EX HILLSONG Pastor Carl Lentz was fired for having an affair with jewelry designer Ranin Karim.
The former celebrity pastor hid his affair from his wife for months until she apparently read his text messages and uncovered the infidelity.
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Who is Ranin Karim?
Ranin Karim is a Palestinian fashion and accessory designer living in Brooklyn, New York.
The Brooklyn-based designer has her own collection called Wahidon.
Karim became widely recognized after her alleged relationship with Hillsong NYC's pastor, Carl Lentz.
According to her recount of their relationship, the two met at Domino Park in Brooklyn during the coronavirus lockdown.
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In her first public interview with Good Morning America, Karim recalls seeing red flags throughout their "consensual relationship."
The designer said: "It was so strange. I realized he was the pastor from Hillsong and I was like 'I've been to this church like six years ago.'"
She explained that she later allegedly confronted him after finding out who he was and asked him "is there something wrong with your marriage that you're sitting with me?" to which he replied no.
The affair went on for six months, according to Karim until Lentz’s wife Laura discovered their steamy messages.
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The messages were apparently connected to his work computer at the church office and also allegedly contained “naughty photos.”
Laura seemingly uncovered them while several other co-workers were also present.
Despite the affair, as The Sun exclusively reported, Carl and Laura are attempting to make their marriage work as divorce is “the last thing” they want for their family.
Additionally, The Sun revealed that “at least three more women” have come forward with claims of a romance with the married pastor.
Following the news breakout, on November 4, 2020, Carl and Laura were both fired from the megachurch.
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What is Ranin Karim's net worth?
According to multiple sources, Ranin Karim has a reported net worth of $1million.
In addition to being a designer, Karim is also an actress.
In 2009, Karim landed the role of Hadir in the Palestinian film, Ajami.
She was also a cast member during season 5 of MTV's Ex on the Beach.
During her debut on the series, Karim was deemed "shady" after "bragging" about her relationship with Lentz to her cast member David Barta.
According to IMDb, Karim is also set to appear in the new FX documentary, The Secrets of Hillsong chiming in on her affair with Lentz.
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Is Ranin Karim married?
As of May 2023, Ranin Karim is currently single.
Before meeting Carl Lentz, Karim revealed she had been married and divorced.
Karim was married to a man named Elias Abreu who was also on Ex on the Beach to give their relationship another shot.
After two years of marriage, Karim revealed that the two got divorced due to Abreu's immaturity.
Sadly, the two weren't able to rekindle the flame.
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How can I watch The Secrets of Hillsong?
The Secrets of Hillsong is an FX docuseries highlighting the Lentz affair.
The first two episodes of the four-part series premiered on May 19, 2023, and it is set to conclude on May 26 with the last two episodes.
Viewers can expect to hear testimonies from Carl and Laura following the scandal.
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Additionally, The Secrets of Hillsong is also available to stream via Hulu.
On March 24, 2022, Discovery+ released their own documentary called Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed.