Magala continued, “Pastor Mark Driscoll’s remarks about my act failed to recognize the difference between a male strip tease and a stunt performance rooted in art and sport.”
“Only an uninformed person would draw a comparison between my act and an inappropriate performance. I feel that this danger act is perfect for the Stronger Men’s Conference,” he said. “It provides inspiration to the audience and permission for them to reach new heights of what’s possible in their lives.”
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Magala also shared that Dan Meyer, who is the leader of Sword Swallowers Association International and his mentor, is a member of Driscoll’s church.
“It wasn’t a ‘raunchy male pole dance’ or ‘stripper’ performance,” Meyer said. “Alex is the top of his field as a master in the classical 12th century martial arts acrobatic discipline called Chinese Pole acrobatics which he performed at the Olympics.”
Meyer added, “This is WAY different than a male stripper. It’s like comparing classical ballet with striptease. No comparison. The convention hired Alex because the theme was ‘strong men’ and Alex is the best at what he does!”
Concluding his statement, Magala said that he is a Christian and has “always aimed to use my talents to inspire and entertain audiences in a way that respects my faith.”
“The act in question was designed to be a celebration of physical human achievements and is aligned with the James River Church’s purpose in bringing others into the light of God,” he said. “It’s essential to approach such performances with an understanding of their intention rather than reducing them to mere entertainment.”
, released a statement in response to the criticism he has received online and onstage by controversial Pastor Mark Driscoll.){kind=link}