10 surprising celebrities who have been linked to cults: From Will Smith to Kylie Jenner
Hollywood’s cult connection: 10 celebs rumored to be part of controversial groups
The glitz and glamour of Hollywood sometimes intersect with the strange and mysterious world of cults. A cult is a group which is typically led by a self-appointed leader, who tightly controls its members. A cult requires unwavering devotion to a set of beliefs and practices which are considered deviant to societal norms. Over the years, several celebrities have been rumored to be involved with various cults. Here are 10 such celebrities who were reportedly linked to a cult.
1. John Travolta
John Travolta's association with the Church of Scientology has long been a topic of discussion. While Germany has classified Scientology as a cult, others consider it a religion. The 'Grease' actor reportedly joined Scientology in 1975 but eventually left due to health issues and the death of his wife, Kelly Preston.
2. Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner was linked to the Orgonite Society, with rumors suggesting that Jaden Smith introduced her to the group during their relationship. Speculation grew when the 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' star was seen holding a large crystal believed to have healing powers. Jenner has never addressed these rumors publicly.
3. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey sparked rumors of being involved with Scientology after CBS aired a controversial ad during her interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Scientology critic Jeffrey Augustine criticized Winfrey for potentially promoting the organization. The religion's founder, L Ron Hubbard, was known for his controversial views, including defending South Africa's apartheid regime.
4. Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks was falsely rumored to be part of a sex trafficking cult alongside Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King. The so-called Black Eye Club was said to involve strange initiation rituals, but these claims have been debunked.
5. Will Smith
Signs that Will Smith might be a Scientologist have surfaced over the years, with Leah Remini claiming that Will and Jada Pinkett Smith started a Scientology school. Director Pedro Almodovar criticized Smith's controversial Oscars appearance, likening his speech to that of a cult leader.
6. Elvis Presley
The late 'King of Rock and Roll', Elvis Presley, was rumored to be involved with the Self-Realization Fellowship, founded by Sri Daya Mata. Presley reportedly followed Daya Mata's teachings and frequently visited the group, although he was discouraged from playing a major role within it.
7. Andrew Keegan
Andrew Keegan founded the spiritual organization Full Circle, which led to rumors of him being a "cult leader". Keegan explained that he was simply trying to create a positive community space in Venice. Despite the misinterpretations, Keegan maintained that the organization had a positive impact.
8. Jared Leto
In 2019, Jared Leto and his band Thirty Seconds to Mars invited fans to a retreat in Croatia, which many described as a "cult". Leto's devotees attended the three-day music festival, with Leto donning white robes. The band even posted on social media, "Yes, this is a cult #MarsIsland."
9. Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix has been open about his upbringing in the Children of God cult. His family left the group when he was three years old. Phoenix has described how his parents initially believed they had found a community that shared their ideals but left once they realized the darker aspects of the organization.
10. John Lennon
John Lennon's connection to the Hollywood cult Source Family gained attention for its unusual and true story. Father Yod, the group's founder, reportedly had ties with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, although specifics about Lennon's potential involvement remain unclear. Warren Beatty and Marlon Brando were also mentioned as regular attendees of the cult.
