Popular comedian and actor, Ayo Makun, better known as AY, has revealed that he stopped attending church for a period, not because he lost his faith in God, but because he wanted to avoid being the subject of gossip and judgment following negative publicity about his personal life.
The comedian made the revelation in a video shared on his Instagram page, describing it as one of the most difficult seasons of his life.
According to AY, the decision to stay away from church was a personal one aimed at shielding himself from whispered conversations and curious stares.
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“For some time now, I stopped attending church, not because I stopped believing in God, also not because I lost my faith,” he said.
“I was actually navigating a very personal season, and a negative narrative was put out there on the blogs against me. So, I chose to step back quietly because I just didn’t want to become the subject of whispered conversations and curious looks, especially when you walk into the house of God.”
Despite staying away from physical services, AY said he continued to worship online before eventually gathering the courage to attend another church, where he was warmly welcomed by the pastor, his family and members of the church leadership.
However, he disclosed that he was later invited to participate in an upcoming church programme, only for the invitation to be withdrawn after internal deliberations over public perception.
“At some point, I was invited to be part of an upcoming programme. Later, after some internal discussions, I was told I would no longer be participating because of concerns about public perception surrounding me,” he said.
While stressing that he respected the church’s decision, the comedian admitted the experience left him questioning whether public opinion had become more influential than grace within the Christian faith.
“I respected the decision, but I left with a question. When did public opinion become stronger than one’s relationship with the author and finisher of his faith?” he asked.
AY reaffirmed that his relationship with God remained intact, recalling Jesus’ invitation to all who are weary and burdened.
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“He didn’t say, ‘Come after everyone has accepted your story.’ He said, ‘Come.’ No matter what you’re going through, just come. Even the Bible says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”
He argued that the church should always remain a place of healing, restoration and forgiveness, regardless of an individual’s circumstances.
The comedian ended his message with a challenge to Christians and church leaders, asking: “Who is the church really for?”
