Escape from a Cult: One Tree Hill Star Reveals How the Show Became Her Lifeline

Summary

Bethany Joy Lenz reveals that she was involved in a cult for a decade, but credits the cast of One Tree Hill for trying to save and rescue her.

Filming the show in North Carolina while being away from the cult greatly contributed to Lenz's ability to break free.

Despite her involvement with the cult in the past, Lenz has managed to pursue her career in acting and music, making appearances on different shows and even releasing new music in 2020.

One Tree Hill actress Bethany Joy Lenz, known for her role as Haley James Scott, reveals how being on the show helped her escape from a cult. Lenz first shared her story on her podcast Drama Queens, which she co-hosts with former One Tree Hill co-stars Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton. She discloses that she was involved with a cult for about ten years.

During an interview with Variety, Lenz elaborates that shortly after joining the cast of One Tree Hill, she found herself immersed in a cult. Initially, she believed she was simply attending a bible study, but she soon noticed a push to distance herself from loved ones. The cult's strategy aimed to instill distrust towards outsiders and prioritize loyalty to its members and leader. Lenz acknowledges the support of her One Tree Hill colleagues, who made efforts to "save and rescue" her, as well as the show's filming location, which provided distance from the influence of the cult. Here is her complete statement:

[Insert Bethany Joy Lenz's full comment.]

They made sincere efforts to save and rescue me, which was incredibly heartwarming and fantastic to receive such care. However, I was stubbornly dedicated to what I believed were the optimal decisions for myself.

In many aspects, One Tree Hill played a crucial role in saving my life as I spent nine months of the year in North Carolina. With frequent travel and numerous visitors, my life revolved around North Carolina. I believe the physical distance played a significant role in my awakening process.

What Has Bethany Joy Lenz Been Up To After One Tree Hill?

Lenz has had a similar experience with a cult as other actors, such as Allison Mack from Smallville. Mack was arrested and released from prison due to her involvement in the NXIVM sex cult. However, unlike some actors who have left cults, Lenz has not let it hinder her career. After portraying the quintessential girl-next-door on the iconic show, she has continued to work in the industry. She appeared as Cassie Jollenston in season 8 of Dexter, Keri Alle in the Suits spin-off Pearson, Morgan in the science fiction drama Colony, and even made an appearance in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D as Stephanie Malick, the daughter of Gideon Malick, a loyal servant of HYDRA.

In addition to her onscreen endeavors, Lenz has also showcased her talent in theatrical productions such as One Starry Night Gala and CATstravaganza: Hamilton's Cats Musical. She has also pursued a successful music career, with a substantial discography and a recent 2020 release titled Snow.

Lenz's time on One Tree Hill had a profound impact on her life. The supportive cast and crew, combined with the fact that she was physically far from the cult, ultimately aided her in moving forward from that challenging situation. Despite her involvement with the cult, Lenz has managed to maintain a thriving career as a performer, exploring various artistic paths.