Surprising Celebrity Cult Stories — Yes, Even Yoko Ono’s Daughter
When people hear the word “cult,” they usually think of a few infamous names like NXIVM or the Manson Family. But the truth is far more complex and widespread. Over the years, many celebrities have either grown up in, joined, or been linked to organizations that share cult-like structures or behaviors. While some escaped early, others spent decades involved before walking away.
From religious communes to spiritual collectives and controversial leadership-driven groups, here’s a look at stars whose lives have been deeply touched by cult associations—some confirmed, others alleged.
Kyoko Chan Cox
Kyoko Chan Cox, daughter of Yoko Ono, shared in May 2025 that her father, Anthony Cox, took her during a custody battle and raised her in Iowa before enrolling her in a meditation preschool in Spain. Eventually, her life shifted toward The Living Word Fellowship, a group dismantled in 2018 due to serious misconduct allegations.
Reflecting on her experience, Kyoko once said the contrast between being around “Beatles-level fame” and living in a secluded religious community felt oddly comforting. “We left a cult, in a way, when we left John and Yoko,” she explained, pointing to the extreme fanaticism of fans as another kind of cult-like devotion.
Miley Cyrus
Instagram | @mileycyrus | Miley Cyrus’s photos with the Modern Mystery School sparked involvement rumors.
Photos of Miley Cyrus with members of the Modern Mystery School sparked rumors of her involvement. While she never addressed the speculation, the group has been described as an expensive spiritual training system with alleged pyramid-style teachings. Some former members criticized the school for financial and emotional manipulation.
Kehlani
Court documents from 2023 revealed disturbing claims by Kehlani’s ex-partner, who alleged their daughter had been exposed to a group with cult-like behaviors. He accused the group’s leader of abuse and described unsafe living conditions involving the child.
These allegations remain unconfirmed publicly by Kehlani, but the legal case brought significant attention to the issue.
Andrew Keegan
In 2014, “10 Things I Hate About You” actor Andrew Keegan faced headlines after founding a Venice-based group called Full Circle. While some labeled it a cult, Keegan defended it as a spiritual community space. Speaking in 2024, he said they hosted hundreds of events focused on wellness and connection. Full Circle closed its doors in 2017.
Michelle Pfeiffer
Early in her career, Michelle Pfeiffer encountered a group promoting breatharianism, the belief that sunlight can nourish the human body. She later described the experience as “controlling” and financially exhausting. Her then-husband, Peter Horton, helped her recognize the dangers and walk away.
Winona Ryder
Instagram | @winonqryder | Winona Ryder recalls life inside a commune once seen as cult-like.
Winona Ryder spent part of her childhood in the Rainbow Commune in California. Though often misunderstood as cult-like, she described the setting positively. The redwood forest surroundings and free-spirited community gave her a sense of peace and creative inspiration.
Bethany Joy Lenz
Best known from “One Tree Hill,” Bethany Joy Lenz spent nearly a decade in a group she now labels as a cult. What began as a Bible study evolved into a tightly controlled environment. She lived this double life during her TV career, all while under pressure from a dominant leader.
In her upcoming memoir Dinner for Vampires, she details her move to the group’s compound, her arranged marriage to the leader’s son, and the draining of her finances. The emotional toll was deep, and when she finally left, she had to rebuild every part of her life.
Patricia Arquette
Raised in Skymont Subud, Patricia Arquette shared stories of growing up without electricity, bathrooms, or consistent safety. She later revealed that the environment allowed for physical abuse, and while her sister Rosanna defended the group’s intentions, she admitted the space included “dysfunctional” individuals.
David Arquette was born into this commune but has not spoken publicly about it.
Keira Maguire
Bachelor alum Keira Maguire was born into The Seaside Sect, a polygamist group founded by her father. She spoke candidly in 2016 about not knowing who her mother was until age five and how birthdays were a foreign concept. While unusual to many, she described it as simply her normal.
Kylie Jenner, Jaden & Willow Smith
Instagram | @kyliejenner | @justjared | Kylie Jenner Jaden and Willow Smith spark cult rumors with crystal trend.
In 2014, fans speculated that Kylie Jenner and friends—like Jaden and Willow Smith—were part of a secret crystal-focused society. The group, known as The Orgonite Society, was rumored to use crystals to “balance Gaia’s energy.”
No direct link was ever confirmed, but their public appearances with orgonite crystals fueled conversation across platforms like TikTok and Twitter.
Megan Marx
Megan Marx, another Bachelor alum, revealed in 2017 that she grew up in a strict group that banned drinking and TV. While she didn’t label it a cult, she acknowledged that outsiders often described it that way. She no longer shares the group’s belief system.
Neil Young
Instagram | @jambase | Neil Young crossed paths with Charles Manson before crimes shocked the world.
Although never a cult member himself, musician Neil Young once spent time with Charles Manson before the crimes that made Manson infamous. Young later described Manson as “brilliant but wrong,” calling him intense and frustrated. The connection ended quickly, but it remains a dark footnote in rock history.
Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix was born into Children of God, a group known for controlling members and isolating them from the outside world. His parents left early on after recognizing warning signs. He later explained that cults often present themselves as communities, making it hard to see the danger right away.
Rose McGowan
Also raised in Children of God, Rose McGowan described her departure in vivid detail. After realizing how the group treated women, she and her father fled at night—running through a cornfield during a storm. The cult later sent members to find them. Her memoir Brave dives deep into these events.
Glenn Close
As a child, Glenn Close joined Moral Re-Armament with her family. The group’s rigid control impacted her deeply. She later explained, “You basically weren’t allowed to feel anything without guilt.” Close channels this past into her acting work, transforming pain into power on screen.
Allison Mack
Instagram | @datelinenbc | Allison Mack played major role in NXIVM cult case.
Perhaps the most well-known case, “Smallville” actress Allison Mack was sentenced in 2021 for her role in NXIVM. The group operated under the guise of self-improvement while controlling members through manipulation and abuse. Mack’s sentence included three years in prison and 1,000 hours of community service.
Michelle Phan
Beauty mogul Michelle Phan came under scrutiny after promoting spiritual healer Dr. Joe Dispenza. While she denies any cult ties, critics have accused the retreats of fostering extreme beliefs. Phan’s claims of seeing angels and healing miracles added to the conversation.
Whether through birth, belief, or by association, cult connections in Hollywood aren’t just sensational headlines—they reflect deeper vulnerabilities in fame, identity, and trust.
As these stories reveal, even the most public figures sometimes face private battles far from the spotlight. With continued awareness, these stories can inform, warn, and encourage thoughtful reflection on what influence truly looks like.