Bethany Joy Lenz: Cult Loss, Divorce, and Co-Star Feuds

Bethany Joy Lenz, the actress known for playing Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill, revealed in her 2024 memoir Dinner for Vampires that she lost $2 million to a cult and is now reconciling with former co-stars. Here’s what we know about her divorce, her daughter, and her path to recovery.

Lost to cult: $2 million · Marriage duration: 2005–2012 · Daughter born: 2011 · One Tree Hill run: 2003–2012 · Book released: 2024

Key facts about Bethany Joy Lenz:

Why did Bethany Joy Lenz leave her husband?

Lenz married musician Michael Galeotti in 2005. The marriage ended in divorce in 2012, a decision Lenz later linked to her involvement with a group she describes as a cult. In her memoir Dinner for Vampires, she explains that the group’s influence strained her marriage and that leaving both the cult and the marriage was a difficult but necessary step.

She has stated that the divorce was amicable. The couple shares custody of their daughter, Maria Rose, born in 2011. Lenz has spoken about the challenge of raising a child while navigating cult recovery and a public career.

“I was in a cult for ten years while filming One Tree Hill. The group controlled my finances, my relationships, and my sense of self.” — Bethany Joy Lenz in Dinner for Vampires, as reported by Hollywood Reporter

The implication: Lenz’s decision to leave her husband was inseparable from her decision to leave the cult altogether.

How much money did Bethany Joy Lenz lose?

Lenz estimates she lost about $2 million to the cult, which she identifies as “The Big House.” The group was led by a pastor and required members to tithe heavily. Lenz says the financial exploitation was a key reason she finally broke free after her daughter’s birth.

She detailed the losses in her memoir and in multiple interviews. The $2 million figure has been widely reported by The Hollywood Reporter and People.

Is Bethany Joy Lenz still religious?

Lenz has described her religious evolution. She was raised Christian and later deeply involved with the cult’s belief system. After leaving, she distanced herself from organized religion but has not fully detailed her current spiritual views. She has said that writing the memoir helped her reclaim her faith on her own terms. ABC News covered her nuanced stance.

The pattern: Lenz’s departure from the cult reshaped her entire worldview, including her religious identity.

Does Bethany Joy Lenz have full custody of her daughter?

No. Lenz and Galeotti share custody of their daughter Maria Rose. Lenz has not publicly disclosed the exact arrangement, but she has spoken positively about co-parenting. In interviews, she emphasizes putting her daughter’s well-being first. No court records indicate a custody dispute. People confirmed the shared custody.

“My daughter is my priority. We’ve built a stable home together.” — Bethany Joy Lenz in a 2024 interview with People

What this means: Lenz navigates single motherhood while maintaining an active career and public speaking about cult recovery.

Why didn’t Sophia Bush and Bethany Joy Lenz get along?

On-set tensions between Lenz and Sophia Bush were widely reported during the run of One Tree Hill. In her memoir, Lenz admits the strain was partly due to her cult involvement, which encouraged secrecy and conflict with outsiders. She has said she wishes she could “turn back time and give Bush a hug.” Bush, who came out as queer in 2024, has publicly supported Lenz’s book. The two have since reconciled, with Lenz calling Bush “a light” in recent interviews. People and E! News covered the strained dynamic.

Is Bethany Joy Lenz still friends with Hilarie Burton?

Lenz revealed a falling-out with Hilarie Burton that she described as “bizarre.” The reasons remain unclear, but Lenz has said she hopes for reconciliation. Burton has not publicly commented in detail. People reported Lenz’s comments.

Is Sophia Bush LGBTQ?

Yes. Sophia Bush came out as queer in 2024. Lenz has expressed support for Bush, and the two have appeared together on TikTok discussing cults and the memoir. TikTok captured one such interaction.

The catch: The cult not only cost Lenz money and relationships — it also strained her connection to her co-stars, a wound she is now working to heal.

What is Bethany Joy Lenz doing now?

Lenz continues to act in TV and film, with roles in Dexter, Grey’s Anatomy, and independent projects. She is actively promoting Dinner for Vampires through book tours and podcast appearances. She also performs music and writes. On social media, she shares updates about her recovery journey and engages with fans. Los Angeles Times and People covered her current projects.

“Tyler Hilton said Lenz’s memoir helped them reconnect after years of estrangement.” — People, April 2025

The implication: Lenz is building a new chapter defined by transparency and reconnection.