Chris Pratt Has Responded To His Biggest Controversy
Chris Pratt went on the record to try and set things straight about a controversy which has followed up around the last couple of years
This article is more than 2 years old
For years, the internet has deemed Chris Pratt the worst Chris when compared to Evans, Hemsworth, and Pine. While he’s also a blockbuster movie star, beloved co-worker, and all-around decent guy, the actor has a few theories about why people pile on the hate. It started a few years ago when the Guardians of the Galaxy star received the Generation honor at the MTV Movie & TV Awards. Due to the prestigious nature of the prize, he was instructed to say something inspiring during his acceptance speech.
So, standing next to the golden popcorn trophy Chris Pratt spoke from the heart, “God is real. God loves you. God wants the best for you.” The 43-year-old said a bunch of other stuff too, but no one really remembers that part. Speaking to Men’s Health, the actor says that he doesn’t think his words touched anybody and he understands why people were put off. “Religion has been oppressive for a long time,” he explained. But he didn’t know his words would make him “the face of religion” when he’s not a religious person.
Despite having a “religion” label tacked on his back, Chris Pratt hasn’t shied away from his personal beliefs. “I think there’s a distinction between being religious – adhering to the customs created by man, oftentimes appropriating the awe reserved for who I believe is a very real God – and using it to control people, to take money from people, to abuse children, to steal land, to justify hatred,” he told the publication. “The evil that’s in the heart of every single man has glommed on to the back of religion and come along for the ride,” he added.
Chris Pratt’s strong beliefs in a higher power came under scrutiny a second time due to his alleged involvement with the Hillsong Church – a group that has been condemned for its anti-LGBTQ views. After the Parks and Recreation alum talked about his faith with Stephen Colbert in 2019, he was slammed on social media by Elliot Page. At the time Pratt issued a statement saying he believes that everyone is entitled to love who they want, free from the judgment of their fellow man.
Although Chris Pratt didn’t distance himself from the controversial church back then, he has done so now. “I never went to Hillsong,” he told Men’s Health. “I don’t know anyone from that church.” When asked why it took him so long to distance himself from the group he said he didn’t want to “throw a church under the bus.” The actor admitted that he is a member of Zoe Church but his relationship with the group isn’t exclusive. However, the distinction probably won’t help his cause. Zoe was founded by pastor Chad Veach who produced a film that equates same-sex attraction with being broken.
This wasn’t the only time Chris Pratt received public backlash. Last November, the actor became the subject of a social media firestorm after posting a tribute to his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger. Alongside a photo of the couple on Instagram, he said (in part), “She’s given me an amazing life, a gorgeous healthy daughter.” Following the post, some felt the comment was insensitive to his ex-wife Anna Faris, with whom he shares a nine-year-old son. The child was two months premature and experienced several health issues after he was born.
