(RNS) — Daystar is losing a number of its popular stars after months of ongoing scandal at the influential Christian television network involving alleged abuse cover-up, spiritual abuse and financial misconduct. At least six program hosts, most recently including evangelical heavyweights Jack Graham, Jesse Duplantis, Lance Wallnau and Hank and Brenda Kunneman, have parted ways with the network, though most have not cited the scandal as reason for their departure.
It’s unclear whether these exits could signal financial trouble for Daystar, a key player in the world of charismatic celebrities and conservative politics.
In November, investigative journalist Julie Roys reported that Joni Lamb, president of the network, was accused by her son, Jonathan Lamb, and his wife, Suzy Lamb, of covering up abuse against their 5-year-old daughter, an allegation Joni has repeatedly denied.
In an email to RNS, Daystar confirmed the departures of Graham, Duplantis, Wallnau and the Kunnemans. The network noted the exits represent a small percentage of their 100 third-party programmers and said it’s typical for Daystar to experience small turnover ahead of the Dec. 31 contract renewal deadline.
“Our information indicates these non-renewals were made for reasons totally unrelated to Daystar,” the email said. “Most of them have confirmed this publicly. And some of these programmers have indicated to us they hope to come back in 2026. Allegations that the 4 programmers left over controversy are false.”
Daystar added that Joni Lamb continues to strongly deny the allegations against her. “Daystar does not support these false allegations and is deeply saddened by Jonathan’s refusal to participate in and work toward peaceful reconciliation and relational restoration, for which Daystar and other Lamb family members had hoped.”
Duplantis, a televangelist and American charismatic celebrity, announced his departure from Daystar earlier this week. Duplantis, who has faced criticism for calling poverty a curse as part of a prosperity gospel message, denied he was leaving due to the recent scandal, saying he left because God told him to, and his contract ended in December.
Wallnau, a charismatic Christian who has promoted Donald Trump as anointed by God, said on X he pulled his Daystar show for “economic reasons” and “would stay” if he could better afford it (programmers must purchase time to be featured on Daystar). Wallnau has played a crucial role in leveraging the political influence of the New Apostolic Reformation, a collective of Christian leaders who believe God is working through Trump to rebuild God’s kingdom in the United States.
The Kunnemans, founders of One Voice Ministries and influential pastors who lead Lord of Hosts Church in Omaha, Nebraska, are also pulling their show, according to The Roys Report, though they have not publicly shared why.
Graham, a Southern Baptist pastor, is also no longer listed as a host on the Daystar website.
In November, Canadian author Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson pulled her Daystar show due to what she called the “ethical deficits” of senior executives, and a month later an international ministry led by Baruch Korman also cut ties, citing unspecified concerns with the network’s ability to “embrace God’s standards.”
Dozens of other prominent hosts remain connected with the network, including Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Paula White-Cain, Robert Jeffress and T.D. Jakes, per the Daystar website.
