Current:Home > MarketsBethany Joy Lenz Reveals Name of Alleged "Cult" She Says She Belonged To -WealthTrack
Bethany Joy Lenz Reveals Name of Alleged "Cult" She Says She Belonged To
View
Date:2025-04-14 09:04:03
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! (967)
Related
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Georgia state trooper dies after being struck by vehicle while investigating crash
- Man who allegedly told migrants in packed boat he'd get them to U.K. or kill you all convicted of manslaughter
- Could fake horns end illegal rhino poaching?
- New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
- Early voting in Ohio’s March 19 primary begins Wednesday; registration closing Tuesday
- Los Angeles is making it easier to find an EV charger. Here's their plan for closing the charging gap.
- Today's Hoda Kotb Reacts to Kelly Rowland Dressing Room Drama
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Ex-gang leader charged in Tupac Shakur killing due in court in Las Vegas
Ranking
- Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex
- Body camera captures dramatic rescue of infant by deputy at scene of car crash in Florida
- Bodies of Tennessee deputy, woman he arrested found in Tennessee River: What to know
- D.C. United fan groups plan protest of the MLS club’s preseason trip to Saudi Arabia
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Big takeaways from the TV press tour: Race, reality and uncertainty
- Sen. Lindsey Graham very optimistic about House plan for border security and foreign aid
- Can Lionel Messi and Inter Miami be MLS Cup champions? 2024 MLS season preview
Recommendation
'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
As St. John's struggles in rebuild effort, Rick Pitino's frustration reaches new high
Ramadhani Brothers crowned winner of 'AGT: Fantasy League': 'We believe our lives are changing'
Selena Gomez Strips Down for Bathtub Photo During Paris Getaway
Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
How far will $100,000 take you in the U.S.? Here's where it's worth the most — and least.
Joe Manganiello spent Valentine's Day with Caitlin O'Connor after Sofía Vergara divorce
Daytona 500 complete results, finishing order as William Byron wins 2024 NASCAR opener