Rapper Tokischa Altagracia Peralta, 30, has triggered widespread outrage after posing nearly nude during a photoshoot inside a historic basilica in Spain.
Provocative Images Surface
Photographs from the shoot at the Basilica of Santa María del Coro in San Sebastián capture the Dominican artist kneeling on a pew in just a skimpy G-string and high heels, displaying her tattoos before an image of the Divine Mercy. Another image depicts her against a wall surrounded by arrows, evoking the martyrdom of St. Sebastian.
These images formed part of her music video ‘(No) Margine – Part 1 – ‘Bisous Bisous’,’ which debuted on March 25 to her over two million subscribers.
Diocese Demands Action
The Diocese of San Sebastián has called for the production company, Visore, to delete the images and is evaluating potential legal or canonical measures. A spokesperson for the diocese stated: “We deeply regret the misuse of a sacred space to create content that is at odds with the respect owed to such a place and that offends the religious sensibilities of the faithful.”
Officials reveal that Visore sought permission last July for a “brief scene inside one of the diocese’s churches, promising it would be a ‘contemplative and respectful moment, with no dialogue or any activity that would disrupt the normal running of the space.’” Further inquiries described it as a “cultural project aimed at promoting Basque culture through an intimate, poetic story.”
After reviewing Tokischa and Visore’s prior projects, the diocese denied the request. However, Visore reportedly bypassed the decision by contacting other basilica officials without mention of the refusal. The diocese emphasized: “Only activities that support and promote worship, piety, and religion are permitted in a sacred place, and anything inconsistent with the holiness of the site is prohibited.”
Tokischa Responds Defiantly
Facing criticism, Tokischa addressed fans on social media: “My relationship is with God, not with religion. God accepts me as I am, created me, does not judge me, and allows me to learn from my mistakes and discover the truth for myself.”
History of Controversy
The artist, from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, has faced similar backlash before. In 2021, she drew condemnation for semi-nude poses at the sanctuary of the Virgin of Altagracia in La Vega.
Tokischa overcame a traumatic past, entering sex work at 18 after being groomed. She shared with Listin Diario: “Being with a person you aren’t attracted to and like is frustrating. After I had sex with someone, I would go into the bathroom to take a shower, crying, frustrated.” She spent earnings on drugs but transformed her life through music.
Her breakout hit ‘Bellaca Putona’ topped Dominican charts in January 2021, followed by global collabs with J Balvin and Rosalía.
