Chris Pratt has come under fire for tweeting that he is “praying his a– off” for Kevin Smith after the “Clerks” filmmaker suffered a massive heart attack following a standup routine Sunday night in Los Angeles.
The “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Jurassic World” star said that while he didn’t know Smith personally, he’s been a big fan since his high school years, when he saw Smith’s most famous film, 1994’s “Clerks.” Pratt said he believed in “the healing power of prayer” and asked others to join in with him, but his request was met with disdain by some on Twitter.
Praying for you. I will continue to. You inspired me with Clerks when I was a senior HS. I’m tagging my Lb/rb football coach who showed me the movie cause he believed in me and knew I’d be inspired. @hodge1916 ????♥???? https://t.co/syB7BiQaoY
— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) February 26, 2018
Kevin we don’t know each other too good but I have loved you since Clerks and I’m praying my ass off for you cause I believe in the healing power of prayer. Can you please pray with me people!? ????♥ https://t.co/syB7BiQaoY
— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) February 26, 2018
I’m not sure what is sadder ? My hero Kevin smith having a heart attack or the fact that Chris pratt believes in magic fairy tales in 2018.
— Michael Holcomb (@mikehh9) February 26, 2018
WTF is praying going to do? Wise up! He’s in hospital, science is the best place for him, diet change and exercise. Not random thoughts by you or anyone else!
— Milly ???????????? (@KarrenMilne) February 26, 2018
Praying clearly does not work! If it did and if there was this ” God” you’ve been brainwashed to believe in, those poor people at the school in Florida wouldn’t have been shot to death etc etc etc etc etc
— Dean (@Jarrod863) February 26, 2018
What the fuck does “praying my ass off” even mean? I’m an atheist. I admire Kevin Smith. Love is all we need. Oh! …and science
— Tibi Vasilescu (@unbelievable) February 26, 2018
Yup, thoughts and prayers to mass murder victims too.
— TheFugitivePoet (@TheFugitivePoet) February 26, 2018
But Pratt was backed up by his “Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn, who said in a Twitter thread that he was a believer in prayer and said that Pratt’s tweet to Smith was different than those offering “thoughts and prayers” to the victims of school shootings.
2 There is nothing wrong with sending someone positive thoughts & prayers. But when this is coupled with inaction when action will benefit the situation, it’s empty.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018
4 And if you’re going to offer prayers to the folks suffering in Puerto Rico, you might consider adding a link for a donation or calling on your representatives to take action, in addition to those prayers. Prayers alone will not change the world.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018
6 I’m not tweeting this to defend Chris – he’s a big boy and can take care of himself. But for me, personally, prayer and meditation are great boons to my life and help me navigate my way through this world, and I don’t want to dissuade others who find those things useful.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018
A spokesperson for Pratt has not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment.