Current:Home > ScamsBethany Joy Lenz Reveals Name of Alleged "Cult" She Says She Belonged To -TradeWise
Bethany Joy Lenz Reveals Name of Alleged "Cult" She Says She Belonged To
View
Date:2025-04-15 07:31:37
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! (8335)
Related
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- Largest Mega Millions jackpot had multiple $1 million winners across the US
- Journalists seek regulations to govern fast-moving artificial intelligence technology
- Parents see own health spiral as their kids' mental illnesses worsen
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- Aaron Rodgers steals the show in first episode of 'Hard Knocks' with Jets
- A yearlong slowdown in US inflation may have stalled in July
- Barbie-approved outdoor gear for traveling between worlds
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Ava DuVernay, Ron Howard explain what drove them to create massive hiring network
Ranking
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- $1.58 billion Mega Millions jackpot winning ticket sold in Florida
- Maui fires: Aerial photos show damage in Lahaina, Banyan Court after deadly wildfires
- 2 still sought in connection with Alabama riverfront brawl that drew national attention
- Average rate on 30
- The Swift impact: Eras Tour stop is boosting Los Angeles' GDP by estimated $320 million
- New southern Wisconsin 353 area code goes into effect in September
- 'The Damar Effect': Demand for AEDs surges, leaving those in need waiting
Recommendation
US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
U.S. closes Haiti embassy amid rapid gunfire after Haitians march to demand security
Utah man suspected of threatening President Joe Biden shot and killed as FBI served warrant
UConn star Paige Bueckers 'all cleared' to return from ACL injury
Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
Rising flood risks threaten many water and sewage treatment plants across the US
Person shot and wounded by South Dakota trooper in Sturgis, authorities say
Connecticut man charged with assaulting law enforcement in US Capitol attack