US Far-Right Figures Escalate Anti-Hindu Rhetoric, Sparking Online Outcry
For decades, the United States has served as the cultural and economic epicenter of the global village, but this influence is now being exploited to propagate a growing wave of anti-Indian sentiment. From social media posts to religious leaders, numerous voices in the country have joined an anti-Indian and anti-Hindu bandwagon, often seeking clout by inciting public fears about the community and its religious practices. The latest controversy centers on Pastor Joel Webbon and provocateur Alex Stein, whose recent collaboration on the 'After Hours with Alex Stein' podcast has been widely condemned as a masterclass in religious intolerance.
Podcast Remarks Label Hinduism as Demonic
Webbon and Stein, both known for their controversial statements regarding Indians and Hindus, engaged in a discussion about demographic changes in Texas, where they alleged that Indians have taken over jobs, housing, and communities. In a viral clip on X, Stein made derogatory remarks, claiming Hindus "like to worship the cow, they drink the cow pee, they eat the cow poop," while prompting Webbon to comment on the religion's nature. Webbon responded by labeling Hinduism as "insanely demonic," citing its polytheistic beliefs with "millions of gods" and alleging that videos show Hindus engaging in pagan rituals involving animal sacrifice and blood consumption. He asserted that the religion is "very pagan, very demonic, polytheistic and very satanic," and claimed it leads to damnation. Stein added to the criticism, arguing that Hinduism does not align with Western cultural values and accused Indians of committing H-1B visa fraud to transform northern Texas into "Little Mumbai, India."
Online Backlash and Historical Context
The far-right conservatives faced significant online backlash for their characterization of Hinduism as "demonic." Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho Corporation, criticized the comments in an X post, writing, "Arrogant, intolerant monotheism - see the video below - that goes around labelling reverence for all of nature as 'demonic' and 'satanic' - that belief is what makes men do evil. History supplies ample evidence. Hindus did not run crusades. Hindus did not burn witches at the stake. Hindus did not invade nations and enslave people in the name of bringing 'Civilisation' and 'God' to 'pagans'." Other social media users echoed this sentiment, with one noting, "Crazy how Hinduism is the only religion among those he mentioned that never said 'Follow this religion or you’ll rot in hell.' Definitely something a devil would say to inflict fear and lure people into their cult, yet somehow Hinduism is the demonic one here, sure." Another user suggested, "It's business for them. If they don't label Hinduism as pagan or demonic, then conversions cannot happen, and the Church will not make money. They have always been deliberately myopic and narrow-minded where Hinduism is concerned."
Background of the Controversial Figures
Joel Webbon, a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist and controversial podcaster, has previously faced trolling for statements such as claiming women need to "shut up" in public and private spheres. In November 2025, he targeted FBI director Kash Patel over a Diwali greeting, telling him to return to India and worship 'demons.' Alex Stein, a YouTuber, gained notoriety for a satirical speech at a Plano City Council meeting where he mocked Hindu beliefs while dressed in traditional attire, including a yellow kurta and red tilak. These incidents are part of a broader trend where influencers and far-right commentators have intensified attacks on Indians and Hindus within the US, particularly in states like Texas with significant Indian populations, following changes in H-1B visa policies that reduced Indian arrivals.
Rising Anti-Hindu Sentiment and Research Findings
This surge in anti-Hindu rhetoric aligns with documented patterns of online hate. In 2022, research by the Network Contagion Research Institute at Rutgers University highlighted how social media has been systematically weaponized to target Hindu communities, often through bots and geopolitical actors. The study warned that such online hatred frequently spills into the physical world, urging Hindu communities to remain vigilant. As anti-Indian sentiment grows, fueled by demographic shifts and political narratives, the need for awareness and counteraction against intolerance becomes increasingly critical in maintaining social harmony.
