“Game of Thrones” Star Hannah Murray Says Wellness Cult Leader Told Her She Was ‘Possessed by a Demon’

Hannah Murray, known for her roles in “Game of Thrones” and “Skins,” has opened up about her harrowing experiences with mental health issues and her time in a psychiatric facility after becoming involved with what she describes as a “wellness cult.” In her newly released memoir, “The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness,” the 36-year-old actress recounts the events leading up to her involuntary commitment, revealing a troubling journey marked by emotional turmoil and a quest for validation.

In her memoir, which was published on June 23, Murray details how she became entangled in a group led by a man she refers to as Steve, whom she claims had an almost magnetic hold over his followers. She describes him as possessing a significant aura of “magical power” and likens his control over the group to that of a magician, a situation that drew her in and ultimately contributed to her psychological distress. Murray recalls feeling rather naive when she first worked with Steve, believing his assertions that he could help her unlock her potential.

The actress’ involvement with Steve and his group quickly escalated after she sought his guidance for a role in the 2017 film “Detroit.” This experience, she stated, led Steve to convince her that she was possessed by a demon, a notion that ultimately prompted her to seek treatment, resulting in her being placed in a psychiatric ward against her will.

Following her commitment, she vividly recalls how, despite being in a hospital setting, her delusions remained unshaken. Murray commented, “All my delusions were still intact; the hospitalization had done nothing to shake them,” highlighting the complexity of her mental health struggles. The actress described her feelings of confusion and frustration during her time in the facility, revealing how she continued to reach out to Steve via WhatsApp, referring to him in exalted terms, despite their one-sided communication.

After a fortnight in the hospital, she experienced her first opportunity to go outside and was visited by an ex-girlfriend who was supportive and understanding. However, despite her minor reprieve, Murray struggled with the oppressive hierarchy that existed within the group, positioning her at the top alongside Steve, which complicated her recovery efforts. She expressed that while she was still feeling very unwell, she became increasingly angered and confused about her situation and the circumstances that had led her to that point.

This inner turmoil culminated in an emotional outburst as she began texting Steve, expressing her frustrations regarding her treatment and questioning the integrity of the beliefs imposed on her by him and the group. The next day, she received long messages from Steve, where he denied any responsibility for her emotional distress and reiterated that she was free to leave the organisation whenever she wished. Reflecting on those moments, Murray admitted feeling sickened by his patronising responses, recognising them for what they were, yet still apologising to him the next morning and falling back into her previous mindset of devotion.

After spending three weeks in hospital, Murray was discharged. However, she was far from well-adjusted. “I was not well when I left the hospital,” Murray recounted, describing her exit as not a traditional recovery story but rather a transition from being “extremely psychotic” to “somewhat less so.” She reiterated that her delusions had not dissipated during her treatment, stating, “I had walked out of the ward and straight back into the life that had put me in there.”

While she has begun the process of sharing her experiences in her memoir, the journey towards understanding her mental health is ongoing. She emphasised that her commitment didn’t fundamentally change her outlook on her situation, underscoring how entwined she still felt with Steve and the wellness group.

Murray’s recollections serve as a stark reminder of the profound impact of destructive relationships on mental health, particularly within empowering but ultimately harmful groups. By sharing her story, she hopes to shed light on her experiences and potentially resonate with others who have faced similar challenges, offering a sense of connectedness in an often isolating struggle.

The cautionary nature of Murray’s narrative illustrates the complexities surrounding mental health and advocacy, highlighting the necessity for awareness and support for those grappling with such issues. If you or someone you know encounters mental health struggles, connecting with a professional for guidance can be a vital first step towards recovery.