Christina Ricci Accuses Her Dad of Being Failed Cult Leader

"I know it sounds cold, but it was one of the first things I ever did in my life—to take care of myself," Ricci told the newspaper. "Decide that only people who deserve it can be in my life."

Her dad worked as a therapist who specialized in "primal-scream therapy." He conducted sessions in the basement of their family home, the newspaper said.

During family dinners, which the actress said were mandatory, her father would share his life's philosophy. She said he was "a very paranoid man" who taught his kids there is no such thing as selflessness, no one ever really likes you and that people are only out for themselves, per the paper.

"I know it sounds cold, but it was one of the first things I ever did in my life—to take care of myself," Ricci told the newspaper. "Decide that only people who deserve it can be in my life."

Her dad worked as a therapist who specialized in "primal-scream therapy." He conducted sessions in the basement of their family home, the newspaper said.

During family dinners, which the actress said were mandatory, her father would share his life's philosophy. She said he was "a very paranoid man" who taught his kids there is no such thing as selflessness, no one ever really likes you and that people are only out for themselves, per the paper.

"I think he thought that because he was like that, so was everybody else. He was passing on his little secret to his children," Ricci told The Guardian. "I don't think it affected me because I decided it wasn't true. No way. Life couldn't be that way."