Comedian Cristina Payne Says She’s “Living in Fear” After New Video Shows Alleged Assault by Cory Holcomb
Comedian Cristina Payne is speaking out after what she says was a terrifying confrontation with fellow comic Cory Holcomb, and newly released surveillance footage is now adding fuel to the growing controversy.
Earlier this week, Media Take Out shared viral clips showing Cory and Cristina engaged in a heated verbal exchange outside a comedy venue in December 2024. The two appeared to be “joke battling” when the situation escalated. In the footage, Cory appears to step toward Cristina, and the video appears to show him striking her in the face.
Cristina now says the moment was even more frightening than what the public first saw.
According to Cristina, before the physical incident, Cory allegedly displayed a firearm in an attempt to intimidate her and throw her off during the exchange.
“He was losing the joke battle,” Cristina claims, “and instead of taking the L, he tried to scare me.”
Cristina says the alleged threat shook her, but she continued to stand her ground. Moments later, she says, the confrontation turned physical.
As of now, Cory Holcomb has not publicly responded to these allegations. There is no confirmation from law enforcement regarding any charges related to the incident, and Media Take Out cannot independently verify all claims being made.
Cristina says she is now afraid for her safety.
“I’m living in fear,” she shared. “I never imagined something like this would happen just because of comedy.”
Despite the fear, she says she believes something bigger protected her that night.
Cristina, who is open about her faith, says she believes Jesus Christ was with her during the confrontation and helped her stay calm and unharmed.
“I know God was with me,” she said. “That’s why I didn’t break. That’s why I’m still here.”
The situation has sparked intense debate online, with many calling for accountability and others urging people to wait for verified facts. What is clear is that the footage and Cristina’s claims have turned a moment of comedy into a serious and disturbing situation.
Media Take Out will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
