Devon Werkheiser and Daniel Curtis Lee's Rift Over Alleged 'Cult' Recruitment

Devon Werkhesier Had Falling Out With 'Ned's Declassified' Costar Daniel Curtis Lee Over Attempted 'Cult' Recruitment

Devon Werkhesier, Daniel Curtis Lee. Getty Images(2)

Devon Werkheiser and Daniel Curtis Lee, former stars of Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, had a disagreement over a misunderstanding related to a cult workshop. Werkheiser, now 33 years old, brought up the incident during a recent episode of their podcast with Lindsay Shaw. He mentioned how Lee was upset with him for a couple of years after he tried to get him to attend the workshop. Despite this, Werkheiser emphasized that they always stayed in touch, except for that one period of not talking.

"No way, it was definitely a cult," Lee, who is also 33, argued. He made it clear that it was not just close to being a cult, and confirmed that Werkhesier did indeed attempt to persuade him to become a member.

Lee, known for his role as Simon “Cookie” Nelson-Cook on Ned’s Declassified, further elaborated on why he decided to step back from his friendship with Werkhesier, who portrayed the main character, after the recruitment incident.

He mentioned that he was already dealing with his own issues and did not need any additional problems at that time. That particular interaction was the last thing he wanted to experience with anyone. He also shared that he had a negative perception of people trying to promote fulfillment through religion.

Devon Werkhesier Had Falling Out With 'Ned's Declassified' Costar Daniel Curtis Lee Over Attempted 'Cult' Recruitment

Lee mentioned that the conversation took place when they weren't spending much time together. It felt like Werkheiser had called to check up on him and recruit him.

Lee remembered walking out of the restaurant feeling frustrated. He was upset with the people in Hollywood, thinking they were all alike. He felt like he was being taken advantage of for someone else's benefit.

Werkhesier explained that there was no financial reward for bringing in new members, but admitted that there was pressure to recruit people. He defended his actions by saying that Lee was not in a good place mentally at that time.

Daniel told me that he was in a dark place and didn't have faith in people, the world, or even food. He was going through a tough time. I offered him a safe space where he could develop, achieve his goals, and flourish. On the other hand, Daniel was skeptical and didn't trust me.

Additionally, Werkhesier mentioned that he hadn't heard of anyone having a negative encounter with the workshops.

"He mentioned that there are self-development workshops in the world that may seem a bit like cults, but they still offer opportunities for personal growth and education.

Despite reconciling their friendship and starting a podcast with Shaw in February 2023, Lee maintained his belief that Werkhesier's recruitment attempt was inappropriate."

"I was feeling hurt, man," he mentioned. "I was dealing with some stuff... So, it felt good to think, 'Oh, yeah - Dev, we'll hang out.'"

Werkheiser expressed that it was tough to know that Lee was feeling "vulnerable" and just needed a "safe space" when he suggested the workshop to him.

"But when I saw how much you were struggling, it made me think, 'No, you really should go to this thing,'" he said as Lee and Shaw burst into laughter.

"It's nice to be able to look back and say, 'You know, it wasn't that bad,'" Lee said.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights a past disagreement between former "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide" stars Devon Werkheiser and Daniel Curtis Lee. Werkheiser's attempt to recruit Lee into a cult workshop led to a rift in their friendship. Lee perceived the workshop as a cult and felt taken advantage of, while Werkheiser defended his actions, claiming he offered Lee support during a difficult time.

Despite reconciling, Lee maintains that Werkheiser's recruitment attempt was inappropriate. The incident raises important questions about the boundaries of friendship and the potential influence of personal beliefs on relationships. It also emphasizes the need for open communication and respect for individual choices when it comes to personal growth and fulfillment.