Celebrities often lead fascinating lives. Everything about them, from absurd fashion choices to crazy diets, tends to be extraordinary. In their quest to be unique, celebrities are sometimes attracted to cults. Some of them even go the extra mile of leading these cults. Here is a list of famous people who were once part of a cult.
1. Joaquin Phoenix
In the 2019 Joker Film, Joaquin Phoenix made an incredible performance as the main star. Despite starting his cult in the film, Joaquin was also part of a real-life cult known as the Children of God. The star and his family had been part of this religious cult ever since he was young. Fortunately, they were able to leave this cult.
2. Jaden Smith
Will and Jada’s Smith son is believed to be part of a cult called the Orgonite Society, which is based in Los Angeles. Members believe in using orgonite to balance the earth’s energies. This cult is based on Greek mythology and gives its members a pyramid of orgones. So far, Jaden Smith has been photographed with this orgone, and his sister, Willow Smith, is also a part of this cult.
3. John Travolta
This renowned actor is part of a cult called Scientology. Ron Hubbard founded it and has attracted many other celebrities such as Kristie Allie from Star Trek. This cult-like religion revolves around self-healing and the concept of Dianetics.
John and his wife, Kelly Preston, are staunch believers in Dianetics. The media have dubbed the Church of Scientology as a money trap. However, John Travolta has always tried to uplift its image. One time, he saved a lady from an accident and alleged that he had used Dianetics to heal her.
4. Michelle Pfeiffer
Michelle Pfeiffer’s story shows how easily anyone can be lured into a cult. She was introduced to a cult called Breatharianism, which believes that air and sunlight are all that’s needed for human survival. Therefore, they encourage members not to drink water or eat food.
At first, it seemed harmless because her personal trainers recommended this as a way to keep fit. It was not until later, when Michelle was researching a role for her husband in a cult-like movie, that she realized she was part of a cult.
5. David Arquette
David Arquette, famous for being featured in films such as Scream and Bone Tomahawk, grew up in a cult called Skymont Subud Commune. David’s cult was based on a utopian world that secluded itself from the rest of the world, and it didn’t have functional bathrooms, running water, or electricity. He stayed there with his siblings during the 70s.
6. Keira Maguire
After Keira Maguire appeared on The Bachelor in 2016, it was revealed that she had been part of a cult known as The Seaside Sect. It was a polygamist cult that Keira’s father started, and Keira’s mother was one of nine wives that the leader had. While part of the cult, Keira didn’t have birthdays or even know who her mother was. It is alleged that her father had 64 kids.
7. Laura Prepon
Looking at Laura Prepon’s role in Orange is the New Black, it’s impossible to know that she could be part of a cult. However, the star belongs to the same cult as John Travolta called Scientologists. Like Travolta, she always defends this religion even after the media has revealed how bad it is.
8. Glenn Close
Glenn Close was forced to join a cult known as Moral Re-Armament by her father. This cult was a conservative anti-war group. According to Glenn Close, this church was very strict. It is part of the reason she didn’t talk much about her early life.
9. Elvis Presley
Considered by many as the King of Rock, Elvis Presley was an active member of the Self-realization Fellowship during his star days. The Self-Realization Fellowship was formed by Paramahansa Yogananda, based on accepting people from all walks of life. On the surface, it seems like a good group. On the contrary, it’s just a money trap, and it really worked because they got a massive chunk of Elvis’s wealth. This cult still exists to date.
10. Angel Haze
Angel Haze rarely hinted at personal life in her music. That’s mostly because she was brought up in a cult known as Detroit’s Greater Apostolic Faith. This cult was extremely strict. Members were forbidden from eating certain foods, watching movies, listening to music, getting into relationships, and wearing jewelry.
11. Jayne Mansfield
Back in the 50s and 60s, Jayne Mansfield was a prominent actress. She featured in films like The Girl Can’t Help It and Hell on Frisco Bay. However, Jayne was part of the Church of Satan. Throughout her career, she had brushed shoulders with the idea of Satanism.
However, things escalated when she started hanging out with Anton LaVey, the chief priest of this cult. The Church of Satan was an anti-Catholic group. Later on, LaVey placed a curse on Jayne’s boyfriend, and they experienced a lot of bad luck. This made this cult even more popular.
12. Allison Mack
Most people remember Allison Mack from her role in Smallville. This actress was, however, a member of the NXIVM cult that Keith Raniere was leading. The two, alongside other members, were arrested and charged with extortion, identity theft, money laundering, and sex trafficking. Mack was slapped with a 20-year jail term but was released after two years.