Andrew Keegan Hits Back at Speculation He Was a ‘Cult’ Leader: ‘That’s Not at All What It Was’

Actor Andrew Keegan, best known for his role in the cult classic film “10 Things I Hate About You,” recently addressed long-standing speculation regarding his former spiritual community, Full Circle. During an episode of the McBride Rewind podcast with host Josh McBride, Keegan asserted that the group, which existed from 2014 to 2017 in Venice, California, should not be labelled a cult, labelling such claims as mere “clickbait” from media outlets.

Keegan founded Full Circle with the intention of fostering a supportive environment through activities such as yoga and meditation. He remarked that the media’s portrayal of his spiritual community as a cult stemmed from a misunderstanding, dismissing the characterization as unfair. The actor expressed that while he did lead this initiative, it was mainly about inclusivity and connection among members, rather than dominance or control often associated with cult narratives.

In the podcast, he explained, “I led a spiritual community in the heart of Venice, and it was called Full Circle… It’s clickbait, and there’s just a lot of bulls— out there.” He further elaborated on the nature of their gatherings, saying, “We had a saying at the temple, ‘It’s not serious, it’s important’,” emphasising that Full Circle was intended to be a space for personal growth and healing.

The group was centred around the concept of community, which Keegan believes is vital in an increasingly disconnected world. He noted that in contemporary society, people have become consumed by technology, losing touch with the sense of community that has traditionally existed. “We’re a village, we’re a community,” he highlighted, underscoring the necessity for genuine connections in everyday life.

Inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement, which sought to confront economic inequality and corporate greed, Keegan stressed the significance of fostering a supportive atmosphere, particularly as he felt disconnected during his early career in the entertainment industry. He described himself as an outsider who gained inspiration from Venice’s vibrant culture and the community spirit that arose following the protests. “This was just after the Occupy [Wall Street] movement,” he recalled. “We were kind of this group of people, like, ‘Oh, there’s a place. Let’s keep doing this.’”

During the three years of Full Circle’s operation, Keegan dedicated substantial resources towards the project, stating that he invested tens of thousands of dollars. “I was offering more than I was receiving,” he explained, reflecting on how much effort he put into creating a safe space for those involved. Participants were encouraged to explore introspection and question societal norms, with the community offering over a thousand different events during its tenure.

Despite its positive impact on many, Full Circle did face some challenges, including a raid by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in 2015 due to issues surrounding the sale of kombucha at an event without the necessary permits. Agents confiscated the product, but Keegan outlined that such incidents did not define the overall mission of the group.

Looking back, he admitted to the podcast listeners that the entire experience was rather intense, saying, “Looking back, it was insane.” He acknowledged the significance of the friendships formed during that time, indicating that many members still reach out to express how meaningful their time with Full Circle was to them.

Keegan concluded with a message about the importance of community and personal connection, stating, “It’s an opportunity to look at life in a different way. Life is more than just working until you get sick.” He reiterated that the essence of Full Circle was to remind individuals of their shared humanity and the need for communal experiences, ensuring that they take the time to reflect on what truly matters in their lives.