Corey Feldman turned to God after ‘Today’ show flop

FILE - In this May 25, 2013 file photo, Corey Feldman performs in Los Angeles. After being widely ridiculed for a music performance on Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, on the "Today" show, Feldman is planning a return to the show. Pink, Kesha and Miley Cyrus are among Feldman's celebrity supporters. (Photo by Katy Winn/Invision/AP, File) (The Associated Press)

Corey Feldman told the Associated Press he prayed after he was mercilessly mocked for his recent “Today” show performance.

"At the end of the day, all I ask is that I'm not making a fool of myself," said the former child star, who has been sober for over 25 years after battling addiction. "If it wasn't God's will for me to continue performing, then I would just stop, but I think the fact that we did turn on so many new fans and gained supporters is amazing."

The online negativity has since been silenced by growing supportiveness after Feldman was mocked for a performance of his song "Go 4 It." In the number, a hooded Feldman executed dance moves inspired by Michael Jackson while accompanied by a band comprised of women wearing halos and wings. Pink, Kesha and Miley Cyrus are among the celebrities who have come to Feldman's defense.

The "Goonies" and "Stand By Me" actor is self-aware about his viral experience.

"It's obviously a bit tongue and cheek," he said in a Thursday interview. "I mean, come on, we've got girls with angel wings and halos. It's not the most serious music that's ever been created, but it is still art."

Still, the ‘80s star says he plans to return to “Today” soon to give performing another try.

"I don't want to rush it," said Feldman. "I want it to be better than the last one. I want to make sure each performance is better and that people see it that way. This is not a game to me. It's not a joke."

That was clear in an emotional, tear-filled video that he streamed on Facebook Live over the weekend. Feldman defended the performance and noted that he's "never had such mean things said about me." He later deleted the video.

Feldman believes both social media users and members of the media should take responsibility for spreading negativity.

"I'm not interested in banning freedom of speech," he said. "It's a matter of how you enforce opinions. I think there should be a way to screen out or be sheltered from the hateful comments. If it's a criticism or opinion, that's fine, but when it comes to personal issues, I just think everything can't be fair game."

Feldman is now laughing all the way to the bank. In the week since the "Today" performance, he said album sales "have shot through the roof on all platforms." He's looking to launch a world tour in support of his fifth album, "Angelic 2 The Core."

"We want to be able to do everything I have in mind, as far as the creative elements go," said Feldman. "If we're performing in smaller venues, we won't be able to have back-up dancers, projections, lasers and that kind of thing."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.