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Bethany Joy Lenz was involved in a cult that took over much of her life while filming beloved 2000s series One Tree Hill, and despite leaving the cult years ago, there are still a few details she's scared to discuss.
Lenz, who played Hayley James Scott in the series, released her new memoir, Dinner for Vampires Life on a Cult TV Show, last week, revealing intimate details about life in a religious cult. The star appeared on iHeartRadio podcast "I've Never Said This Before With Tommy DiDario" on Monday (October 28) to chat about the project and what it was like being in a cult at 20 years old while filming one of the most popular TV shows in America.
Though Lenz revealed a substantial amount of information about her cult experience in the memoir, including that she was put on a "sex schedule" with her then husband and the father of her child (who remains part of the cult), per People, there's one thing that still haunts her that she's never publicly admitted.
"I'm still scared of having vulnerable conversations with my parents. I don't know if I’ve ever just flat-out said to my parents, 'I’m sorry. For what I put you through in those ten years.' I think we’ve danced around versions of that but I don't think I've ever just flat-out said that."
She continued, relaying a special message to her parents that she also planned to say on the phone after the podcast was recorded.
"Mom, Dad, I’m really sorry for what I put you through for those ten years. It’s been a while out of it now but… Thank you for sticking by me and for your patience and grace."
For more on Lenz's journey away from cult life, check out the latest episode of "I've Never Said This Before With Tommy DiDario" on iHeartRadio now!