John Crist’s upcoming Netflix holiday special is on hold after allegations the popular comedian has used his celebrity status and Christian reputation to sexually harass women.
A Netflix spokesperson confirmed to Religion News Service on Thursday that the status of Crist’s special, entitled I Ain’t Prayin’ for That, is now up in the air.
It was set to appear on the video streaming platform on Thanksgiving.
John Crist’s Netflix special, based on his Human Being tour, has been put on hold. PICTURE: Courtesy of Premier Productions
The decision comes amid backlash against the comedian following allegations of sexual misconduct that first were reported Wednesday by Charisma, a charismatic Christian magazine.
In a statement, Crist apologised for what he called “destructive and sinful” behaviour.
“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,” Crist said in a statement published in full on Charisma’s website.
The comedian said his actions violated his Christian beliefs and said he has sought “regular professional treatment for my sexual sin and addiction struggles”.
He also announced he was canceling the remainder of his shows this year on his Immature Thoughts tour as he focuses on overcoming those struggles.
“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 said.
Crist has grown popular for his videos satirising white evangelical Christian culture, including a series spoofing the popular show House Hunters called Church Hunters; characters like “Bible Verse Lady”, who has a verse for every situation; and comedy sketches for Buzzfeed.
Last year, he became the first comedian to appear alongside popular Christian musicians on the Winter Jam tour. Several people told Charisma he would connect with women on social media before shows on the tour and offer them tickets, then pressure them to come to his hotel room.
Premier Productions – which produces live Christian events, including the Human Being Tour and Winter Jam – did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
In addition to the Netflix special, Crist is scheduled to release a book in March titled Untag Me: The Subtle Art of Appearing Better Than You Really Are. Its publisher – WaterBrook, a Christian imprint of Penguin Random House – also has not responded to requests for comment.
