Bethany Joy Lenz Details Cult Experience in Memoir

Bethany Joy Lenz, known for her role in 'One Tree Hill', spent a decade in a manipulative evangelical cult, which she details in her upcoming memoir, 'Dinner for Vampires'. Lenz was drawn to the cult at age 20 after moving to Los Angeles, seeking belonging and community, and soon became deeply embedded, even marrying a fellow cult member. The group was led by a controlling pastor who manipulated various aspects of her life, including her finances and career. Despite her 'One Tree Hill' co-stars' concerns, Lenz only realized the extent of the cult's influence years later, eventually leaving in 2012. Her memoir aims to highlight how easily one can fall into high-control groups under certain circumstances, reflecting her journey to reclaim her life and make peace with her past. Lenz's story underscores the universal human desire for intimacy and belonging, which can sometimes lead individuals into harmful environments.