Christian Comedian John Crist Opens Up about Suicidal Thoughts and Redemption

Christian comedian John Crist recently shared how God changed his heart several years after facing the darkest time in his life. Speaking to author and speaker Sadie Roberston Huff on her podcast, Crist addressed how his tour was canceled in 2019 after he had faced allegations of sexual misconduct by five women in 2019. Nevertheless, he received an "unbelievable amount of love" and "undeserved" support after leaving rehab and returning to social media in the summer of 2020.

Crist admitted that he was in a "very dark place" in 2019 and "wanted to end my life," believing that he had no future. However, he gradually began taking baby steps of hope and was strengthened by his faith in Christ, Church Leaders reports. 

Huff in response cited from Hebrews 12:2, pointing out that "Jesus endured the pain of the cross for the hope of heaven, and that we would get to join him." Regardless of earthly circumstances, she asserted "there is a hope of heaven and that the Holy Spirit is going to help me right now. He will be the strength in my weakness."

Crist noted that the grace received after his public failures "kind of flipped my whole faith," given that he had grown up in a church environment that was works and performance based. 

"Everybody knew everything about me, and they were like, 'We love you,'" he recalled. 

The comedian noted he believes that many of his Millennial peers—and even fellow performers—are now pondering that "there might be something" to Christianity after all.

Although "people are trashing on Christ," they're at least "talking about him," he said.

Crist believes that faith obstacles for people his age include megachurch scandals, pastors with private jets, and "twisted" practices such as strict dress codes. Moreover, he encouraged Christians to confess their sins and seek accountability. 

"It's so much better on this side," he said. "It's so much more free, and you can be in a relationship with someone who does know you and knows all your secrets."

"I'm not here to be like, 'I'm fixed, follow me,'" he added.

Even though he "didn't have the courage at the time" to reveal his struggles, ultimately, Crist "reacted in a way that pushed me toward Christ."

"Your life is a huge testimony," Huff said. 

She added that despite his regrets, Chris can tell people, "This is not how I did it, but as I've matured and as I've grown in wisdom and as I've seen what's on the other side, I am going to say the best thing you could possibly do is to step out and to shine a light on [sin] and get accountability and to confess."

WATCH: John Crist from Rock Bottom to Recovery | Sadie Robertson Huff

Photo Credit: ©YouTube/Sadie Robertson Huff 

Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.

Originally published March 31, 2025.