In August 2020, Jared Leto, frontman of the band Thirty Seconds to Mars, organized a wellness retreat on the private, uninhabited island of Obonjan, Croatia, attracting significant attention and sparking comparisons to a cult. The event, known as “Mars Island,” was designed for members of the band’s fan base, known as The Echelon, and featured activities such as swimming, sunbathing, beach walks, yoga, meditation, and chanting.

Attendees, predominantly women, were reported to have participated in these activities alongside Leto, who was described as leading the retreat in a manner some characterized as spiritual or immersive. The band itself referred to Mars Island as a “spiritual retreat,” but observers noted that the atmosphere evoked a cult-like vibe. Photographs from the event showed Leto standing on a cliff with his arms raised, with fans mimicking his posture below, as well as images of him sitting on a stool while fans listened attentively on the floor. Social media posts shared by the band even acknowledged the cult comparisons, including a 2019 tweet stating “Yes, this is a cult,” accompanied by the hashtag #MarsIsland.

The retreat, which was alcohol-free and lasted several days, reportedly cost over $6,499 to attend. Attendees and Leto often wore white clothing during the event, which further contributed to the distinct visual identity of the gathering. Mars Island was not the first event of its kind organized by Thirty Seconds to Mars; the band previously hosted an adults-only retreat called “Camp Mars” in Malibu, California, from 2015 to 2019. Camp Mars featured activities such as campfires, archery, hiking, music, and culminated in nightly “Church of Mars” concerts, continuing to cultivate a strong sense of community among the band’s supporters.

The imagery and structure of these retreats, particularly Mars Island, led to speculation and debate regarding the nature of Leto’s leadership role within his fan community. Critics and observers raised questions about the line between a fan gathering and cult behavior. However, some have pointed out that the band has appeared to knowingly lean into this perception by embracing the “cult” label and playing on the idea of having a “cult following.” For instance, Leto was photographed wearing a shirt with the phrase “This is a Cult” during the event.

These events have resurfaced public scrutiny of Leto amid ongoing allegations of sexual improprieties. A 2025 report by Air Mail detailed accusations from nine women against Leto, all of which he denied. More recently, a BBC documentary released in 2026 featured four women accusing the actor of sexual misconduct that allegedly occurred when they were teenagers.

While Thirty Seconds to Mars and Leto have consistently denied all claims of sexual impropriety, the combination of the retreat’s unusual format, its high cost, the attendees’ behaviors, and Leto’s public persona continue to fuel discussion about the nature of the relationship between the artist and his fan base.