JAKARTA, 2025-09-01 17:00:00 — Actress Christa B. Allen has bravely shared her harrowing experience of escaping a sect after her romantic involvement with its leader ended. The star, known for her role in the beloved film 13 Going On 30, detailed her story in a recent TikTok video.
Star fled sect after leader’s manipulation
Actress Christa B. Allen detailed her escape from a sect after a relationship with its leader.
Allen, 33, who played a younger version of Jennifer Garner’s character in the iconic movie, described the emotional toll of rebuilding her life after it was seemingly destroyed by the charismatic leader. “How does it feel to rebuild life after falling in love with charismatic sect leaders who destroyed it,” she wrote in her video.
The experience, though devastating, taught her valuable lessons and illuminated past mistakes. “No one can destroy your life unless you give them access. That’s the part that I must admit,” Allen stated, acknowledging her role in her own entanglement.
Allen recounted being drawn into the sect leader’s influence, captivated by the opulent lifestyle he projected. “He sells fairy tales, and from luxurious penthouses to private jets. Stupidly I just believed,” she admitted.
She expressed bewilderment at her past self for believing her ex-partner’s claims. Despite living closely with the sect leader, Allen realized she never truly knew him. She came to understand that he was a master manipulator and a sophisticated con artist. “Especially when dealing with someone who lies as easily as breathing,” she added.
In subsequent videos, Allen revealed their meeting occurred via social media, sparked by a shared interest in spirituality. Their relationship escalated rapidly, leading to them living together just three days after their initial acquaintance.
Allen further accused her former partner of infidelity and alleged that he coerced her into leaving her job with promises of full financial support, only to abandon her without income while engaging in multiple affairs. “He forced me out of my job with a promise to bear everything. Then leaving me without income while having an affair with many women. That’s all lies,” Allen declared.
After three years residing in Miami with her ex, Allen has since returned to Los Angeles. In recent posts, she conveyed that she is doing well and is focused on rebuilding her life. “That awareness destroyed me, but also forced me to rebuild from scratch. Fire can also be something that cleans,” Allen reflected.
