KAIL'S CONCERN
Teen Mom Kailyn Lowry reveals friend was ‘brainwashed’ in ‘cult’ as fans believe pal is co-star Leah Messer
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During the episode, Kailyn, 30, interviewed film director Lola Blanc and actress Meagan Grainger, who discussed their past involvement with a cult.
The conversation was relatable for the TV star, who explained that her pal was briefly in a cult.
"I have a friend who was in a cult for a short time, and when you're in a state of, like, almost, like, brainwashing, you can't convince them to get out and like, everything that I was saying to her, she was, like, not receptive, you know what I'm saying?
"And I'm like; 'I'm trying to help you, not fight with you,' you know what I mean? And trying to tell these other people that she was, like, recruiting, like this is not what you think it is. This is a cult… and I don't even think she realized it was a cult."
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Kailyn posted the clip on Instagram, where fans wondered if her mystery friend was her ex-BFF, Leah, 29.
"I’m so glad Leah got out of that mess," one concerned fan said.
"This is about Leah!!!" remarked another.
"You’re talking about Leah right?! because I remember her posting some weird stuff about a group in California a year ago," a third asked.
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"Omg Leah lol," another commented.
"Yooooo... Leah even deleted all the pictures she had posted during those retreats and such! I don’t blame her in the slightest of course - truly glad she got out safe," a fifth added.
FAMILY AFFAIR
The Sun exclusively revealed in December 2019 that Leah had recruited her mother, Dawn, and brother Isaac, into the cult she'd been a part of.
The group traveled to Mastery in Transformational Training's Basic Training event in California, where they each shared photos on social media from the weekend retreat.
The Teen Mom star first posted about her involvement in MITT two months prior, saying she felt "powerful" and "connected."
She captioned a photo: “A powerful, strong, trusting force we are. I love each and every single one of you!! You can count on my word! Each one of you have changed my life and we will forever be connected!!”
Leah continued: “I AM A POWERFUL, CONNECTED, INSPIRATIONAL LEADER! I LOVE ALL OF YOU!”
Then on October 22, she attempted to recruit Rihanna, Beyonce, Madonna, and Ricky Martin to the alleged cult by tagging them in tweets.
The MTV star wrote: “We the powerful, authentic, revolutionary leaders of LP16HEAVEN are committed to creating a world of LOVE, FREEDOM, and UNITY!”
Leah - who is a mom to twin daughters, Ali and Aleeah, 12, and a daughter Addie, nine - then tried to recruit fans through Instagram live on December 1.
But the reality star’s attempts proved unsuccessful, as released a series of messages between co-star Kailyn and a fan who discussed joining the organization with Leah.
'I DON'T WANT TO LOSE HER'
Kailyn allegedly said in the messages: “I really don’t know what to do. I don’t want to lose her as a friend but I also don’t think any of this is ok.”
The mother of four continued in the messages, “Unfortunately those programs target weak people who can be manipulated.”
In 2018, published an article written by a former MITT member entitled “My Life Cleanse: One Month Inside L.A.’s Cult of Betterness.
The article explained how the group’s founder, Margo Majdi, purchased the rights to Lifespring trainings from John Hanley.
Lifespring was around in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Six people died during group exercises, and 35 trainees sued Lifespring.
Despite the controversy, Leah continued to participate in and defend the organization until she left in April 2020.
OFFICIALLY DONE
MITT coach Braxton Amundson exclusively revealed to The Sun that she is finished with the program.
He said: “Our team graduated in February so neither of us are currently active. The course is four months long from start to finish.”
Braxton explained that although they are no longer active in MITT, graduates have opportunities to "stay connected."
He continued: “But we don’t have regular meetings anymore. At this point, we’re just friends.”
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However, Leah's relationship with Kailyn remained strained as the pair have been feuding for months.
Kailyn's nemesis, Briana DeJesus, 28, claimed Leah's friendship with her was why the former besties parted ways.
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