Self-proclaimed “Christian comedian” John Crist is turning to the big guy for forgiveness of his “sexual sins.”
The stand-up comic has cancelled his tour after allegations of sexual harassment and manipulating women into physical relationships were published Wednesday in the religious publication Charisma News. Netflix has also put his upcoming special on hold after the allegations surfaced, Variety reports.
Five anonymous women accused Crist, 35, of bartering tickets for sexual favors and making repeated drunken phone calls and sexts over the last seven years.
The son of a pastor from Atlanta, GA apologized and admitted in a rambling statement and that “for years” he has sought regular treatment for “sexual sin and addiction struggles.”
“While I am not guilty of everything I’ve been accused of, I confess to being guilty of this — I have treated relationships with women far too casually, in some cases even recklessly,” wrote Crist, who dubbed himself “the next big thing in stand-up comedy” on his website.
“My behavior has been destructive and sinful. I’ve sinned against God, against women and the people who I love the most.”
Best known for viral videos such as “Celebrity Pastor Fantasy Draft” and “Lady with a Bible Verse For Every Situation,” his ‘”Human Being Tour” ranked No. 28 on Pollstar’s Top 100 Tours of 2019, as his bio hypes.
The rising comic had a Netflix special — “John Crist: I Ain’t Prayin for That” — set to premiere on Thanksgiving day but the streaming service said it was on hold as of Thursday. His filmed set “evaluates the weakness of millennial culture, how to be a ‘good’ Christian, dating in the modern era and more,” Broadway World reported.
His accusers — who are interviewed under pseudonyms — alleged that the comic with 1.2 million Instagram followers exploited his ‘holier than thou’ rep to exploit them sexually, and he appeared to agree that their claims had merit.
“I have violated my own Christian beliefs, convictions and values, and have hurt many people in the process,” he said in his statement. “I am sorry for the hurt and pain I have caused these women and will continue to seek their forgiveness.”
But Crist didn’t stop there — he also addressed the guy upstairs.
“I have also hurt the name of Jesus and have sought His forgiveness,” Crist wrote.
“I’m committed to getting healing and freedom from my sin and have decided to cancel my remaining tour dates this year and to postpone all future commitments in order to devote all my time and energy on getting healthy spiritually, mentally and physically.”