13 Going on 30 and Revenge actress Christa B. Allen revealed she previously fell in love with a “cult leader” — and has since walked away.
“How it feels rebuilding your life after being in love with a charismatic, wealthy cult leader, who burned it to the ground,” Allen, 33, wrote on top of a Thursday, August 28, TikTok video of herself twirling on the front lawn of a vast estate.
Allen did not reveal the identity of her ex or the organization, though she did offer clarity into her personal experience.
“Let me be very clear: Nobody can burn down your life unless you give them access to it,” Allen wrote. “That’s the part I’ve had to own. I’ve sat with the hardest questions: Why did I trust him? Why did I hand over my power? Why did I silence my own inner knowing? The truth is, he was selling fairy tales and from luxurious penthouses and private jets. I foolishly bought in.”
Allen further revealed what “shattered” her about leaving her then-partner’s shadow.
“What I learned is that even if you spend every waking moment with someone — studying, eating, traveling, working, building, dreaming — you still may not KNOW them,” the actress said. “Especially when you’re dealing with someone who lies as easily as they breathe. That realization shattered me, but it also forced me to rebuild from the ground up, and fire is also cleansing.”
Allen concluded her post with a promise to “share the full story” about her experience down the line.
“For now, I’m walking forward with feet on solid ground and a heart that knows strength,” she added.
Allen’s social media followers quickly offered their support, with one commenting that she “had a gut feeling something was off.”
“I’m so glad you’re out of it and finding your way back to yourself,” the TikTok user wrote. “I’ve been a follower from the beginning and with you the best.”
Allen “liked” the message and replied.
“Thank you,” the former child star responded. “It was truly horrendous, but I’m amazing now!!”
Allen further joked in a separate comment that her story sounded “like the plot to one of those vertical short” films often featured on TikTok.
Allen rose to fame in 2004’s 13 Going on 30, portraying the teen version of Jennifer Garner’s character.
“There wasn’t a single part of this experience I didn’t love,” Allen exclusively told Us Weekly in April 2024. “From the kindness and integrity of all of the cast and crew, to the sweet story, to the ‘Thriller’ dance and incredible music and clothing, to my first time eating steak and lobster on a movie set — it was all formative and positive!”
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