Current:Home > reviewsBethany Joy Lenz Reveals Name of Alleged "Cult" She Says She Belonged To -Wealth Evolution Experts
Bethany Joy Lenz Reveals Name of Alleged "Cult" She Says She Belonged To
Surpassing View
Date:2025-04-11 04:40:35
Bethany Joy Lenz is revealing more details of her inspiring journey.
After previously sharing on her podcast she was "in a cult for 10 years," the One Tree Hill alum will detail her recovery from the harrowing experience in her debut memoir, Dinner for Vampires.
"An only child who often had to fend for herself and always wanted a place to belong, Lenz found the safe haven she'd been searching for in a Bible study group with other Hollywood creatives," a description for the book, from Simon & Schuster reads. "However, the group soon morphed into something more sinister—a slowly woven web of manipulation, abuse, and fear under the guise of a church covenant called The Big House Family."
The Big House Family, as Bethany alleges in the synopsis, coerced her to "give away her autonomy," relocate to the organization's Pacific Northwest compound, and had her have "Family ‘minders'" on set with her.
In addition, Bethany is set to describe the group's alleged practices to keep her a loyal member, including "‘Maoist struggle session'–inspired meetings in the basement of a filthy house, and regular counseling with ‘Leadership.'"
Bethany's new memoir comes after she previously described the obstacles that kept her from fully sharing her story when she first opened up about it last July.
"The pressure of getting it right, and everything having to be exactly real, and all the people that are involved," she said on the Drama Queens podcast at the time. "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 of that."
Dinner for Vampires, set to release in October, will also reveal a One Tree Hill "superfan" who allegedly helped Bethany regain her own sovereignty. And the Dexter actress has also previously credited her fellow castmates from the drama series—which included Sophia Bush and Chad Michael Murray—for support through the difficult life chapter.
"I feel like a lot of the people there, whether conscious or subconsciously," the 42-year-old told Southern Living last November. "knew that just their presence and being an encouragement and letting me know that they still love and cared about me in spite of the fact that I was a little weird. That made a big difference."
It's evident the One Tree Hill cast was a supportive, tight-knit crew. Read on for all the sweet moments from the show's 20th anniversary reunion.
E! News has reached out to The Big Family organization for comment but has not yet heard back.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (7)
Related
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- Billie Eilish Is Now Acting as the Bad Guy in Surprise TV Role
- Estonia hosts NATO-led cyber war games, with one eye on Russia
- Taliban kills ISIS-K leader behind 2021 Afghanistan airport attack that left 13 Americans dead, U.S. officials say
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Twitter CEO addresses employees worried about Elon Musk's hostile takeover bid
- Royal Caribbean cruise ship passenger goes overboard on trip to Hawaii
- Jennifer Lopez Just Launched a Dazzling Exclusive Shoe Collection With Revolve
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Sports betting ads are everywhere. Some worry gamblers will pay a steep price
Ranking
- Sam Taylor
- Georgina Rodríguez Gets Emotional Recalling “Worst Moment” Losing Her and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Baby Boy
- Will Elon Musk turn activist at Twitter?
- Review: Impressive style and story outweigh flawed gameplay in 'Ghostwire: Tokyo'
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Transcript: Rep. Ro Khanna on Face the Nation, April 30, 2023
- See Vanessa Bryant and Daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri Honor Late Kobe Bryant at Handprint Unveiling
- A Monk Movie With Tony Shalhoub Is Officially Happening: All the Details
Recommendation
This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
Ulta 24-Hour Flash Sale: Take 50% Off Halsey's About-Face, Too Faced, StriVectin, Iconic London, and More
Scotland's Stone of Destiny'' has an ancient role in King Charles' coronation. Learn its centuries-old story.
Former TikTok moderators sue over emotional toll of 'extremely disturbing' videos
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
Billie Eilish Is Now Acting as the Bad Guy in Surprise TV Role
Russian missile strikes hit Ukrainian city of Odesa, killing at least 1 and damaging historic cathedral
Over 50 gig workers were killed on the job. Their families are footing the bills