In the realm of fame and fortune, celebrities often captivate the public eye with their talents, charm, and larger-than-life personas. However, beyond the red carpets and flashing cameras, some stars have found themselves entangled in the secretive and sometimes controversial world of cults. Here’s a glimpse into the lives of seven celebrities who have been linked to such societies:
Jaden and Willow Smith
Although it is not considered a cult, it does have very similar characteristics, there have been speculations surrounding Jaden and Willow Smith’s affiliation with the ‘Orgonite Society’. As per the group’s Instagram description, it is described as ‘A Secret Society Of Individuals Who Create And Place Orgonite To Balance Gaia’s Energies.’
Gaia, rooted in Greek mythology, symbolizes the Earth itself. Both Smith siblings have been photographed with crystal ‘Orgone’ pyramids, believed to dispel negative energy and emit positive vibrations.
However, beyond the facade of spreading ‘good vibes’, there are reports suggesting deeper connections. According to articles from Gawker and Refinery 29 dating back to 2014, the society allegedly introduced the Smiths and others to the teachings of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, also known as ‘Osho’, a controversial figure often labeled as a ‘spiritual leader’. Notably, in the US, Osho garnered attention as ‘the sex guru’ due to his emphasis on sexual liberation.
Joaquin Phoenix
Our beloved Joaquin Phoenix, in a 2016 interview with Playboy, the famously private actor Joaquin Phoenix opened up about his upbringing in the ‘Children of God’ cult. Reflecting on his parents’ involvement, he remarked, “When people bring up ‘Children of God’, there’s always something vaguely accusatory about it. It’s guilt by association. I think it was really innocent on my parents’ part. They really believed, but I don’t think most people see it that way. I’ve always thought that was strange and unfair.”
The ‘Children of God’, initially known as ‘Teens for Christ’ and now renamed ‘The Family International’, employed a controversial evangelism tactic called ‘Flirty Fishing‘, which involved using sex to supposedly demonstrate “God’s love and mercy” and attract converts.
Phoenix also shared that his parents gradually recognized the unsettling nature of the group’s practices. “I think my parents thought they’d found a community that shared their ideals. Cults rarely advertise themselves as such. It’s usually someone saying, ‘We’re like-minded people. This is a community,’ but I think the moment my parents realized there was something more to it, they got out,” he explained.
Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder has never shied away from discussing her unconventional upbringing. Raised in the company of literary luminaries like poet Allen Ginsberg and author Timothy Leary, who happened to be her godfather, Ryder’s childhood was anything but typical. At the age of 7, her family embarked on a unique journey, relocating to a commune nestled in Northern California. There, they joined forces with seven other families, collectively stewarding over 300 acres of land in a shared pursuit of communal living: ‘The Rainbow Commune’.
The actress recalled her childhood with fondness in an interview with Dazed. “It was pretty incredible. We were in 380 acres of redwoods and there was no electricity,” said Ryder.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley has long been the subject of speculation regarding his involvement in founding a religion. While the legendary King of Rock ‘n’ Roll didn’t formally establish his own church, there was a significant episode where he was on the verge of assuming the role of spiritual leader for the Los Angeles-based Self-Realization Fellowship. During the early 1970s, Elvis became a protege of the group’s then-leader, Sri Daya Mata. At one point, he even harbored intentions of launching his own commune, with aspirations to “dedicate his life to aiding others in their pursuit of spiritual fulfillment through disciplined devotion,” as recounted by his ex-wife, Priscilla Presley.
Glenn Close
In 2014, Academy Award-nominated actress Glenn Close bravely shared her harrowing experience of growing up in what she described as a ‘cult’ environment. Her father, Dr. William Taliaferro, introduced their family to the right-wing religious group known as ‘Moral Re-Armament’ (MRA) when Close was just seven years old.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Close recounted to The Hollywood Reporter, “[For years], I wouldn’t trust any of my instincts because [my beliefs] had all been dictated to me.” She elaborated on the suffocating nature of the group, stating, “You basically weren’t allowed to do anything, or you were made to feel guilty about any unnatural desire.”
Close candidly shared the profound psychological impact of being indoctrinated into such a controlling environment from a young age, explaining, “If you talk to anybody who was in a group that basically dictates how you’re supposed to live and what you’re supposed to say and how you’re supposed to feel, from the time you’re 7 till the time you’re 22, it has a profound impact on you. It’s something you have to consciously overcome because all of your trigger points are there.”
Michelle Pfeiffer
Michelle Pfeiffer made headlines in 2013 when she revealed her past involvement with a ‘cult’. Led by two personal trainers in Hollywood, the group adhered to the practice of ‘breatharianism’—the belief that sustenance could be derived solely from sunlight, eschewing the need for food and water.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Pfeiffer recounted her experience, stating,
“They worked with weights and put people on diets. Their thing was vegetarianism.” She further elaborated on the controlling nature of the group, mentioning,
“They were very controlling. I wasn’t living with them but I was there a lot and they were always telling me I needed to come more. I had to pay for all the time I was there, so it was financially very draining. They believed that people in their highest state were breatharian”.
Written by Denise Pimentel.
