In a recent podcast interview on the “Pod Meets World,” actor Andrew Keegan, best known for his roles in ’90s hits like “10 Things I Hate About You,” has spoken out against the rumors that painted the spiritual organization he co-founded, Full Circle, as a cult. Keegan, who embarked on this venture after moving to Venice in his early twenties, aimed to repurpose an old Hare Krishna temple into a vibrant community center, reflecting the bohemian spirit of the Los Angeles neighborhood.
Describing Full Circle’s inception, Keegan shared the spontaneous decision to revitalize the unused temple space, transforming it into a focal point for local “hippie types” and fostering a unique friend group. Despite investing significant personal funds and effort, the actor looks back on the endeavor with a mix of pride and astonishment at what was achieved over three years before Full Circle’s closure in 2017.
Contrary to the sensational headlines, Keegan insists that Full Circle was never intended to function as a religious institution but rather as a “really cool community center” that hosted nearly a thousand events, ranging from regular Sunday gatherings to various community-driven activities. This initiative, according to Keegan, greatly benefited the Venice community, leaving a lasting positive impact on those involved.
The actor also reflected on the challenges he faced with the media, particularly following a Vice article that branded Full Circle under a religious guise. He admitted to possibly mishandling the situation due to a lack of media training but emphasized the non-doctrinal, inclusive nature of Full Circle’s activities. Keegan’s experience with the media didn’t end there; he notably filed a lawsuit against Examiner.com for inaccurately reporting his arrest during a raid for unpermitted kombucha sales at Full Circle, a case that was eventually dismissed.
Keegan humorously regards the cult leader label as a “badge of honor,” highlighting the uniqueness of his situation. He suggested that perhaps a different name for the organization might have avoided some misconceptions but remains proud of the Full Circle concept and its symbolism of karma and connectedness.
The Full Circle venture, as Keegan describes, exemplifies an attempt to create a shared space that transcended traditional religious boundaries, instead offering a platform for community engagement and personal growth. Despite the controversies and misunderstandings, the legacy of Full Circle in Venice seems to resonate with the ideals of unity and collective betterment, challenging the conventional notions of what constitutes a spiritual gathering or organization.
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