Tyler Hilton Says Bethany Joy Lenz’s”Cult” Ended Their Relationship

Tyler Hilton Says Bethany Joy Lenz's"Cult" Ended Their Relationship

As I delve into the captivating world of “One Tree Hill”, I am struck by the profound experiences of its cast members off-screen that mirror the complexities of their characters on the show. Hilarie Burton’s journey, for instance, is a testament to the power of resilience and friendship.


Tyler Hilton is sharing insight into his romance with former One Tree Hill costar Bethany Joy Lenz.

Following Bethany (known for portraying Haley James Scott on the popular teen drama) sharing her account of being part of The Big House Family, which she labeled as a “cult,” in her memoir titled “Dinner For Vampires“, Tyler reminisced about how this group affected their growing relationship during filming the WB series.

Tyler mentioned during a live show recording shared on TikTok on November 19th, “The book discusses many personal matters, and I experienced much of that with her.

During the filming of season 2, it was revealed that the characters developed feelings for one another. The production team then chose to incorporate this romance into the storyline, as they wrote in a plot involving her character’s separation from her husband Nathan Scott (James Lafferty) on the show.

But offscreen he started to note how influential the group was to her.

Tyler shared, “I began to suspect she belonged to a cult. We’ve had numerous profound discussions on religious topics, and occasionally I would sense a ‘cult-like’ atmosphere. Despite this suspicion, I was quite fond of her and thought, ‘I can accept cults; it’s not a problem for me.’

He then said Bethany told him the group had to “sus” him out to see if he could join.

At one of his performances, people attended and quickly figured out who he was. They responded with a nod, saying, “Nope, he doesn’t fit our mood.” She added, “Yes, my group has forbidden it.

Tyler Hilton Says Bethany Joy Lenz's"Cult" Ended Their Relationship

In my own words, I’d say: “Their decision was indisputable and marked the end of our connection. Frankly, I was at a loss for words when they made it clear there was no room for negotiation. If a girl might consider changing her mind, but the group insists on ‘no’, then that’s the end of the story.

He then joked, “I’d never really been broken up with by a cult before. That was a first time.”

TopMob News contacted Bethany seeking her response regarding Tyler’s statements about their relationship, but we haven’t received a reply yet.

Tyler Hilton Says Bethany Joy Lenz's"Cult" Ended Their Relationship

In 2015, Tyler got married to actress Megan Park, and they have a 4-year-old daughter named Winnie and a 4-month-old son, Bennett.

Regarding Bethany, she was wedded to Michael Galeotti Jr from 2005 to 2012. Notably, Michael Galeotti Jr’s father founded The Big House Family. Bethany and Michael share a teenage daughter named Rosie. It is worth mentioning that Michael Galeotti Sr previously denied claims that The Big House Family resembles a cult.

As I eagerly anticipate the release of my upcoming memoir this October, I can’t help but reflect upon the profound influence the organization has had on my life journey.

Bethany shared with TopMob News in September that a memoir arises, as far as she’s concerned, when one has experienced enough life events to believe they have a significant story worth sharing with others. Having invested a decade within a high-demand group, she then endured another ten years of trauma therapy, healing, and self-discovery. During this period, writing served as an essential part of her healing process.

For more secrets from the One Tree Hill set, read on. 

Tyler Hilton Says Bethany Joy Lenz's"Cult" Ended Their Relationship

Initially, screenwriter Mark Schwahn conceived the project as a film titled “Ravens,” but it took four years for executives at Warner Bros. TV to persuade him to transform it into a television series.

Tyler Hilton Says Bethany Joy Lenz's"Cult" Ended Their Relationship

4. As a devoted admirer, I myself auditioned for the roles of Haley and Brooke, but my heart wasn’t set on portraying Brooke. In truth, I read both parts similarly. Eventually, I was cast as the series regular, and to establish a distinct identity from the character played by Hilarie Burton (Peyton), I dyed my naturally blonde hair dark and straightened my curls.

17-year-old James Lafferty, with his extensive background in basketball rather than acting, recognized the challenge ahead as he pursued the role of Nathan. “I don’t believe I was their first pick,” Lafferty shared in a backstage documentary, disclosing that he had to audition on six separate occasions.

As a devoted follower, I can assure you that I wasn’t off base in my assessment. Noted executive producer Joe Davola once stated, “When James was considered for the role, he was seen as something of an underdog to land the part.

6. Sophia Bush didn’t appear in the first episode, but she joined the cast as Brooke starting from the second one and was a regular from then on, also directing three episodes later on.

Tyler Hilton Says Bethany Joy Lenz's"Cult" Ended Their Relationship

7. In the year 2004, Murray and Bush got engaged shortly after working together, and they married only a few months later. However, five months down the line, reports surfaced that Bush had filed for an annulment, alleging fraud, which was denied. Despite this, Murray and Bush eventually divorced.

Tyler Hilton Says Bethany Joy Lenz's"Cult" Ended Their Relationship

Murray expressed views that resonate with others. In an interview with The Cut back in May 2024, he shared his thoughts: “At the time, I was like a newborn – unaware of directions such as up, down, left, right,” he said. “Then you venture out and ask yourself, ‘What’s next? Should I get married? That sounds thrilling!’

8. Later in 2008, Bush started dating Lafferty, but eventually fell in love with Austin Nichols, who portrayed her on-screen husband Julian in OTH. The relationship ended in 2012, coinciding with the series’ final year.

In the year 2011, Lisa Goldstein, who portrayed Millie in the later stages of the series, tied the knot with Brendan Kirsch, our show’s basketball supervisor, marking one happy union on set.

10. In an episode of the podcast “Drama Queens,” which she co-hosts with Bush and Lenz, Burton disclosed that her husband, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, nearly worked as a colleague of hers on “OTH.” (The phrase “almost” is used to imply that it didn’t end up happening.)

She mentioned that when she first met Jeff, he casually shared, “I tried out for that show,” implying he had auditioned for the role of Keith, a character who served as Lucas’ mentor. However, it turned out that role went to Craig Sheffer instead. Upon hearing this, Jeff seemed surprised and exclaimed, “Whoa, really?” or something similar.

11. It was Danneel Ackles, Burton and Morgan’s co-star, who made the introductions between them. This happened because Jensen Ackles, Danneel’s husband, developed a strong bond with The Walking Dead star after playing his father in Supernatural.

Tyler Hilton Says Bethany Joy Lenz's"Cult" Ended Their Relationship

12. In an unexpected public statement dated November 2017, I, as a lifestyle expert, share that eighteen individuals associated with the production team openly accused Schwahn of inappropriate behavior, suggesting a troubling environment pervading behind the scenes.

In her 2020 memoir titled “The Rural Diaries: Love, Livestock, and Big Life Lessons Down on Mischief Farm”, Burton described Schwahn as a character who behaved maliciously in my fictional tale. He incited competition among female actors, encouraged us to perform explicit scenes that made me uncomfortable and embarrassed, urged young actresses to display their cleavage, made physical contact with everyone, and aggressively pursued unwanted kisses from me.

13. Furthermore, Bush discussed her past experiences during a June 2021 interview on the “Chicks in the Office” podcast, asserting that she and some of her “One Tree Hill” colleagues (whom she didn’t name) were subjected to control and manipulation by unnamed individuals on set.

According to Bush, there were adults whom we relied on, who we now realize were exerting a lot of control and manipulation over us – they didn’t want us to bond because they feared we would unite and demand more resources. It’s quite strange, and these were things that we weren’t aware of at the time. So far, Schwahn has not spoken publicly about these allegations.

Tyler Hilton Says Bethany Joy Lenz's"Cult" Ended Their Relationship

14. Murray and Burton left the show after six consecutive seasons in 2009. However, according to her own account in her memoir, the grounds for Burton’s exit had been laid out long before that.

Following the tragic demise of her cherished friend Scott Kirkpatrick during his military service in Iraq in the year 2007, summertime, her life underwent a significant shift. His passing served as a stark reminder, refocusing her ambitions and aspirations.

She shared that for the past few years, she had been wandering without finding her true home. However, what she truly yearned for was something more – a family, a place of solace, a sanctuary where she could freely dream, take chances, learn from failures and keep trying. She desired to challenge herself daily, to ensure every moment held purpose. So, she decided to leave her job, started writing a novel, and purchased a one-way ticket to Paris.

15. During that period, Schwahn informed a gathering of fans in Paris that their departures stemmed from contract disagreements, as reported by The Los Angeles Times. “I believe they’ve been presented with attractive opportunities,” he stated. “I hope they’ll choose to return. If they don’t, it’s always a possibility…[the show] has managed to survive some of the more daring decisions we’ve made.

In addition, Murray addressed the audience of the program in a recorded message, stating, “I won’t be returning next year…due to cost-cutting measures. So, I suggest you start your own blog and express your indignation.” Despite this, Burton did not come back, but Murray appeared in the series finale instead.

Tyler Hilton Says Bethany Joy Lenz's"Cult" Ended Their Relationship

16. In an audacious decision, the show One Tree Hill leaped ahead in time during season six, opting to skip over the college years and instead rejoin the characters as fully-grown adults.

In 2015, Lafferty explained to TopMob News that when you compare our show to others and try to transition the characters from high school into the next phase of their lives, it often feels forced and doesn’t flow smoothly.

17. The well-known country singer Jana Kramer became a part of the cast of TV show OTH during its last three seasons. In an episode of her podcast “Whine Down”, she shared that one anonymous cast member caused trouble for everyone else on the series, claiming they were not allowed to be friends with Lafferty.

In that television show… there were some unfriendly dynamics, not like catty behavior exactly, but more like rules about who could interact with whom, which I found restrictive. As a result, my relationship with James was not particularly strong due to the specific circumstances on the set during that period. (2021 episode)

In the year 2010, the character actor Antwon Tanner was given a three-month prison sentence due to his part in a scheme to illegally sell stolen Social Security numbers across different states. Caught red-handed during an undercover operation in 2009, he confessed after attempting to sell 16 fake Social Security numbers and three counterfeit cards.

Tyler Hilton Says Bethany Joy Lenz's"Cult" Ended Their Relationship

19. In the 2024 film “Dinner For Vampires,” where Lenz penned her experiences of being in both a cult TV show and an actual cult, the actress mentioned that at first she found it difficult to get close to Sophia.

However, she regrets this judgment.

“My budding friendship with sweet Sophia became a casualty of this,” Lenz added, “and instead of sitting shiva for my ego, I really f–king wish I could turn back time, walk into her trailer, and give her a long, hard hug.”

They later became pals, and Bush has spoken about her bond with Lenz and Burton.

“Our friendship and all of the things that it was influenced by that we didn’t know about when we were young and the ways that we’ve always returned to each other to unpack the good, the bad, the ugly and the very best of our lives as friends, we have that feral, primal, familial love for each other where we’ve been to hell and back and had so many times where we’d laughed so hard we’ve wound up in tears and we’re so ferociously protective of each other,” she once told People. “In my adult life, I go, ‘This is what real sisterhood is.'”

Tyler Hilton Says Bethany Joy Lenz's"Cult" Ended Their Relationship

2024 saw fans questioning the relationship between Lenz and Burton due to subtle signs. Keen-eyed TikTok users noticed they weren’t following each other on Instagram, and Burton had shared a quote, “I don’t think imitation is the highest form of flattery. I think it’s just annoying,” which sparked speculation about potential references to their memoirs. That year, Burton announced Robert Buckley as her replacement for co-hosting the podcast with Lenz and Bush, Drama Queens.

Read More

2024-11-20 19:52