Overview
- In an Instagram video, Ballard confirmed his church membership was withdrawn and called it a “false excommunication,” alleging he was denied due process.
- He released a March 24, 2025 letter demanding a retraction and disputing a 2023 statement, reported by VICE, that Apostle M. Russell Ballard had withdrawn his association.
- Ballard claims the alleged campaign thwarted a potential U.S. Senate run he says was encouraged by President Donald Trump and pressured theaters not to show his documentary Hidden War, prompting him to urge supporters to call Cinemark.
- Church spokesperson Doug Andersen offered no comment, consistent with the faith’s practice of not discussing disciplinary actions.
- Multiple civil suits accuse Ballard of sexual misconduct, with several dismissals and a primary multi-plaintiff case still pending; he denies wrongdoing, has filed defamation claims, and documents show part of a fraud probe ended without charges.