‘Real Housewives’ star accused of running cult-like church operation, ex-members allege financial exploitation

Mary Cosby faces cult allegations as former Faith Temple Pentecostal Church members allege spiritual manipulation, financial exploitation and emotional control in a TLC docuseries.

"You were just afraid to leave. People were afraid of leaving. This is detrimental to people." "People could be in a cult and not even realize they’re in one."  "It was always a competition … if I didn’t do what they said, then I’m putting my husband above God." Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to stephanie.giang@fox.com and on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.

The docuseries traces Faith Temple’s roots to its founding by Rosemary "Mama" Cosby, Mary’s grandmother, who was widely revered within the congregation.