Bethany Joy Lenz expresses that the encouragement from her One Tree Hill colleagues following her departure from the cult had a significant impact
For ten years, the actress was part of a confidential religious community and is currently penning a book detailing her journey.
Leaving the cult she had been a part of for a decade proved to be a challenging journey for Bethany Joy Lenz. However, her One Tree Hill castmates played a crucial role in providing her with a sense of security when she finally made the life-altering decision.
During a recent podcast interview, the actress, who had joined an undisclosed religious group after the show's initial success and departed in 2012, expressed gratitude for the support she received from her fellow actors. Lenz explained that their constant "presence, professionalism, and kindness" on the set significantly aided her in transitioning back to a more conventional life.
In the latest episode of Southern Living's Biscuits & Jam podcast, the 42-year-old actress shared her perspective, stating, "They recognized my intelligence and skills as an actor. You can't be a proficient actor without intelligence. Script analysis requires a keen assessment of things." Lenz acknowledged that, like everyone, she had a significant blind spot in her life, one that she had to navigate and overcome independently.
The One Tree Hill cast went out of their way to provide solace to her through subtle gestures. Reflecting on the support she received, Lenz shared, "I believe many of them, whether consciously or subconsciously, understood that just their presence and words of encouragement conveyed love and care. Despite my quirks, knowing they still loved me made a significant impact and created a sense of safety."
Upon leaving the group, Lenz expressed gratitude for the open arms extended to her, stating, "There were still many welcoming embraces, and that was incredibly reassuring and helpful." As the host of the Drama Queens podcast and an upcoming author detailing her cult experience, she aims to reassure those who've faced similar situations, emphasizing that "they're not alone" and emphasizing the existence of life after trauma.
Lenz described her decade-long experience in the cult as a period of "intense mental, spiritual, and financial abuse." Acknowledging the daunting prospect of rebuilding after such an ordeal, she remarked, "It can feel overwhelming to emerge from that and think, 'I don't even know where to start; I'm back at square one.'" Lenz highlighted the additional challenge survivors face, not only contending with personal feelings of shame but also dealing with the lack of understanding from others who may question how someone could find themselves in such a situation.
"They may hear the term 'cult' or dismiss the concept of 'spiritual abuse' as something whimsical," she explained. "However, it's a harsh reality that individuals endure, not just within group dynamics but also in one-on-one relationships with partners or even within family connections. This pervasive issue isn't confined to notorious cults; it lurks in unsuspecting places. My goal is to establish a safe space for discussion."
Through her book, Lenz aims to enlighten readers on how to "steer clear of falling into those snares" from the start. She emphasized, "If you find yourself ensnared and unsure of how to break free, perhaps this resource can offer inspiration and guidance on distinguishing between what's normal and what's not, setting boundaries, and recognizing the signs."
Lenz attributes her survival to One Tree Hill, revealing that the demanding filming schedule of the show kept her separated from the cult for extended periods. She expressed gratitude for her co-stars' efforts to intervene, stating, "For a while, they were all attempting to rescue me, which was incredibly touching and a testament to the genuine care they had for me."
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