12 Celebrities Linked to a Cult: See Famous Figures Caught Up in Controversy

Late King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley found himself in the same center of attention after founding the Self-Realization Fellowship and running it with Sri Daya Mata, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Ji.

The "Can't Help Falling in Love" singer reportedly became a frequent visitor of the group as one of its members and followed Daya Mata's teachings. Reports said he wanted to play a huge role in the group, but Daya Mata reportedly discouraged him from doing so.

"The work of the entertainer is different than the work of the spiritual leader. It's neither worse nor better. Simply different. The inner peace you seek can be yours no matter what your work," Daya Mata reportedly told the rocker.

In 2019, Jared Leto and Thirty Seconds to Mars created a "cult" and invited their fans to a retreat in Croatia. Hundreds of Leto's devotees appeared and participated in the three-day music festival, surprising the public when he sported white robes at the time.

The band also posted an update on X alongside the caption, "Yes, this is a cult #MarsIsland."

Joaquin Phoenix has been open about his experience growing up in the Children of God cult. His family left the organization when the Napoleon actor turned 3.

Speaking with Playboy in 2014, Phoenix opened up about growing up in the group.

"I think my parents thought they'd found a community that shared their ideals," he noted. "Cults rarely advertise themselves as such. It's usually someone saying, 'We're like-minded people. This is a community,' but I think the moment my parents realized there was something more to it, they got out."

Hollywood cult Source Family made headlines due to its bizarre, true story. Father Yod, the founder, was reportedly close to John Lennon and Yoko Ono. No further details about The Beatles member's potential membership emerged, but Warren Beatty and Marlon Brando were said to be regulars of the cult, as well.

John Travolta was also associated with the Church of Scientology. Germany categorized the organization as a cult, but others have referred to it as a religion.

The Grease actor reportedly joined Scientology in 1975 but left due to health issues and the eventual death of his wife, Kelly Preston.

The National Enquirer previously alleged that Kirstie Alley was "grooming her grandson" for Scientology after dragging her son, Waylon Tripp Parker, into his first cult event.

She had been a member of the church since the 1970s and revealed that it helped her overcome her drug addiction. Even before her death in December 2022, the Cheers alum reportedly spoke about dishing more information in her first Scientology tell-all.

“Kirstie finds it cathartic to share her experiences,” a source said. “And when she feels like her faith is being judged or questioned, she will take on anyone who comes her way.”

Kylie Jenner was linked to the Orgonite Society, with reports claiming that Jaden Smith brought her to the s-- cult when they were still dating. Rumors intensified when the Keeping Up With the Kardashians alum was spotted holding a large crystal "with healing powers."

The Kylie Cosmetics founder never addressed the buzz.

Oprah Winfrey sparked rumors she might be part of Scientology. They were seemingly confirmed when CBS aired a controversial ad during the talk show host's interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Scientology critic Jeffrey Augustine told The Sun, “CBS and Oprah’s production company have a responsibility not to help promote a cult like Scientology to millions of people. They should not be taking the Church’s money, it’s pretty disgusting and extraordinarily hypocritical."

The religion's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, infamously defended South Africa's racist apartheid regime. He added that the people in the country were not "civilized enough" to vote.

Tom Hanks was the subject of the since-debunked rumor about him being in a s-- trafficking cult alongside Winfrey and Gayle King. Per the report, members of the so-called Black Eye Club cult welcomed politicians and celebrities through strange initiation rituals: receiving black eyes.

As a child, Toni Braxton endured the time she spent in her parents' cult, Pillar of Truth, where women were required to wear full stockings in the summer "to cover their nakedness."

"I began connecting religion, God and church with judgment, anxiety and guilt," she wrote in her book, Unbreak My Heart.

Signs that Will Smith could be a Scientologist emerged over the past years. Leah Remini also claimed that Will and Jada Pinkett Smith started a Scientology School.

Director Pedro Almodóvar penned his Oscars diary published on IndieWire and reflected on Will's controversial appearance at the ceremony.

"What I saw and heard produced a feeling of absolute rejection in me. Not only during the episode, but afterward, too, in the acceptance speech — a speech that seemed more like that of a cult leader," he added. "You don't defend or protect the family with your fists, and no, the devil doesn't take advantage of key moments to do his work."