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Bethany Joy Lenz unveils the dark side of her TV and cult experiences
A journey from reluctant star to outspoken advocate
Bethany Joy Lenz opens up in her new book “Dinner for Vampires” about her tumultuous time with the Big House Family cult and her parallel journey on the set of “One Tree Hill.” From initial hesitations about joining a teen drama, to later conflicts with the show’s creator, Lenz provides a raw and honest look at her dual battles for identity and integrity.
Early reservations about ‘One Tree Hill’
Initially, Lenz was not keen on joining the WB series “One Tree Hill.” Focused on a film career, she didn’t want to be “stuck on a teen soap.” Lenz writes about turning down the role initially and explains how she was pursued again after the original actor cast for Haley didn’t work out. The producer remembered her from previous auditions, showing the persistence typical in the industry.
“The show was marketed toward tween girls,” Lenz recalls. She was particularly concerned about the role model she would portray.
Her apprehensions extended beyond professional concerns. Lenz was wary of normalizing the idea of “living in sin” for the tween audience, believing these portrayals could influence young viewers negatively.
A disturbing glimpse behind the curtains
Lenz describes a particularly unsettling conversation her manager had with an executive the night before her screen test. The executive bluntly stated, “You tell her this show is about fucking and sucking, and if she’s gonna have a problem with that, she shouldn’t come in tomorrow.” Despite these crude descriptions, Lenz saw potential in the script and decided to take the risk.
However, the nature of these demands was indicative of future conflicts. Lenz recounts instances where she stood her ground for her character’s integrity, such as refusing to try on certain outfits, which led to accusations of being “difficult.”
Inside the mind of the show’s creator
Lenz provides an in-depth characterization of the show’s creator, comparing his control tactics to those of her cult leader. She describes how both used geographical and psychological isolation to exert control over young and naive individuals. This manipulation became clear in the portrayals on the show, where personal humiliations were woven into the script.
“He started writing things into the storylines to purposefully humiliate or antagonize me,” Lenz reveals, illustrating a toxic work environment.
Connections and isolation on set
Despite cult leaders advising her not to trust her coworkers, Lenz formed some meaningful connections during the early years of filming in Wilmington, North Carolina. However, her personal life took a more sinister turn when she married a cult member.
Her husband monitored her every move, from interactions on set to her wardrobe choices, further isolating her from any potential support system.
“He examined photos of my wardrobe choices to make sure there wasn’t any midriff or cleavage,” Lenz writes, demonstrating an extreme level of control over her day-to-day activities.
Handling work and life under scrutiny
Lenz’s colleagues were mostly unaware of the intense scrutiny she faced from her husband. “They just don’t have ‘spiritual eyes’ to see things,” she mentions, implying that she felt superior and more “enlightened” due to her cult experiences. This mentality often led her to justify what outsiders might see as bizarre behavior.
Comparative analysis: TV industry and cult dynamics
Through her narrative, Lenz offers a chilling juxtaposition of her experiences in the television industry and in the cult. Both environments were steeped in power dynamics and manipulative tactics designed to control and subdue.
Her revelations also point to broader industry issues, such as the sexualization and objectification of women on set. This reflection has stirred conversations about how such power imbalances can be addressed moving forward.
“Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show (While also in an Actual Cult!)” is now available for purchase. Lenz’s journey is both deeply personal and universally relevant, shedding light on the darker facets of two very different worlds.
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