Former X Factor star linked to 'transphobic cult' putting her career at risk
Former X Factor star linked to 'transphobic cult' putting her career at risk
With over three million monthly listeners, Fletcher is a growing name on the pop music scene – but 'cult' allegations have marred her new album release and could threaten her career.
The 30-year-old singer has landed in hot water over connections to a controversial organisation, accused of touting transphobia and exploiting its members.
The Modern Mystery School (MMS) claims to be an organisation that strives for enlightenment through the 'power of activation, initiation and the wisdom'.
However, it has been slammed as a 'cult' due to extortionate fees to attend and rigid practices for members (known as initiates) to follow.
Fletcher, who first rose to fame on The X Factor, became swept up in controversy as her name reportedly appeared on the MMS website as a practitioner, although this has since been removed.
As pressure grew online, the Becky's So Hot hitmaker made a statement disavowing any connection to the contentious group but did admit to taking classes there previously.
Much controversy surrounding the group, comes from the gender views written in the core beliefs, which state: 'We are all born either male or female and that there are undeniable differences in that foundation'.
MMS does note an ability for members to 'regard themselves as whatever or whoever makes them happy' but insists on this male or female foundation, ignoring the existence of non-binary or intersex people.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Fletcher was accused of 'letting down' her fanbase after her vocal support for charities like GLAAD and The Trevor Project.
Who is Fletcher?
New Jersey-born Fletcher, whose full name is Cari Fletcher, first rose to prominence on the American version of The X Factor in its debut 2011 series.
Simon Cowell paired her with The Goldbergs actress Hayley Orrantia as well as two other women, forming a girl group – Lakoda Rayne – under the mentorship of Paula Abdul.
The band did not survive after elimination at week five and by 2015, a now solo Fletcher had moved to Nashville and released her debut single War Paint.
Capitol Records signed her after a stint on Spotify's Spotlight section and her release of Undrunk in 2019 catapulted the hitmaker into the public eye.
Her stardom continued to grow as she opened for Panic At The Disco on the European leg of Brendan Urie's farewell tour, releasing her debut album the same year which peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 100.
Fletcher has expressed her love for women and feminine energy but has been staunch in her rejection of a label for her sexuality.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone UK, she said: 'I have found a lot more freedom in the expansion of releasing the idea that I have to be something all the time.
'If somebody had to put a label on me of queerness but even that, it's just I don't know. I just am.'
Her new album In Search of an Antidote was inspired by healing in part from her physical struggle with Lyme Disease and also from painful breakups and mental health issues.
The name In Search of an Antidote was a particular sticking point for Fletcher fans as the MMS website describes its teachings as an 'antidote to the prevailing darkness'.
What is the Modern Mystery School?
Founder by Gudni Gudnason, the MMS describes itself as an 'international organisation' that 'trains and certifies healing practitioners and teachers in the tradition of the lineage of King Salomon'.
Both Miley Cyrus, a friend of Fletcher, and Shawn Mendes have been linked to the MMS at various times over the past two years.
Members can pay for classes, workshops, packages, and other tools to reach this healing – costing thousands to reach the upper 'ranks' of the group.
This includes a two-day workshop on Galatic Activation, which allows the member to 'access the potential to live as a galactic being' and meet a physical 'manifestation' of a 'God-like human'.
In 2021, Vice published an investigation into the group after speaking to ex-members who claimed they had spent around $20,000 to climb the ranks.
Former students alleged 'bizarre initiations, sexual coercion, and rampant profiteering' took place during their time with what they called a 'cult' and 'pyramid scheme'.
They added that 'bullying and manipulation was rife as well as cases of 'financial and sexual exploitation'.
Additionally, some former 'students' have claimed that they were made to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) upon joining which explicitly bans speaking negatively about MMS.
The MMS has a section of their FAQ dedicated to responding to questions of being a 'cult', which includes the Oxford English Dictionary's definition.
It adds: 'Well as for point one; every religion on the planet is defined as a cult. As for points two and three they can be applied to numerous corporations, organizations, institutes and political groups.'
'We do not demand or ask our students to behave or worship in any way or form except that which they feel comfortable with. Doing it in the way they personally connect with the most.
'The school's entire system of training is based on free will and taking control of your choices in life and not surrendering them to us or anyone else. We do not control or manipulate students' sleep patterns or eating habits in any way shape or form. '
While the organisation insists members remain of their own free will,Ian Haworth, general secretary at the UK-based Cult Information Centre expressed concern.
He told Vice: 'I dealt with a family that's lost someone to it. It is a group about which we're concerned.'
What has Fletcher said about the Modern Mystery School?
Concern began to bubble after Fletcher announced her tour opener as musician Jagwar Twin, believed to be a member of MMS along with other problematic allegations.
This resulted in the discovery of the Eras of Us singer's name listed on the website as a life activation practitioner – which has since been removed.
'I am no longer involved with MMS,' wrote Fletcher on X after days of building speculation had prompted questioning from fans.
She continued: 'I was listed on the website because I took a few introductory classes followed by a one week course out of curiosity. Further insight into the organization did not resonate with me in any way.
'I do not support, subscribe or condone any mission or rhetoric that is anti- LGBTQ+ in any form, spiritually, politically or otherwise.'
In a further tweet replying to a fan questioning her involvement, she explained: 'For the last couple of years I've been in a brutal battle with Lyme Disease and on a private journey searching for my own antidote.'
Bigger questions around her 'purpose' and why her body is 'failing' her were also plaguing the singer.
She acknowledged her privilege in being able to explore various routes back to health, including a variety of healing practices both traditional and non-traditional.
'I am not actively involved in a cult or an organised sect. I am 100% in control of my life, career, and art,' Fletcher clarified.
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Fletcher's team for comment.
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