Bethany Joy Lenz, known for her role on the show One Tree Hill, recently opened up about her 10-year experience in a cult and how she never apologized to her parents for the pain she caused them during that time. In a podcast interview, Lenz expressed her fear of having vulnerable conversations with her parents but finally mustered up the courage to apologize to them for what she put them through. She acknowledged their patience and grace during that difficult period and admitted that she had never flat-out said sorry to them before.
During her time in The Big House Family cult, which coincided with the run of One Tree Hill, Lenz was isolated from her biological family by the group’s leaders. She shared in her new book, Dinner for Vampires, that the cult leader advised her to ignore her parents’ concerns and convinced her that the group leaders held more authority over her life than her own parents did. However, despite the manipulation and control exerted by the cult leaders, Lenz eventually saw through their tactics and made the decision to leave the cult behind for good, leading to emotional moments with her family as she made that transition.
Lenz reflected on the moment she told her mother about leaving the cult and getting a divorce from her husband, who was the son of one of the cult leaders. Her mother, despite all the turmoil and distance their relationship had endured during the cult years, reacted with tears of relief and support. Lenz shared that her mother had never stopped praying and waiting for the day when she would finally come out of the cult and make her own decisions. This moment marked a turning point in Lenz’s life as she began to rebuild her relationships outside of the cult’s influence.
Despite the challenges and trauma she faced during her time in the cult, Lenz believes that no one could have persuaded her to leave before she was ready to do so. Looking back, she offered advice to her younger self, encouraging her to be honest about her struggles and mistakes and to embrace her imperfections. Lenz emphasized the importance of living authentically and accepting oneself, rather than constantly trying to earn approval from others or from a higher power. Through her journey of healing and self-discovery, Lenz learned the value of embracing one’s flaws and learning from mistakes.
In the aftermath of her cult experience, Lenz has come to terms with the pain she caused her parents during those tumultuous years and has expressed gratitude for their unwavering support and understanding. She remains open about her struggles and experiences, using her platform to share her story and offer guidance to others who may be facing similar challenges. Lenz’s journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of seeking healing and reconciliation with loved ones. By sharing her story and apologizing to her parents, Lenz has taken an important step towards closure and forgiveness, paving the way for a new chapter of healing and growth in her life.
