Lauren Alaina’s Christian YouTube Comedian Ex-BF Responds To Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Christian comedian and YouTube star John Crist is coming to terms with multiple allegations of sexual misconduct from several different women.

Crist, well known as American Idol alum and singer Lauren Alaina‘s ex-boyfriend, has been accused of misconduct and manipulation by “multiple women,” according to a damning new report that was first published on Wednesday.

Related: Aziz Ansari Addresses Sexual Misconduct Scandal Head-On

Charisma News had the story, reporting claims that the popular Christian comedian — who has a Netflix special due out on Thanksgiving — initiated sexual relationships with married women, among other accusations. The report read, in part (below):

“Crist has exploited his Christian reputation and platform to harass, manipulate and exploit young women over the last seven years. 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.”

Whoa!

Lauren Alaina John Crist YouTube sexual misconduct scandal
Lauren Alaina dated Crist for a while in 2019, before the pair split up in September. / (c) WENN/Avalon

The 35-year-old funnyman and YouTube star has now responded to those allegations, sending a statement of apology and contrition to E! News on Thursday. It opened with a confession, as you can read (below):

“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.”

The comedian continued on with more, revealing he’d been seeking “regular professional treatment” for his sexual struggles and more:

“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. I’m ashamed of my behavior and I’m so sorry for hurting so many people. I don’t blame anyone but myself. I’m responsible for my actions and I’ve repented and am taking full ownership. I realize it will be difficult for some people to ever forgive me, and I accept that as a result of my bad decisions and actions.”

And finally, Crist summed it up by seeking forgiveness, mercy, and love:

“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, mercy, and love—not just for me, but for those I’ve hurt along my path. I’m so sorry.”

Wow. It’s quite the statement, to be sure.

Crist dated Alaina for a while earlier this year before the pair split in September, just before she made her debut on this season of Dancing With The Stars. He has been on the comedy circuit for more than a decade, making his name alongside the likes of Jeff Foxworthy and other similar acts.

Related: Throwback Thursday To Lauren Alaina’s Triumphant ‘DWTS’ Announcement!

As we noted above his first-ever Netflix special is still set to come out on Thanksgiving; the streaming service has yet to comment on whether this controversy will alter that release. Alaina hasn’t publicly commented on the controversy, either. As always, we’ll continue to update you as this story continues to develop…

[Image via John Crist/YouTube]

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