Christian comedian John Crist accused of sexual misconduct by five women, apologizes saying he's 'sinned against God'
YouTuber and Christian comedian John Crist has issued an apology after multiple women came forward accusing him of sexual misconduct.
On Wednesday, Charisma News published a report citing at least five women—whose names were replaced with pseudonyms—who accused the comedian of inappropriate behavior. “Crist has exploited his Christian reputation and platform to harass, manipulate and exploit young women over the last seven years,” the report said.
“The allegations include, but are not limited to, individually sexting multiple women during the same time period, initiating sexual relationships with married women and women in committed relationships, offering show tickets in exchange for sexual favors and repeatedly calling these women late at night while drunk," the report added.
In a lengthy statement that was confirmed by People magazine via his rep, Crist apologized for his alleged behavior, admitting to mistreating women in the past.
“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,” Crist stated.
“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."
He further confessed that he has sought professional treatment to help with his “addiction struggles," and that in the wake of “healing and freedom”, he had canceled his remaining 2019 tour dates.
While Crist said that “those closest to me — my family, team and close friends — have known about this battle for some time, and now you do too," his personal struggles might come as a surprise to his 1.2 million Instagram followers.
“My entire career has been lived out on stage, and even though I’ve shared many of my life struggles with my audiences, I’ve lived in constant fear of the darkest parts of my life being exposed publicly. My greatest fear has been that those who have loved and supported me would hate me if they knew everything about me. I now humbly seek forgiveness and mercy and love — not just for me, but for those I’ve hurt along my path. I’m so sorry," the statement concluded.
