Church Leader Blames Hackers For Shocking Tweet
Brian Houston, the former leader of Hillsong Church, is embroiled in a controversy after his social media account posted the words “ladies and girls kissing,” prompting speculation from online users. Houston has since claimed that his account was compromised, citing hacking as the cause of the unauthorized tweet.
In response to the incident, Houston reposted a statement shared by a purported assistant, reassuring followers that steps were being taken to address the breach. The statement acknowledged the unauthorized access to Houston’s account from a location within the USA and announced the changing of passwords to prevent further intrusions. Additionally, users were advised to disregard any suspicious activity on the account, emphasizing that Houston does not engage in private communication via social media.
The tweet in question, containing the concerning phrase, was posted late on a Tuesday night and remained visible for approximately 16 minutes before being deleted. Houston promptly expressed concern over potential hacking upon discovering the post.
This latest episode adds to Houston’s tumultuous history, including his resignation as global senior pastor of Hillsong Church in 2022 following allegations of misconduct. The accusations involved breaches of the church’s pastoral code of conduct, including entering a hotel room alone with a woman while under the influence of substances and sending inappropriate messages to a staffer.
In a separate legal matter, Houston faced charges related to his handling of his father’s past abuse allegations, ultimately being found not guilty. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to a DUI charge in California, resulting in probation and fines.
The ongoing scrutiny surrounding Houston underscores the complexities of leadership within religious organizations and the challenges of maintaining public trust amid allegations of impropriety. As the investigation into the hacking incident unfolds, it remains to be seen how Houston and Hillsong Church will address the aftermath and rebuild credibility within their community.