On March 4, 1966, John Lennon of The Beatles made headlines when he remarked that the band was more popular than Jesus. The statement sparked outrage among religious groups and led to protests, record burnings, and death threats against the band. The controversy brought attention to the power of celebrities and the intersection of fame and religion. It also ignited debates on freedom of speech, censorship, and the role of celebrities in society. The incident had a lasting impact on The Beatles image in the United States.