Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler didn’t know they were engaging with a cult that trafficked its members.

HIGHLIGHTS

 Some celebrities, like Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler, allegedly attended an introductory class at the NXIVM cult in 2010.
 Aniston and Butler developed a close bond while filming ‘The Bounty Hunter’ in 2010, but the relationship only lasted a few months.
 Aniston allegedly leaned on Butler before her 2018 divorce, sparking rumors of a romantic reconnection between the two stars.

A lot of celebrities have been involved in cults, like Joaquin Phoenix who grew up in the Children of God. Then there’s Tom Cruise who’s advocated for the Church of Scientology for nearly 40 years, and Andrew Keegan who was rumored to be a cult leader in 2014. But did you know that Jennifer Aniston was also linked to the NXIVM organization, which was later charged with sex trafficking?

It was back when the Friends star was still dating Gerard Butler. Aniston’s cult involvement is almost as unknown as her brief romance with the 300 actor. But as it turned out, there’s a lot more we didn’t know about both aspects of her life. Here’s what you need to know about the former couple’s relationship and cult encounter.

Jennifer Aniston & Gerard Butler Attended One Of The NXIVM Cult’s Seminars Together

In 2020, a docu-series about NXIVM called Seduced came out. It was executive-produced by India Oxenberg, a former sex slave in the cult. She was first introduced to the group by her mom, Dynasty actress Catherine Oxenberg. According to India, Aniston and Butler attended an introductory class but never became full-fledged members (likely in 2010 when they started dating).

“There were entrepreneurs and strong powerful women like Rosario Dawson, who I just got to strike up a conversation with. I was impressed,” India said of celebrities’ involvement in NXIVM.

Those who joined the cult were later brainwashed, sexually assaulted, and trafficked by its founder, Keith Raniere. In a video recording, the leader also argued that sex with a minor isn’t bad. “So what’s abuse in one area is not abuse in another. So what is abuse really?” he claimed.

The cult boss added: “Abuse is, ‘is the person a child, or is the person adult-like?’ Some children are perfectly happy with it.” NXIVM had a secret sex-slave sorority within it called DOS. It reportedly had 150 known victims. In 2020, Raniere was sentenced to 120 years in prison for sex trafficking and other crimes following his arrest in 2017.

India Oxenberg went through 50 hours of therapy to admit Keith Raniere sexually abused her.

Jennifer Aniston Dated Gerard Butler While Filming ‘The Bounty Hunter’ In 2010

Aniston and Butler reportedly “fell in love” on the set of the flop rom-com, The Bounty Hunter in 2010. The Morning Show actress even developed a close bond with the Phantom of the Opera star’s mother – who called him while he and Aniston were filming a wedding scene.

“In The Bounty Hunter, there’s a scene where Jen and I are getting married. I happened to have my cellphone with me and at a crucial moment in the vows, my mom actually called me,” Butler recalled. “So I fished it out of the pocket of my tuxedo and I was like, ‘Hello, Mom. Listen, I’m a bit busy. I’m marrying Jennifer Aniston right now.'”

He continued: “But Jen took the phone and insisted on talking to her, which was very funny. It was a great way for my mom to meet and have a chat with Jen and they really bonded.”

During the premiere, the Ugly Truth alum’s mom “just couldn’t wait to meet” the Cake star. “They got on so well that they want to do everything together now,” Butler said at that time. “My mom is a golfer and so is Jen and they’re going to play together. And she wants her to come to Scotland so she can show her the sights.”

It’s unclear why the couple only dated for a few months. But in his 2023 appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, the Scottish actor described his ex-girlfriend as “the coolest chick on the planet.” He added that “she’s the coolest woman in the business, just she’s just awesome.”

Here’s a timeline of Aniston’s dating history (some of these boyfriends might surprise you):

Jennifer Aniston “Leaned Hard” On Gerard Butler Before Her 2018 Divorce From Justin Theroux

In February 2018, Aniston and Justin Theroux announced that they were getting divorced. Back then, a RadarOnline source said that “Jen has been leaning hard on Gerard as her relationship with Justin continues to disintegrate.” Another anonymous tipster said, “It seems like Jen has turned to Gerard to fill the void left by Justin.”

Earlier that year, Butler sparked controversy when he said Aniston was a better kisser than Angelina Jolie – who was two years into her divorce from Brad Pitt back then. “It’s no coincidence that just as Jen’s marriage is imploding, Gerard made a public display of affection and loyalty toward her,” an insider said at that time.

Gerard Butler started dating real estate developer, Morgan Brown in 2014. They split in 2016 but have been together since getting back together in 2017.

As it turned out, “Jen and Gerard reconnected a few months ago when she and Justin first started butting heads.” Another source even claimed that “Gerard told Jen he’s still carrying a torch for her. He has made it clear that the timing wasn’t right before, but he’s ready to commit to her now.” The rumors were never confirmed by the actors.