'7th Heaven' Actor Accused Of Being A Cult Leader Says It Was Just A 'Friend Group'

"7th Heaven" star Andrew Keegan has denied long-standing rumors that a spirituality group he founded was, in fact, a cult.

Speaking on the latest episode of "Pod Meets World," the 45-year-old actor addressed the controversy surrounding Full Circle, a community spiritual center based in Venice, California, that was active from 2014 to 2017.

In a 2014 report, Vice characterized it as a "religion," sparking rumors that Keegan became a cult leader.

However, Keegan insisted it was merely a "friend group" and gathering of like-minded individuals exploring spirituality.

Keegan explained that upon moving to Venice Beach, he became "immersed" in the local culture and community, which had a strong emphasis on spirituality.

According to the "10 Things I Hate About You" star, he and a "group of hippie types" decided to repurpose an old and empty Hare Krishna Temple into a community space, with Keegan spending "tens of thousands of dollars" of his own money on the project.

For over three years, the group Full Circle participated in various events and protests, including Occupy Wall Street, intending to make positive contributions to the community.

"We opened it up and spent three years and really did build an amazing friend group," Keegan recalled of his time with the group.

The controversy arose when a Vice reporter visited Full Circle and published an article titled "One of the Stars of '10 Things I Hate About You' Started a Religion."

The report included statements from a member named "Third Eye," who referred to Keegan as a leader with the "ultimate say on all things" in the group.

But contrary to the speculation, Keegan stressed that Full Circle was the "opposite of what you would imagine."

He stated that the group had "no doctrine" and was focused on "just getting people together."

They operated based on "The Co-Creator's Handbook," a self-help book promoting finding purpose in the world.

"For all intents and purposes, it was a really cool community center for a bunch of people in Venice for a few years," Keegan said.

Keegan is far from the first celebrity to be associated with groups that are subject to rumors of cult-like behavior.

According to Elle, rumors circulated that Jaden and Willow Smith were members of the "Orgonite Society."

While it is described on its Instagram page as "A Secret Society Of Individuals Who Create And Place Orgonite To Balance Gaia's Energies," Gawker reported that the group allegedly introduces members to the teachings of controversial "spiritual leader" Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh or "Osho," who is also known as "the sex guru."

Kylie Jenner and Jordyn Woods were also rumored to be involved with the group at one point.

A photo shared on Willow's account on X, formerly Twitter, showed Woods alongside the Smith siblings, with the caption "ORGANITE PARTYYY!"