Comedian and actor Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has revealed he stopped attending church for a period following negative public narratives about his personal life, rather than because of a loss of faith.

The comedian made the disclosure in a video shared on his Instagram page, explaining that he deliberately stayed away from congregational worship to avoid becoming the subject of gossip and judgement during a difficult phase of his life.

According to AY, his absence from church was never because he stopped believing in God.

“For some time now, I stopped attending church, not because I stopped believing in God, also not because I lost my faith. 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,” he said.

He explained that while he occasionally joined church services online, he later summoned the courage to attend another church, where the pastor, his family and members of the leadership warmly received him.

AY, however, said the experience took an unexpected turn after he was invited to participate in one of the church’s programmes but was later informed that the invitation had been withdrawn following concerns over public perception.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.

“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.

While noting that he respected the church’s decision, the comedian questioned whether public opinion had become more important than grace and faith within the Christian community.

AY also reaffirmed his Christian faith, referencing Jesus’ invitation to those who are weary and burdened.

“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 added.

He maintained that the church should remain a place of healing, forgiveness and restoration, regardless of the circumstances surrounding an individual.

AY concluded his message by posing a question to Christians and church leaders alike: “Who is the church really for?”