Texas Woman Banned from Grapevine Mills Mall Over Faith Shirt Gives Update: ‘You Can Wear a Jesus Shirt’

You might assume that wearing a shirt with a faith-based message while visiting a mall in the United States wouldn’t raise any eyebrows, but one Texas woman in Grapevine Mills says her experience turned out very differently. Allegedly, the lady claims that she was visiting the shopping mall recently while sporting a shirt with a faith-based, Christian message adorned across it and was “passing out Jesuses,” but was asked to leave. Not only that, but she claims that she received a lifetime ban due to the incident. However, the woman — who has since been identified as E. Whatley — has given an update, and she has now confirmed that she is not banned for life at Grapevine Mills mall.

The two minute clip opens inside Grapevine Mills mall and sees the woman being escorted off the premises by onsite security. She appears to be documenting the incident as it unfolds, seemingly for her own safety. In the background, the guard on a Segway can be heard describing the woman to other security staff through his earpiece. “Blondish colored hair, caucasian female.” says the guard. E. Whatley then looks at the camera and explains, “For passing out Jesuses. At Grapevine Mills Mall.“

As the back-and-forth continues, the guard can be heard saying, “She was uncooperative.” which doesn’t sit too well with the woman. “Uncooperative? I’m uncooperative?” she exclaims in a puzzled manner. Growing frustrated with the security guard following her, the Texas woman declares rudely, “It just gives Paul Blart.” before bursting into laughter. Going further, she says, “Paul Blart. The mall cop. He says Jesus is not allowed in the mall.”

Interestingly, the security guard can be heard exclaiming, “That’s not the way that a Christian acts.” which makes the woman laugh once again. Sarcastically, E. Whatley states, “Yeah, a Christian would not hand out Jesuses in the mall. That makes sense.”

Adding some context to the incident is some additional detail from the Texas woman’s personal Instagram post, which reads:

However, shortly after the video went viral, E. Whatley shared an update on Instagram confirming that a manager at Grapevine Mills mall reached out to her to let her know that she is not banned and is welcome at the shopping complex. In a follow-up video, she clarifies, “I am not banned for life. I just spoke with Joe — I wish I could say his last name — and he fully apologised. He said things would be handled. He gave me some correct information. You can wear a Jesus shirt. You can be a Christian. You can. You will not be asked to leave. If you go there and this employee or any employee tells you to turn your shirt inside out, you do not have to do it. Very kind. Very considerate. Very apologetic. And said Christians are allowed int he mall. So, there we have it. Jesus is back.”

Related: Texas Pastor Angers Fellow Christians After Urging Them to Pay Tithes First Instead of Bills & Groceries: ‘What Do God Be Spending My Money On?’

With the video still continuing to circulate online, social media users chimed in with their thoughts on the incident. On Reddit, one user wrote, “Man, I don’t wanna sound like an ass but…. There’s a look in her eyes that deeply unsettles me. I don’t know what it is but I don’t like it.” while another more lighthearted comment read, “The Segway cop has real character creator energy, what a stache.” Meanwhile, on Instagram, others were more sympathetic towards the woman, with one person expressing, “And I will never step foot in that mall again. Actually, I’m going to show up with my whole family in Jesus shirts!!” and another adding, “People have lost their minds! All this fuss over a little Jesus? What are they afraid of?“

As it turns out, the viral incident appears to have had a positive outcome. Not only is the woman now welcome back at the mall, but the situation has also sparked a wider conversation online about how such encounters should be handled.