Bethany Joy Lenz Cult Escape

Over a decade, the One Tree Hill actress lost $2 million, her family and her sense of self

- SARAH HEARON

Struggling in Hollywood and fearing she was a burden to her parents, the then-20-year-old Bethany Joy Lenz accepted a fellow actress’ invitation to her Bible study group. Raised Christian, Lenz felt seen by its leader, who promised to love her unconditionally as God’s “little princess.” Soon after, in 2003, she booked