Matt Willis, the celebrated musician from the pop-rock band Busted, has candidly disclosed a brief but impactful period as a Scientologist during his severe struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. In a revealing episode of his podcast "On The Mend," the 42-year-old artist shared how he turned to the controversial religious group in a desperate search for meaning and stability, only to exit when he perceived attempts to isolate him from his wife, television presenter Emma Willis.
A Desperate Search for Answers
Willis described feeling profoundly lost and unable to envision a normal life without substance abuse. "At the time I was lost, I was trying to hold on to anything to make my life make sense," he confessed. "I couldn't work out how I was supposed to live a normal life without drink and drugs. And I was looking for something. I was actively searching." This quest led him to a chance encounter with a Scientologist on Oxford Street, who persuaded him to visit the church the following day.
Initial Attraction and Investment
Admitting his limited knowledge of Scientology—aware only of its association with actor Tom Cruise—Willis "rocked up at this big building" with hopes of gaining control over his life. He purchased a course and engaged in auditing, a process where practitioners identify negative influences. However, he grew frustrated when the guidance seemed vague, with leaders suggesting the problem was "probably the closest person" to him without naming anyone directly.
The Turning Point: Targeting His Marriage
Willis soon realized the implication was pointing toward his wife, Emma, with whom he has shared 21 years and three children. "Slowly but surely, I was like, 'I think you're talking about my wife,'" he recalled. This moment became a critical juncture, as he felt the church was attempting to drive a wedge between them. He noted that Scientologists are encouraged to distance themselves from non-believers, termed "suppressive persons," whom they view as obstacles to spiritual growth.
Disillusionment and Departure
Expressing disillusionment, Willis stated, "They didn't want me to have any kind of outside connections. They wanted me to just be connected to this." After about two weeks, he concluded, "No, mate. This is b******s." He also lamented the lack of tangible results despite his financial investment, saying, "I paid for these things, did all the courses and got nothing." His exit was prompted by a heated argument with a church member, as he has previously shared.
Life After Scientology and Sobriety
Today, Willis credits his wife Emma for supporting his recovery, having been sober for several years following rehab stints in his early twenties and ultimatums from her. The couple, who marked their 16th wedding anniversary with a tattoo of Emma's face two years ago, remain a strong unit. In response to Willis's comments, the Church of Scientology told The Sun that their religion focuses on improving communication and relationships, with programs addressing societal issues like drug abuse and illiteracy.
Celebrity Connections and Broader Context
Scientology has attracted numerous high-profile adherents, including Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Elisabeth Moss, and the late Lisa Marie Presley. Founded by L. Ron Hubbard, the religion, recognized officially in 1993, posits that humans undergo infinite life cycles, some extraterrestrial, rather than believing in traditional concepts of heaven or hell. Willis's story highlights the personal conflicts that can arise when individuals navigate such belief systems during vulnerable times, underscoring the complexities of addiction recovery and spiritual seeking.
