Bethany Joy Lenz Reveals Memoir Unveiling Her Cult Encounter Named ‘Feast of the Undead’

Bethany Joy Lenz Announces Presale for Memoir About Her Experience in a Cult

Bethany Joy Lenz. Emily Assiran/Getty Images for That’s 4 Entertainment

Bethany Joy Lenz, who is 42 years old, has shared that she is ready to share her story in a new memoir.

The actress, known for her role in One Tree Hill, revealed the title of her upcoming book, Dinner for Vampires, on Instagram. She mentioned that the memoir will focus on the 10 years she spent in a harmful group, which she refers to as a cult.

She continued: Writing has been a wonderful and personal passion of mine since I was 12 years old. While this may not have been the first book I envisioned sharing with the public, I am grateful for the opportunity to tell my story in my own words. My book explores themes of forgiveness, exposes manipulation, and combines heartache with humor. We all make mistakes, and I hope that Dinner for Vampires serves as a reminder that no matter the challenges you have faced, you are not alone.

Lenz also unveiled a photo of the book cover, which includes the subtitle, "Life on a Cult TV Show While Also in an Actual Cult!" The image shows pills labeled with words like "victimhood," "self-loathing," and "submission" placed behind the book cover.

Lenz’s double life in the early 2000s is explored in her memoir featured on Simon & Schuster’s website. She was a cast member on One Tree Hill and also part of a Bible study group that evolved into something darker known as The Big House Family. The book is set to be released on October 22.

In a July 2023 episode of her podcast “Drama Queens,” Lenz shared her story about being involved with The Big House Family.

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During a conversation with cohosts Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton Morgan, she revealed that she was part of a cult for a decade. She mentioned that sharing her story in a memoir would be meaningful, especially discussing the 10 years of recovery following her experience.

In a later interview with E! News, she opened up about the specific "breaking point" that led her to leave the cult.

She remembered feeling a rollercoaster of emotions, wondering why she was constantly experiencing such highs and lows. She even questioned if there was something wrong with her. One month before leaving, she had intense dreams that added to her confusion. Fortunately, a few people reassured her that there might not be anything wrong with her, bringing her some relief.

In an interview with the Daily Mail in August 2023, Lenz shared more about the treatment she received within the group. She tearfully recounted a time when the leaders urged her to turn down a role that she had always dreamed of.

"I was offered the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, which I had been auditioning for since I was 16," she shared. "They advised me to decline the offer, saying, 'You can't out-give God.' That was their perspective."

Even though she was saddened by the decision to turn down the role, Lenz recognized that accepting the musical opportunity would have altered the course of her life.

"My daughter Maria Rose, who is 13 years old, wouldn't be here if I hadn't taken that part," she shared. She shares Maria Rose with her ex-husband Michael Galeotti, whom she divorced in 2012 after six years of marriage.

Editor's P/S:

Bethany Joy Lenz's upcoming memoir, "Dinner for Vampires," promises to be a captivating and deeply moving account of her experiences within a harmful cult. Her revelation of the double life she led, balancing her successful acting career with her involvement in the cult, is both fascinating and heartbreaking. The book's exploration of themes such as manipulation, forgiveness, and the search for redemption is sure to resonate with readers who have grappled with similar struggles.

Lenz's story highlights the insidious nature of cults and the devastating impact they can have on individuals. Yet, it also serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of healing after trauma. Her willingness to share her experiences with the world is not only brave but also profoundly inspiring, offering hope and encouragement to others who may be struggling with the aftermath of cult involvement.