In a new public account, a former television actress has claimed she was introduced to what authorities later exposed as a criminal enterprise by a fellow cast member from their hit series.
The actress, who was convicted for her role in the organization, detailed the origins of her involvement on the debut episode of a personal podcast. She stated that during a period of personal dissatisfaction in their mid-twenties, while living in New York City, a close friend and co-star enthusiastically recommended a personal development course.
“She described it as ‘the science of joy’ and said it had made everything in her life better,” the convicted individual recounted. “She was incredibly excited about it and urged me to attend an introductory event.”
That event was a weekend retreat led by the group’s founders. The organization, initially presented as a self-help and empowerment brand, was later dismantled by federal prosecutors and revealed to be a front for racketeering and other serious crimes.
The co-star who made the recommendation has publicly addressed her past association in previous years. In a 2018 statement, she confirmed she had taken courses with the group but left in 2013, denying any participation in criminal activity. She stated she initially believed it was a legitimate personal growth program that helped her with shyness.
The convicted actress was sentenced in 2021 after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges related to her role within the group’s hierarchy. She was released from prison in 2023. Her recent comments mark her first extended public discussion since her incarceration.
