Neil Patrick Harris had better look out for lightning bolts for the next few days.
The actor made some blasphemous quips while hosting the Elton John AIDS Foundation Fall Gala, which happened to be held in a church, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
Introducing himself to the audience — which included Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, Trudie Styler and Sting and Aretha Franklin, as well as Sir Elton John himself — as “Neil Patrick the Divine,” he said that it looked as if the guests had been “enjoying a little communion [wine].”
Later, the former “How I Met Your Mother” star said his steak “was delicious . . . Jesus!” before looking up and asking, “was that too soon?”
Said an audience member, “I mean, I’m Catholic-born and, although I don’t follow the rules, I choked when he said that.”
Guests drank Clase Azul tequila. Sir Elton gave a speech honoring departed friends including Elizabeth Taylor, Ryan White and Ingrid Sischy. Of Taylor, John said, “I miss comparing jewelry with her.”