Matt Willis Exposes Scientology's Bid to Sabotage His Marriage Amid Addiction Battle
Matt Willis, the renowned Busted musician, has publicly revealed how the Church of Scientology actively tried to dismantle his marriage to television presenter Emma Willis during his tumultuous battle with substance abuse. The 42-year-old singer, who has been transparent about his past struggles with drugs and alcohol, credits his 49-year-old wife as a pivotal force in his journey toward sobriety.
A Desperate Search for Meaning During Addiction
In a recent episode of his podcast, On The Mend, Matt elaborated on his brief involvement with Scientology while grappling with addiction. He confessed to seeking "anything to make my life make sense" during a period of profound confusion and despair. "I was lost," he recalled. "I was trying to find anything I could to hold on to, to make me make sense in the world. I couldn't work out how to live a normal life without drink and drugs, so I was actively searching."
His encounter with the group began when a Scientologist approached him on Oxford Street, persuading him to visit their premises the following day. "I rocked up at this big building with 'Church of Scientology' on top," Matt described. "I thought, 'What's this? Pretty sure Tom Cruise has something to do with this.'" He proceeded to pay for several courses and read literature from the organisation, initially hopeful for guidance.
The Church's Manipulative Tactics Against Emma
However, Matt soon noticed a disturbing pattern emerging. The Church began subtly suggesting that a "negative influence" was draining his life, hinting it was someone close to him. "They were like, 'Only you know that,'" he explained. "I said, 'I don't know what you're talking about. The problem is me.' But they kept implying it was probably the closest person to me. Slowly but surely, I realised they were talking about my wife."
This realisation marked a turning point. Matt perceived the Church's strategy as an attempt to isolate him from his family and friends, ensuring he would rely solely on them. "They didn't want me to have any outside connections," he stated. "They wanted me to just be connected to this. It took me about two weeks to go, 'No, mate. This is b******s.' I paid for these things, did all the courses, and got nothing. I'm really glad I got out when I did."
Scientology's Principles and Celebrity Followers
Scientology encourages adherents to "disconnect" from individuals deemed "suppressive persons" (SPs), viewing them as obstacles to spiritual growth. The religion posits that humans are immortal beings with numerous past lives, some potentially in extraterrestrial cultures. Over the years, several high-profile celebrities have committed to the Church, including Tom Cruise, John Travolta, and Elisabeth Moss.
In response to Matt's allegations, a spokesperson for the Church of Scientology told The Sun: "A fundamental principle of the Scientology religion and its applications is the improvement of communication and relationships with others. Scientology is a practical religion that includes study and application of principles to benefit yourself and increase your ability to help others. The Church's social betterment programmes tackle main causes of societal problems like illiteracy, drug abuse, moral decay, criminality, and natural disasters."
Matt's Ongoing Recovery and Family Impact
Now sober for several years, Matt released the acclaimed BBC documentary Fighting Addiction in 2023, which received praise for its raw portrayal of his relapse, recovery, and the toll on his family. He detailed how fame at age 19 with Busted exacerbated his struggles, leading to three rehab stints before turning 25, including one month before marrying Emma in 2008 after she issued an ultimatum.
He relapsed again in 2017 during Busted's reunion tour when his youngest daughter Trixie was just ten months old. Reflecting on his addiction, Matt admitted: "Addicts are very good at hiding everything. I'm yet to meet a stupid addict. They're conniving and manipulative. It wasn't glamorous; it was really sad." At his lowest, he consumed six grams of cocaine daily and wouldn't return home until early morning.
Making Amends and Prioritising Family
On his podcast, Matt discussed the recovery process of making amends, emphasising that Emma is the person he owes the most to. "My wife saw me at my darkest and stuck by me," he said. Rather than a formal apology, he chooses to demonstrate his commitment daily. "I think instead what I do is choose to be the man I am today for her. I choose to turn up and keep promises. So I'm making amends to her every day."
He also addressed the challenges of discussing his addiction with their children—Isabelle, 16, Ace, 13, and Trixie, nine. "When do you tell a kid you're an alcoholic?" he pondered. "I've let them understand why I don't drink and why, if I did, I wouldn't be the same person. Something happens to me when I take a drink or do drugs; everything important goes away. I don't want to be that guy ever again, especially for you, because I love you and want to be the best version I can."
For confidential help with drugs, contact FRANK on 0300 123 6600. For alcohol-related issues, reach out to Alcoholics Anonymous on 0800 9177 650.
