Bethany Joy Lenz, best known for her role as Haley James Scott in One Tree Hill, recently made headlines with the release of her memoir, Dinner for Vampires. The book, launched today, October 22, 2024, delves into her harrowing experience of spending nearly a decade in an ultra-Christian cult and how she managed to escape its grip.

Lenz joined the cult in her early 20s after attending a Bible study group in Los Angeles. Like many who become involved with high-control groups, she was searching for a sense of belonging, stability, and emotional intimacy. The cult’s dynamics shifted when a charismatic pastor, whom she refers to as “Les,” started influencing the group, eventually inviting members to live communally at a compound in Idaho. Despite her success on One Tree Hill, Lenz became increasingly entangled in the group’s lifestyle, even marrying another member and having a daughter during her time there.

Throughout these years, the cult’s leaders exerted control over her career, finances, and personal life, isolating her from her loved ones. Several One Tree Hill co-stars, such as Craig Sheffer, reportedly expressed concerns and tried to intervene, but Lenz dismissed their warnings at the time. She reflects on how the cult used subtle emotional manipulation by offering parental-like support, deepening her attachment to the group.

Lenz eventually left both the cult and her marriage in 2012, but the process was emotionally taxing. In interviews, she shares how she felt immense shame and regret, but writing her memoir has been part of her healing journey. Through her story, she hopes to empower others who might be trapped in similar circumstances.

Her memoir, Dinner for Vampires, not only recounts her experience but also offers insights into recognizing and escaping manipulative environments. Lenz emphasizes that while writing the book was painful, she believes it was necessary to confront her past openly.

For fans and readers interested in understanding her transformative journey, the memoir is available now. Lenz’s bravery in sharing her story contributes to ongoing conversations about mental health, cult recovery, and the importance of personal resilience.