Actor Chris Pratt is facing significant backlash for his association with the prayer app Hallow, which some social media users have labeled as anti-abortion. His involvement has sparked controversy due to the app’s paid subscription model and perceived political undertones. Pratt began promoting Hallow in January 2024, but recent advertisements have intensified public scrutiny, particularly among Reddit users.
Details of the Hallow App and Public Response
Hallow brands itself as the
“#1-rated Catholic prayer and meditation application”
and offers a free version alongside paid subscription tiers. Users can opt for an individual monthly subscription priced at $10.99, an annual plan costing $69.99, or a “Friends and Family” option at $119.99 per year. This monetization approach has angered some viewers, who question the ethics of charging for access to prayer content.
One Reddit commenter expressed disapproval, stating,
“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 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.”
Celebrity Involvement Extends Beyond Pratt
Mark Wahlberg, a longtime investor and spokesperson for Hallow, has been active in promoting the app since 2022, sometimes lending his voice as a narrator. Pratt announced on social media that he would join Wahlberg again for the app’s Lenten “Fasting Friday” challenges. Wahlberg emphasized the communal aspect of faith in their latest promotional material by saying,
“Following Jesus was never meant to be done alone.”
Financial backing for Hallow also includes billionaire Peter Thiel, known for his support of conservative causes, adding another layer of controversy to the app’s public image.
Social Media Outrage and Personal Criticism of Chris Pratt
On Reddit and other platforms, users have criticized Pratt’s participation in what they call a “religious grift.” Some harsh comments called him “the worst Chris” and even suggested that Marvel should remove him from the Guardians of the Galaxy films, proposing comedian Tig Notaro as a replacement. The Daily Beast attempted to get a statement from Pratt’s representatives, but none was provided as of yet.
Previous criticism of other celebrities linked to Hallow took on a different tone. Singer Gwen Stefani faced blowback when former Selling Sunset cast member Chrishell Stause publicly challenged her support for a Hallow Christmas campaign. Stause commented on Stefani’s Instagram ads,
“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.”
Stause further added,
“If your child got pregnant by a pedophile, would you want Gwen Stefani making her feel guilty to keep it? I wouldn’t.”
Interpretations of Pratt’s Political and Religious Alignment
Many social media users view Pratt’s promotion of Hallow as evidence of his conservative leanings, despite the actor rarely endorsing political candidates or discussing politics publicly. His notable exception came during a 2023 interview with Bill Maher, where he made remarks aligned with MAGA rhetoric while addressing his cousin-in-law Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s MAHA initiatives. Pratt said,
“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.”
In 2019, fellow actor Elliot Page criticized Pratt for associating with Christian figures who propagate anti-LGBTQ ideas. Pratt has openly discussed his Christian faith but has stated he does not wish to be regarded as “the face of religion.”
Public Impact and What Lies Ahead
The Chris Pratt Hallow app controversy reflects increasing public sensitivity toward celebrities’ endorsements of faith-based products, especially when political or social issues like abortion are involved. As Pratt’s partnership with Hallow draws more attention, it may influence discussions about the ethical implications of monetizing religious content and the role of celebrity endorsements in shaping public opinion.
With social media users expressing strong opinions and ongoing debates about religion, politics, and celebrity influence, the fallout from this controversy could impact Pratt’s public image and future promotional choices. The involvement of other prominent figures such as Mark Wahlberg and Peter Thiel adds complexity to the narrative, suggesting this story will continue to evolve as the conversation around faith, money, and politics deepens.
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
