‘One Tree Hill’ star Bethany Joy Lenz finally opens up about joining a cult, and it’s giving NXIVM

Bethany Joy Lenz, widely recognized for her role as Haley on *One Tree Hill*, recently shared the harrowing experience of being in a religious cult during her years on the hit series. Lenz’s new memoir, *Dinner For Vampires: Life On a Cult TV Show*, dives into her journey of realizing and ultimately escaping this oppressive group.

Raised in an evangelist household, Lenz was drawn to faith-based communities early on, but a Bible study group in L.A. led her into a controlling environment. By age 20, she was living in Idaho under the cult leader’s strict guidance. On the *One Tree Hill* set, her co-stars sensed something was amiss; actor Craig Sheffer was the first to express concern, even using the word “cult,” which initially shocked her. In denial, Lenz dismissed his concerns, believing she had access to a unique connection with God.

Lenz’s experience echoes stories of other Hollywood figures entangled in groups like NXIVM, which manipulated members by exploiting their career insecurities. For Lenz, the group even dictated her marriage, urging her to marry the cult leader’s son despite a clear lack of compatibility. Her memoir explores these difficult years, revealing her struggle to find her own voice amidst coercive control.

Finally free since 2012, Lenz discusses her journey to healing, which she further detailed in her recent appearance on the *Call Her Daddy* podcast. Her memoir, released on October 22, promises a deeper look into her story and serves as an eye-opening account of resilience in Hollywood’s often-overlooked cult-like circles.