Actress Christa B Allen says she left charismatic wealthy cult leader

Actress Christa B. Allen said late last week that a past romance with a man she described as a "charismatic wealthy cult leader" nearly destroyed her life, revealing the account in a TikTok video and accompanying caption that have circulated widely online. Allen, 33, who rose to fame in 13 Going on 30 and later appeared on Revenge, did not name the man or the organization but described walking away and rebuilding.

In the short clip posted Aug. 27 and amplified on Aug. 28, Allen is seen spinning on a lawn as text across the video reads, "How it feels rebuilding your life after being in love with a charismatic wealthy cult leader who burned it to the ground." In the caption she wrote, "Let me be very clear, nobody can burn down your life unless you give them access to it. That's the part I've had to own," and recounted asking herself why she trusted him, handed over her power, and silenced her inner knowing.

Allen said the man sold "fairytales" from "luxurious penthouses and private jets" and that she "foolishly bought in." She added that even living intimately with someone—studying, eating, traveling, working, building, dreaming—does not guarantee you know them, "especially when...