Actress Bethany Joy Lenz, widely recognized for her role in the hit series One Tree Hill, has disclosed that she was involved in a cult for 10 years.
Lenz revisited her past during a recent episode of the podcast “Drama Queens,” where she co-hosts alongside former co-stars Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton. Speaking candidly, Lenz mentioned her current efforts to reflect on and document the challenging period of her life.
While specific details about the cult were not disclosed by Lenz, she noted the pressure she feels to accurately and authentically tell her story.
“Also, I don’t know how much I can say because there are still people and legal things in place that make it more complicated for the timing” Lenz said.
However, speculations are that it was a religions cult and her involvement was tied to her ex-husband, Michael Galeotti.
@the.cassiemarie I feel like the cross between One Tree Hill fans and people interested in cults is VERY niche, but I’m with you guys. Here’s to hoping Bethany Joy Lenz writes that book if she feels ready ❤️❤️ @Mentallygrowing247 thanks for sending me this! #onetreehill #onetreehilltiktok #bethanyjoylenz #sophiabush #hilarieburtonmorgan #culty #culttiktok #dramaqueensoth
This isn’t the first time Lenz has spoken out against powerful institutions. In 2021, she took to Instagram to expose the controversial Mosaic Church of Los Angeles, claiming to have attended sporadically for two years. She criticized the church, calling attention to its hierarchical structure and alleging rampant abuse behind the scenes, with the leader at the center of it all.
In an emotional moment of reflection, Lenz recalled the profound impact theologian and preacher Tim Keller had on her during her darkest moments following her departure from the undisclosed cult. Keller’s support and guidance played a significant role in her healing journey.
“This man changed my life,” she wrote on Instagram after his May 19 death.
Image credit: @msbethanyjoylenz Instagram
Additionally, in a Twitter exchange from 2016, former Smallville actor Allison Mack, known for her involvement in the notorious NXIVM cult, recommended Lenz explore the women’s group Jness, a subbranch of the NXIVM organization. However, Bethany rejected the offer in a tweet that has since been deleted.
Image credit: @BethanyJoyLenz Twitter
In 2019, Allison Mack pleaded guilty to charges related to her involvement in manipulating women to become sex slaves for Keith Raniere, the spiritual leader of the NXIVM group. Following her sentencing, she recently completed her time in federal prison and was released last week. Meanwhile, Raniere, the leader of the group, is currently serving a lengthy prison term of 120 years. Raniere’s conviction includes charges such as racketeering, alien smuggling, sex trafficking, extortion, and obstruction of justice.
Published by HOLR Magazine.