Joshua Bassett, star of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” firmly declared his Christian faith while giving a speech at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Saturday.
The 22-year-old Disney star was accepting the award for “Favorite Male TV star” of a kids’ show when he made the declaration of faith. Bassett began by thanking his fans and the cast and crew. He continued saying, “I’d love to thank my Savior, Jesus Christ.”
“I want to say something. There are a lot of people here who are burdened, broken-hearted, and have been beaten down by life,” the “High School Musical” actor said.
“I’m here to tell you: for those of you who’ve lost hope, there’s a very real God who loves you more than you will ever possibly know,” Bassett continued. “His promise is peace and my testimony is my healing.”
“Remember: Forgive quickly, love freely and walk courageously,” Bassett concluded. “Love always wins in the end.”
The Disney star has come under scrutiny recently when videos circulated of him getting baptized at Bethel Church, a non-denominational church in Redding, California. Because Bassett has previously declared himself a member of the LGBTQ community, followers expressed their confusion over his allegiance to this church.
“[I] visited this church and happened to get baptized here- i was unaware of some of their policies and beliefs, and do not endorse all of them. my heart is for Christ and Christ alone!” Bassett replied to concerned fans in a tweet.
“[O]nce and for all: i strongly condemn gay conversion therapy,” he said again in a follow-up on February 13. “[H]ate & fear have no place here…what drew me to Christ was an invitation of love.”
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The fans were responding to a video showing Bassett standing on a stage, addressing a crowd of people. “My name is Joshua Bassett,” the actor can be heard saying. “Long story short, I grew up Christian and I ran the other way, as far as I could go, in pursuit of the ‘truth.’”
“That only ended in addiction, depression, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, et cetera,” the “Better Nate Than Never” alum continued. “No other teacher gave me anywhere near the peace that Jesus Christ did.”
“I’m here to publicly declare him as my Lord and savior,” Bassett concluded to the sounds of applause.
Disclosure: The Daily Wire has announced plans for kids’ entertainment content.