The controversial remarks made by YouTube personality and former criminal Spanian, whose real name is Anthony Lees, regarding Islam and the Quran have ignited a fierce backlash from former Nomads bikie gang boss Moudi Tajjour. The 37-year-old social media influencer, known for his reformed lifestyle, posted a video titled 'Jesus Christ saved my life' on Monday, detailing his aggressive approach to criticising religions during his time in prison.
Spanian's Provocative Claims About Islam
In the contentious footage, Lees boasted about his ability to challenge religious beliefs behind bars, stating he could reduce inmates to tears within hours by dismantling their faith. He specifically targeted Islam, asserting he had read the Quran three times while incarcerated, though he later admitted to skimming some sections. Lees described his intensive study, including learning Muslim prayers, but concluded the text offered no logical concept of God, labelling it 'completely unbelievable' and failing to evoke any spiritual feeling he sought.
Tajjour's Fiery Response to Religious Disrespect
The scathing commentary quickly drew the ire of Tajjour, a devout Muslim who found the comments profoundly offensive. Tajjour warned that if the two men encountered each other publicly, they would 'have an issue,' disparaging Spanian as 'the tinea on my foot.' In an interview with the Daily Mail, Tajjour emphasised that his faith is paramount and a sensitive subject, insisting that disrespect towards Islam crosses a clear boundary.
Tajjour explained that while both had been in prison simultaneously, he had previously ignored Spanian's actions, deeming them unworthy of attention. However, the direct attack on Islam compelled him to speak out. Tajjour revealed that social media users had repeatedly flagged Spanian's past videos for negative allusions to Islam, prompting a prior warning during a city encounter where Tajjour urged Lees to cease religious discussions.
Explosive Social Media Retaliation
In a blistering video response shared online, Tajjour recounted their past cordial interactions but condemned Spanian's latest remarks as a step too far. He accused Lees of hypocrisy, referencing alleged misconduct in prison, including hiding behind Aboriginal inmates and stealing a friend's partner. Tajjour questioned Spanian's credibility on religious matters, mocking his imitation of others' personas.
The former bikie boss declared, 'We are definitely going to have an issue when we see each other,' citing the video as the primary cause. He reiterated his disdain, calling Spanian a 'gronk' and reinforcing the tinea insult. The Daily Mail has reached out to Spanian via his brand's company page for comment, but no response has been disclosed yet. This clash highlights the volatile intersection of social media influence, personal faith, and past criminal histories, sparking debates over religious respect and free speech in the digital age.
