"One Tree Hill" Star Bethany Joy Lenz Reveals Traumatic Experience in Cult in Upcoming Memoir "Dinner for Vampires"

In a shocking revelation, "One Tree Hill" actress Bethany Joy Lenz has opened up about her decade-long involvement in a cult and the impact it had on her personal and professional life. The 42-year-old star took to Instagram on Thursday to announce her upcoming memoir titled "Dinner for Vampires," in which she details her harrowing experience.

Lenz accuses the cult, known as The Big House Family, of draining her TV income and using manipulation, abuse, and fear tactics to maintain control over its members. The actress describes her book as a story of forgiveness and a roadmap to understanding manipulation, filled with heartache and humor.

The memoir's cover boldly proclaims that it is about "life on a cult TV show while also in an actual cult!" Lenz explains that she initially found solace in a Bible study group made up of other Hollywood creatives. However, the group gradually transformed into a sinister web of control under the guise of a church covenant.

Piece by piece, Lenz relinquished her autonomy, eventually relocating to the cult's compound in the Pacific Northwest. The group was overseen by a domineering minister who later convinced Lenz to marry one of his sons. Shockingly, Lenz's TV income was siphoned off without her knowledge, leaving her devastated.

The actress reveals the tactics used by the cult to maintain loyalty, including the assignment of "minders" on set, Maoist struggle-inspired sessions in a dilapidated house basement, and regular counseling with the group's leadership.

Lenz first shared her ordeal on her "Drama Queens" podcast in July, where she expressed her desire to write about her experience and the subsequent decade-long process of recovery. She says that eventually becoming a mother gave her the courage to leave the cult in order to protect her child from a similar fate.

The "One Tree Hill" star credits her former co-stars with helping her transition back to a normal life. Their support and encouragement made her feel safe and helped her through the difficult process of leaving the cult behind.

Lenz emphasizes that recovery looks different for everyone and reflects on the importance of rediscovering her own understanding of God and reclaiming her true self. She hopes that her book will serve as a reminder to others that no matter the strange paths they have traveled, they are not alone.

"Dinner for Vampires" is set to hit bookstores on October 22, 2024, offering readers an intimate and eye-opening look into the actress's experience in the cult.