Turns out it’s not just Tom Cruise after all

39 mins ago

While some celebrities’ followers feel like members of a cult (I’m looking at you dedicated Twitter accounts), these stars have been part of literal ones.

Everyone knows the famous Scientologists: Tom Cruise, Elisabeth Moss, and John Travolta to name a few. But it turns out celebs are no strangers to cults and have been members of a wide range of groups.

So, from world peace to denying that humans need food and water, here are nine celebs you may not know have ties to cults.

Jaden Smith and Willow Smith

Two of the Smith kids, Jaden, and his sister, Willow, are allegedly part of the Orgonite Society, which draws inspiration from the Greek goddess Gaia.

Willow has tagged the cult on her Instagram whilst Jaden has been spotted carrying his own Orgonite pyramid. The material is believed by the society to be able to convert negative energy into positive energy, which I suppose we could all do with a bit more of.

Kehlani

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kehlani (@kehlani)

During a court hearing over custody of their daughter, Kehlani’s ex, Javaughn Young-White, claimed the singer was part of a cult. In court documents obtained by People, he claimed: “Adeya’s home-birth was orchestrated by what I would describe as a cult.”

The model accused Kehlani of leaving her daughter with members of the cult while on tour. He also believed he was not allowed to see his daughter due to the influence of the cult on the singer.

Kehlani addressed the allegations on their Instagram Story. She said: “I strongly deny any claims that I have put my child in harm’s way or left my child alone with anyone deemed dangerous or unsafe

“I also do not align with any of the allegations made against my former religious community.”

They added: “My child and my commitment to motherhood have always been my sole driving forces in this life and will always remain so.”

Patricia Arquette

The Severance actress’ parents founded Virginia’s Skymont Subud cult, which aimed to build a utopian society for its members. However, alleged drug abuse, violence, and no access to electricity, bathrooms, or running water arguably derailed this intention.

Miranda Wilking

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miranda Derrick (@itsmirandaderrick)

Miranda Wilking, an influencer with 2.3 million followers on TikTok, brought supposed cult 7M into the spotlight when her family claimed she had been manipulated into joining the religious group.

While 7M alleges it is a talent representation company for social media stars, many, including Wilking’s family, believe there is something deeper going on. The family have also revealed they had no idea she was marrying fellow 7M dancer, James Derrick.

Three previous dancers of 7M have since sued the company and its founder, pastor Robert I. Shinn, stating he exerted economic and physical control over members. The cult has since been the subject of Netflix documentary Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult.

Daniel Kaluuya

Whilst on the set of Nope, those around Daniel became concerned that a spiritual “life-strategist”, known as Heir Holiness, had “taken over” the actor’s life.

A source alleged: “All decisions had to go through her. I’ve heard there were multiple blow-ups and the production people were afraid of her.”

Despite the two no longer participating in the same arrangement as 2022, they have both commented on the rumours. Daniel did not confirm nor deny the claim that Heir Holiness was his “life strategist”. He commented: “So a bunch decide it’s happening, then it’s happened? And it’s like, well, that’s not what happened.”

When asked why Daniel had fired people from his team on her Instagram Story, Heir Holiness questioned: “What does that have to do with me?”

Winona Ryder

The Stranger Things star spent her upbringing in the Californian Rainbow commune having moved there at the age of seven. In interviews, Winona has described her childhood as “happy” and rejected calling where she grew up a commune.

Joaquin Phoenix

The American actor, known for his role in Joker, was raised in the Children of God cult. The cult promoted group living, worshipped Jesus Christ, and believed an apocalypse was on its way.

More sinister, was the practice of “flirty fishing” when female followers were instructed to have sex with men to ordain them in the church, according to Esquire. It was this practice that disillusioned Joaquin’s parents with the group.

Michelle Pfeiffer

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michelle Pfeiffer (@michellepfeifferofficial)

After relocating to Los Angeles when she turned 20, Michelle met a couple she believed to have followed the Breatharianism lifestyle, which labels food and water unessential. Instead, the cult claims humans can live on solely sunlight and air. Michelle described the couple as “very controlling” but only realised she was in a cult after her husband researched cults for a movie.

Featured images via Universal Pictures, @kehlani, and @c.syresmith on Instagram