Christian comic John Crist apologizes after he's accused of sexual misconduct by 5 women

John Crist, a rising stand-up comic and YouTube star, has canceled the remaining dates of his tour after he was accused of sexual misconduct by five women. The Christian comedian's upcoming Netflix special is also in jeopardy, Yahoo Entertainment has learned.

An investigative report by Christian publication Charisma News cites multiple sources who allege Crist "exploited his Christian reputation and platform to harass, manipulate and exploit young women over the last seven years." Five women using pseudonyms recounted alleged inappropriate encounters with Crist.

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"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," the article claims.

Crist, who according to Pollstar is one of the top 100 touring artists in the world, apologized for his behavior in a statement to Yahoo Entertainment.

"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," the 35-year-old began. "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."

"Over several recent years, I have privately sought and received regular professional treatment for my sexual sin and addiction struggles," the statement continued." 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."

Crist, whose father is a pastor, added, "Those closest to me — my family, team and close friends — have known about this battle for some time, and now you do too. 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.

"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," he concluded. "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 and mercy and love — not just for me, but for those I've hurt along my path. I'm so sorry."