Bethany Joy Lenz revealed in a recent interview on Southern Living's podcast, Biscuits & Jam, the profound impact her One Tree Hill co-stars had on her life after she escaped a cult she had been entangled in for a decade. She shared that despite her unconventional behavior, their unwavering support and love were a beacon of hope in her darkest hour.
"I was intelligent and skilled in my craft," she said. "Acting demands a certain level of intelligence, as one must be able to decipher and understand scripts. Nevertheless, I had a significant blind spot in my life, like everyone does, and mine was something I had to work through alone."
Lenz continued, "Many of the people around me, whether consciously or subconsciously, knew that their mere presence, encouragement, and love for me despite my quirks, made a significant difference. It gave me a sense of security and emboldened me when it was time for me to leave that group."
Currently, Lenz is penning a book chronicling her decade-long ordeal within the cult, which discouraged her from trusting and connecting with non-members. She hopes that by sharing her experience, she can offer solace and guidance to anyone who might be enduring a similar situation, reminding them that they are not alone.
The cult began innocuously as a home Bible study in Los Angeles during one of her breaks from filming One Tree Hill in Wilmington, North Carolina. Following the cult's directives, she distanced herself from her loved ones, missing out on crucial life events and career opportunities to live with this isolated, small group.
"There is indeed life after trauma," she said, expressing her hope that readers will find solace in her upcoming novel. "Those ten years were filled with intense mental, spiritual, and financial abuse, accompanied by immense shame and misunderstanding. The word 'cult' often conjures up images of extreme practices, but the truth is, spiritual abuse can be insidious and occur in one-on-one relationships, whether with a partner or even family members. It exists in places that may not always receive the attention they deserve."
Lenz emphasized her desire to create a safe space where people can learn from her experiences and find tools to navigate potentially dangerous situations. "If you're already caught in that trap and don't know how to escape," she concluded, "perhaps this will inspire you, giving you insights into what's normal and what's not, how to establish boundaries, and how to recognize the signs of abuse."
