiful purification process,” sharing her spiritual journey with millions.
However, her social media feed now shows a gradual but unmistakable shift back to revealing outfits. The transformation was documented across nine Instagram posts, beginning in May with loose, modest Islamic wear. By May 22, she announced a tattoo removal, hinting at a new direction. A few days later, she posted in conservative slacks. But by May 30, she was wearing a bright orange one-piece that, while not overtly tight, showcased more of her figure.
By mid-June, videos showed her without the hijab and sporting a new hairstyle. Each subsequent post became more revealing, until July 2023, when Renner shared a photo in a skimpy dress, marking a full return to her pre-conversion style. This rapid change fueled speculation that her embrace of Islam was not genuine, but rather influenced by her brief marriage to Muslim rapper Kevin Gates. Many online accused her of “cosplaying a faith for a man,” suggesting she adopted the religion only to please her then-husband. Renner admitted in a radio interview that she married Gates on April 6 and divorced just weeks later on May 28, leading many to question if her decision to leave the faith was tied to the end of that relationship.
Critics flooded her comments with harsh remarks. One user said, “She couldn’t get enough attention covered up,” while another wrote, “Praying for you sis, that jezebel spirit is a tough one.” Others reminded her of past statements about changing for herself and questioned why her faith didn’t last beyond the relationship, with one comment reading, “If it was really in your heart, you would still be a follower regardless of who you are with.” In response, Renner remained unapologetic, stating on Instagram, “I don’t ask for permission or forgiveness, nor am I in the business of convincing.” In interviews, she defended her actions, saying nobody expects a marriage to end and that she simply “followed her heart.”
@tiktokyoungboss Kita Rose speaks on Brittany Renner divorcing Kevin Gates and taking off her hijab 🧕🏽. She calls out a trend she sees in some women and influencers: When the lifestyle slows down, they get older, and the attention fades — some turn to religion. Not always out of true faith, but hoping a man sees them as “wife material” and saves them. 📉💍
She added that she doesn’t see the failed marriage as a negative experience but rather a necessary one. She is now taking a “90-day reset” to focus on rebuilding her life independently. Social media remains deeply divided. Some argue she has the right to dress as she pleases and shouldn’t be judged for changing her mind, emphasizing personal freedom over public expectations. Others view her actions as disrespectful, claiming she used a sacred religion for a temporary image makeover to suit a relationship, then discarded it when it no longer served her.
For critics, her sudden change reflects influencer culture, where authenticity often takes a backseat to attention and personal branding. Despite the criticism, Renner continues to post confidently, seemingly unbothered by public opinion. Whether this transformation is genuine self-discovery or another shift in her public persona, the debate highlights the tension between faith, personal choice, and the pressures of living in the spotlight, where every move is scrutinized.
