Joshua Bassett sparks backlash with ‘Sermon’

Joshua Bassett, who was recently baptized by the notoriously anti-LGBTQ+ Bethel Church, continued to preach to his fans in a bizarre acceptance speech at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

While accepting the award for Favorite Male TV Star for his role as Ricky High School Musical: The Musical: The SeriesBassett, who is queer, took the opportunity to preach a sermon to the assembled audience and viewers.

“I want to say something. There are a lot of people here who are burdened, heartbroken and beaten down by life,” the 22-year-old actor and singer began.

“I’m here to tell you, for those of you who have lost hope, that there is a very real God who loves you more than you will ever know.”

Bassett concluded his speech by saying, “His promise is peace and my testimony is my healing. Remember: Forgive quickly, love freely, and walk boldly. Love always wins in the end.”

Fans continued to express their concerns about the star’s sudden change of direction after coming out as part of the LGBTQ+ community. But while there used to be concern, the tone has now shifted to anger for some.

“This is so gross, why the fuck would Joshua Bassett pull that shit in front of an audience of kids?” one Twitter user wrote.

Another called the speech “strange behavior.”

Bassett previously mentioned his religion while performing at a pop-up concert in Los Angeles. He told the audience that his “father [had] saved him, leading some fans to believe he was referring to him conversion therapy.

They pointed out that while religion itself is not the problem, the evangelical Christian megachurch that Bassett seems to be delving into does hold anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs.