‘I Never Went to Hillsong’

[ad_1]

Chris Pratt, star of films like Jurassic World Dominion and the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, denied allegations that he has attended the anti-LGBTQ+ Hillsong Church.

Pratt, who is openly Christian, told Men’s Health that he has no actual connection to the infamous church despite rumors claiming he had. “I never went to Hillsong. I’ve never actually been to Hillsong. I don’t know anyone from that church,” the actor said, and was asked why he hadn’t denied these allegations previously. “I’m gonna, like, throw a church under the bus? If it’s like the Westboro Baptist Church, that’s different.”

RELATED: Ms. Marvel Boss Explains the Show’s New Names for Groot, Star-Lord and More

Pratt continued, “I didn’t know that I would kind of become the face of religion when really I’m not a religious person. 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. Whatever it is. 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.”

Rumors of the Marvel Cinematic Universe actor’s alleged connections to Hillsong became widespread in 2019 when actor Elliot Page publicly accused Pratt on social media of being a member of the church. “If you are a famous actor and you belong to an organization that hates a certain group of people, don’t be surprised if someone simply wonders why it’s not addressed,” Page wrote at the time. “Being anti-LGBTQ is wrong, there aren’t two sides. The damage it causes is severe. Full stop. Sending love to all.”

RELATED: Thor & Star-Lord’s Relationship Has Evolved Since Avengers: Endgame, Says Chris Pratt

Despite the allegations and calls made online to replace the actor in future projects, Pratt’s career has remained largely unaffected by the claims. He will return to the MCU as Peter Quill/Star-Lord in Thor: Love and Thunder and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, both set to release in 2022, while the third installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise will premiere in 2023 In regards to the Holiday Special, Pratt’s co-star Karen Gillan described the project as possibly being director James Gunn’s best work yet.

Additionally, Pratt will be lending his voice to Illumination and Nintendo’s Super Mario movie as the titular plumber. “Chris [Pratt] was cast because we felt he could give a great performance as Mario,” Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri said. “And now that we’ve done about 15 recording sessions, and the movie is three-quarters done, I sit here and say that I love his performance as Mario.”

Thor: Love and Thunder will hit theaters on July 8. Jurassic World Dominion is in theaters now.

Source: Men’s Health

[ad_2]