### Bethany Joy Lenz Opens Up About Her Decade in a 'Cult' and Troubled Marriage

Actress Bethany Joy Lenz, known for her role on "One Tree Hill," has recently made headlines as she discusses her decade-long involvement with a group she describes as a "cult." In her new memoir, *Dinner for Vampires,* Lenz delves into her experiences with The Big House Family organization, which she claims had a significant influence on her life and relationships.

The ministry's founder and Lenz's former father-in-law, Michael Galeotti, has publicly refuted her allegations, suggesting that her account is exaggerated. "Everybody sees things a little differently and she's going to cling to the fame," Galeotti commented in an interview. He added, "She's going to make a name for herself. But it's not the way it went down."

In the memoir, Lenz details how she was drawn into the group and how she eventually married Michael Galeotti Jr., with whom she shares a 13-year-old daughter, Rosie. The couple divorced in 2012 after seven years of marriage. While Michael Sr. has been vocal against Lenz’s recount of events, Michael Jr. appears more focused on minimizing any negative impact on their daughter. "I have a daughter who's really important to me. I don't want it to affect her. It's too much," he shared.

The actress provided further insights into her time with The Big House Family during her appearance on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast. Lenz explained how the group gradually distanced her from her family, particularly highlighting how they convinced her that her mother was "spiritually in a different place." According to Lenz, these manipulative tactics slowly chipped away at her relationships outside the group.

One of the more disturbing aspects Lenz discussed was the "sex schedule" she and Michael Jr. followed to address their intimacy issues. "I was so disinterested in sex, I was then asked to go on a schedule," she recalled. This rigid routine left her feeling anxious and led to lingering effects in subsequent relationships.

Despite the turbulent marriage and her unsettling experience within the organization, Lenz expressed sympathy for her ex-husband. "It's so sad because he - like the poor guy never had a shot," she said, attributing many of his issues to his upbringing within the group. Reflecting on their relationship, she described it as "a mess all around."

As Lenz continues to share her story, her revelations have sparked discussions about the impact of controlling organizations and the lasting effects they can have on individuals and their relationships. While differing perspectives on the events persist, Lenz's account provides a personal narrative of overcoming manipulation and finding a path to recovery.