‘No thank you, I’m a child of God’

When a video of Laetitia Iacono politely but firmly declining Usher’s infamous ‘cherry’ routine - where he offers a female audience member a cherry in a move mimicking sexual innuendo - at his own concert went viral, Christian circles across the world took notice. I sat down with Laetitia – dancer, actress and self-described child of God – to talk about faith, resilience and what it really means to stand your ground in a world that often wants you to compromise. 

Usher, boundaries and the spotlight

Laetitia’s story with Usher has already become legend: invited by a friend who dances for Usher, she wound up on the edge of the VIP area. “He came up to me and asked if I wanted to eat the cherry,” she recalls with a laugh. “I said, ‘No, I’m a child of God.’ He was surprised, not PR-trained for that response, but I just wanted to keep my values.”

For Laetitia, this wasn’t about disrespecting anyone. “I was there to support my friend, not to be part of a show. I’ve always seen everyone as equal, never put anyone on a pedestal – even global artists.”

Finding refuge in faith

Laetitia grew up in Belgium in a Catholic family, attending church every Sunday with her grandmother. “After she passed [away], I stopped going for a while,” she admits, “but when I was about 15, after I danced for Justin Bieber, I started going back.” 

That brush with fame came early – she performed with Bieber at just eleven years old. “Even then, I wasn’t starstruck. My parents taught me not to idolise anyone.” But the attention wasn’t all positive. “I was bullied a lot in middle school. People would say horrible things about me and Justin – the kind of comments no girl should hear. I was excluded, mocked by students and teachers alike. I switched schools, but it followed me.”

In her isolation, Laetitia turned to faith. “As an only child, I had no one to talk to, so I talked to God. I started reading the Bible, going to church and praying daily. Even when it felt like nothing would change, my faith gave me a sense of purpose.”

Her family’s support was crucial, but there were limits. “My mum would always defend me, but sometimes that made things worse. Eventually, I stopped telling her everything and leaned more on God.”

Women and the damaging herd mentality

As someone who has spoken at women’s conferences and led women’s groups, I asked Laetitia if she had any insight into why girls can be so cruel to each other. Her answer is simple but profound: “Insecurity. When you put a group together, those insecurities add up. One person starts, and, if nobody stops it, gossip takes over. It’s rarely just one girl – it’s always the group.”

She’s seen the same pattern among women online. “After the Usher story, most of the criticism I got was from women. It’s confusing – aren’t we supposed to support each other?”

I’ve always seen everyone as equal, never put anyone on a pedestal – even global artists

Despite the bullying, Laetitia excelled academically. “My parents always said: ‘Get your degree first, then do whatever you want.’ Now, I’m studying business and philosophy at KU Leuven, one of Belgium’s top universities. Some of the girls who mocked me didn’t even finish high school.”

Her career has branched into acting, but the entertainment industry brings its own challenges. “There are Christians in the industry, but also many who aren’t. I’ve worked with people who openly disrespect faith, and I just can’t be around that.”

Still, she’s grateful for her Christian friends. “They help me stay grounded. It’s important to have boundaries and know who you are.”

Authenticity and resilience

With over 12,000 Instagram followers, Laetitia is intentional about her online presence. Her bio simply reads, “Made in heaven.” “It’s my way of saying I’m spiritual, that heaven means purity and faith for me. I always let people know I’m a Christian, even if it’s subtle – whether it’s a Bible verse or a photo at church.” 

She receives feedback from Christians and non-Christians alike. “Most Christians who know me personally support me. Sometimes strangers DM about my music choices or clothes, but I try to see the good and not dwell on negativity. I know who I am in Christ – other people’s opinions can’t shake that.”

Laetitia’s resilience is remarkable, but she’s honest about her struggles. “The hardest thing I faced as a dancer was bullying. Once, a girl put a nail in my pointe shoe. That was a turning point – I started questioning my faith. Why would God let this happen?”

She found comfort in the story of Job. “At the time, I was angry with God, but over the years I’ve learned that challenges build character. Now, I’m grateful – those experiences made me stronger.”

Standards for romantic relationships

Our conversation turned to heartbreak and relationships. Laetitia has ended relationships, sometimes blocking exes to protect her healing. “It’s hard, but sometimes you need to cut off toxic people. I’ve learned to set standards and not settle. My values come first.”

We laughed about our personal acronyms for the perfect partner – mine, created semi-jokingly with a friend a few years ago following a heartbreaking and unwanted divorce, is CHRIST (Christian, Hot, Rich, Intelligent, Steadfast, Tall). Laetitia exclaims she loves this concept and later shares her own with me as: Christian, Honest, Respectful, Intelligent, Supportive, Thoughtful. We agree that clarity and standards are essential.

Looking ahead

At just 20, Laetitia is already navigating a path many older adults would find daunting. “I want to keep acting, finish my degree and stay true to my values. My faith community keeps me going.”

Her advice to others? “Trust that everything happens for a reason. Even if you don’t understand it in the moment, God is working.”

@laetitiaiacono