Christian Comedian John Crist Apologizes After Coming Under Fire For Multiple Sexual Assault Allegations
He's seeking treatment for his "addiction struggles."
getty At the beginning of 2019, singer and American Idol alum Lauren Alaina called off her engagement to Alex Hopkins, whom she dated for seven years. And though she bounced back quickly and began dating John Crist after hitting it off while appearing on The Bobby Bones Show in May, they split a few months later.
Now, her ex is in the news for quite a disturbing reason. Who is John Crist?
The Christian comedian is now at the center of a slew of sexual misconduct allegations.
Crist has spoken about the Church in the past, saying, “Man, I love the local church. Growing up serving at my dad’s church, I know the effect that a healthy, vibrant local church can have on the community. If I ever come across as critical, it’s because I love the church and I wish for so much more from it. I think the local church is our only hope for change in America. That said, we do some weird stuff.”
But with these allegations, it's left fans questioning his faith and actions.
Charisma News, a Christian publication, revealed the allegations from at least five women, saying he has “exploited his Christian reputation and platform to harass, manipulate and exploit young women over the last seven years.”
The accusers claim that Crist sexted them, tried to trade tickets to his shows for sexual favors, and harassed women with late-night phone calls while intoxicated.
Due to the allegations, Netflix put his upcoming comedy special on hold, while Christian publisher Waterbook is postponing his first book. Crist has canceled his remaining tour dates, and also released a public apology:
“Over the past number of years, various women have accused me of behavior that has been hurtful to them. 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. My behavior has been destructive and sinful.
I’ve sinned against God, against women and the people who I love the most. I have violated my own Christian beliefs, convictions and values, and have hurt many people in the process. I am sorry for the hurt and pain I have caused these women and will continue to seek their forgiveness. I have also hurt the name of Jesus and have sought His forgiveness.”
Crist also announced that he’s seeking treatment for “addiction struggles,” adding, “Over several recent years, I have privately sought and received regular professional treatment for my sexual sin and addiction struggles... 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.”
Though Crist and Alaina broke up in September, she revealed whether she's still in contact with her ex.
While appearing again on The Bobby Bones Show, she said, “I mean, there’s, like, no big story. We were, like, best friends before we dated, and we’re still best friends. It just didn’t work out. I guess that’s how dating goes, right?”
But is she still talking to Crist? According to her, no. She told Entertainment Tonight, “I have not talked to him recently, no. But I wish him and everyone in his story the best. I’m not really involved in that.”
So, while she's not currently in communication with her ex, the allegations are still alarming.
Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.