Chris Pratt is encountering significant criticism after partnering with the prayer app Hallow, which many social media users have labeled as anti-abortion. This controversy, often referred to as the Chris Pratt Hallow controversy, surfaced on various online platforms in early 2024 as audiences questioned the implications behind his endorsement.
Details of Chris Pratt’s Connection to Hallow and Public Reaction
Pratt began promoting Hallow, a Catholic prayer and meditation application, in January 2024, but the backlash intensified in late March and April following new promotional content. Social media users, particularly on Reddit, expressed strong disapproval of both Pratt’s involvement and the app’s business model. Critics argue that monetizing prayer contradicts the idea that prayer should be freely accessible.
One Reddit user remarked,
“Sorry but taking money from an app to get people to pray, which is famously free, shows zero integrity, both as a Christian and a human.”
Another user added,
“I saw an ad offering 3 free months. Charging someone for a prayer app seems like the kind of thing Jesus would flip tables over.”
These sentiments reflect a widespread frustration toward what some perceive as commercial exploitation of faith.
Hallow markets itself as the
“#1-rated Catholic prayer and meditation application,”
offering both free access and subscription-based paid plans. These paid options range from $10.99 monthly for individual users to $119.99 annually for a Friends and Family plan. Mark Wahlberg has been a prominent investor, spokesperson, and narrator for the app since 2022, often collaborating with Pratt in promotions. Pratt’s own posts highlight initiatives such as leading the “Fasting Friday” challenges alongside Wahlberg.
In a recent joint advertisement, Wahlberg emphasized the community aspect of faith, stating,
“Following Jesus was never meant to be done alone.”
Another notable financial backer behind Hallow is billionaire Peter Thiel, known for his ties to conservative politics. This association adds another layer of scrutiny to the app’s public perception.
Social Media Backlash and Political Overtones in the Controversy
The response to Pratt’s involvement quickly took on a political dimension, with some Redditors accusing the actor of participating in a broader “religious grift.” Comments disparaging Pratt as “the worst Chris” circulated online, with suggestions even made for Marvel to replace him with comedian Tig Notaro in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise.
Pratt’s partnership drew parallels to prior criticism faced by singer Gwen Stefani, who was targeted for promoting Hallow during Christmas 2023. Chrishell Stause, a former Selling Sunset star, criticized Stefani directly in social media comments, condemning the app for allegedly promoting anti-abortion messages without exceptions for rape or incest. Stause wrote,
“She is taking money to promote an app that encourages anti-abortion even in cases of [rape] or incest. Please stop making young girls guilty to not have a choice.”
She further questioned,
“If your child got pregnant by a pedophile, would you want Gwen Stefani making her feel guilty to keep it? I wouldn’t.”
Although Stefani’s criticism centered on the app’s policies, Pratt’s critics linked his promotion of Hallow to his perceived conservative political leanings. While the actor has avoided explicit political endorsements, his past remarks and media appearances suggest sympathy toward right-wing viewpoints. For example, during a 2023 interview with Bill Maher, Pratt defended some policies of former President Donald Trump’s administration and urged reasonable consideration of positive achievements, quipping,
“I’d hate to be so mired in hatred for the president that any success from his administration is something I’d have an allergic reaction to. To be like, ‘Oh, well, if they do it, I don’t want it to happen. I’ll put Clorox in my children’s cereal myself.’ It’s like, come on, be reasonable here. There’s certain things that would be a good thing to have.”
Controversies Surrounding Pratt’s Faith and Public Persona
Pratt has openly discussed his Christian faith but has stated he does not wish to become the face of religion. Despite this, some fans and critics have examined his associations more closely, noting previous connections to figures linked with alt-right sentiments and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. For instance, actor Elliot Page publicly criticized Pratt in 2019 for supporting Christian leaders who allegedly spread homophobic messages. These tensions further complicate Pratt’s image amid the current controversy.
The involvement of public figures like Mark Wahlberg, Pratt, Gwen Stefani, and Chrishell Stause illustrates how faith-based endorsements intersect with ongoing cultural and political debates. As the Chris Pratt Hallow controversy gains momentum, it underscores the challenges celebrities face when their personal beliefs and business ventures attract public scrutiny.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Celebrity Endorsements on Faith Apps
The backlash surrounding Chris Pratt’s promotion of Hallow highlights the potential risks when celebrities align with apps that mix spirituality and subscription models. The criticism reflects larger tensions over monetizing religious practices and the ways faith intersects with politics and culture today. Given the strong reactions online, Pratt’s future endorsements may be scrutinized more intensively by fans and media alike.
With high-profile supporters such as Mark Wahlberg and investments from divisive figures including Peter Thiel, Hallow’s reputation remains a topic of debate. How Pratt and other celebrities navigate this landscape could influence not only their public standing but also the emerging market for faith-based apps amid shifting cultural attitudes.
Chrishell Stause continues to call out Gwen Stefani over anti-abortion prayer app partnership: “Please stop making young girls guilty to not have a choice”
byu/pinkstarrfish inFauxmoi
Chris Pratt and his questionable follows.
byu/CountessSJ inpopculturechat
Oh. K. Um. But his church is infamously anti lgbtq so maybe address that too? https://t.co/meg8m69FeF
— Elliot Page (@TheElliotPage) February 8, 2019
