Joshua Bassett is a 22 year old Disney star that has been rising upon the pop scene in the past few years. You might’ve heard about him from the series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, in which he played Ricky, the love interest of Nini, played by Olivia Rodrigo.
And since we’re on the subject, Bassett saw himself under the spotlight when his co-star (and rumored ex-girlfriend) released the pop hit that won “Song of the Year”, drivers license, in 2021, which was supposedly about him.
Since then, the actor has been releasing a bunch of self-written songs and even dropped a few EPs. His most recent one is called Sad Songs in a Hotel Room, with six originals.
Bassett recently started The Complicated Tour through America and Europe, but even in this busy schedule, the Disney star still found a way to explore the religious aspects of life in a very controversial way.
THE COME OUT
In 2021, during an interview for GQ, Joshua Bassett came out as queer, something he wasn’t intending on doing, but “just happened” while he was talking about Harry Styles. When the interview was published, he made an Instagram post stating how it all felt to him.
“My entire life people have told me my sexuality. People have shamed me for things they know nothing about. I want to say thank you to those of you who stand for love and acceptance.” said the actor. “Love who you love shamelessly. It’s ok to still be figuring out who you are. Life’s too short to let ignorance and hatred win. I choose love.”
On the podcast The Zach Sang Show, Bassett opened up about how hard it was to grow up with a repressed sexuality, especially with a history of sexual abuse during his early teens.
A CHRISTIAN JOURNEY
After a few songs, EPs, tours, and two brand new seasons of High School Musical, Joshua Bassett has been making his own name in the industry for the past two years. However, he recently added a new layer to his persona: religion. It all started with a few tweets talking about his faith and beliefs.
“Jesus Christ is the only way. His death and resurrection are historically documented. Turn away from hate, seek forgiveness, and come home to Him.” said the star on his social media.
Many fans congratulated him on finding his truth and being open about it. In February, though, things started to take an unexpected turn, when Bassett posted a video of his baptism. The problem is, the Bethel Church, where he decided to have his baptism and recorded the video, is very problematic.
The controversies in which the megachurch has been involved for the past few years include grave sucking, being pro-trump, and even conversion therapy for queer people.
Fans expressed their concern all over social media. “I’m glad Joshua Bassett found peace, my issue here isn’t Christianity but the place he got baptized in. Bethel Church is scary. Their belief systems are faulty. I just hope he finds a better church ‘cause Bethel isn’t it.” said one.
The actor later stated that he didn’t know about Bethel’s history. “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.” he said, and complemented on another tweet, “I strongly condemn gay conversion therapy. Hate and fear have no place here. What drew me to Christ was an invitation of love.”
Recently, on the Kids Choice Award by Nickelodeon, Joshua Bassett made another controversial move regarding his religion that did not make people happy. During his speech when receiving his award, the singer took a moment to talk about his beliefs.
“There are a lot of people here who are burdened, broken-hearted, and have been beaten down by life. And I’m here to tell you, for those of you who have lost hope there is a very real God who loves you more than you will ever possibly know. His promise is peace and my testimony is my healing. Remember: ‘forgive quickly, love freely, and walk courageously’. Love always wins.” stated him.
People claimed that was not the place to do that, since the audience was full of kids.
Ever since 2021, Joshua Bassett has always been involved in some tense situations. Maybe this time he finally found his peace. Or maybe this is just another one of them.
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The article above was edited by Giullia Cartaxo.
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