Gail Tredwell

Gail Tredwell (born 1958) is an Australian author. She was born in Queensland, Australia. Tredwell served Mata Amritanandamayi, known more frequently as simply Amma, for 19 years (1980-1999) as a disciple. Her autobiography, Holy Hell: A Memoir of Faith, Devotion, and Pure Madness, was published in November 2013 by Wattle Tree Press, Maui, Hawai'i.

Controversy Gail Tredwell's autobiography led to a controversy in 2014 in Mata Amritanandmayi's Ashram. The book alleges that a senior follower of the ashram, Balu, had sexually abused the author for several years. It also alleged that Amritanandamayi behaved rudely and aggressively, abusing the author for several years. After publishing the book Holy Hell, the first interview with Tredwell was published by Daily Indian Herald, an online news source.

The mainstream media of Kerala was reluctant to report these allegations. A few news sources however broke the story. Later, other news channels telecast exclusive interviews with Tredwell in two episodes, disregarding legal notices from the Amritanandamayi Ashram. Kairali TV managing editor John Brittas went to New York for this interview with Tredwell. The Ashram initiated legal proceedings against two news channels and also against news anchor John Brittas. The Press Club of India asked Amritanandamayi Ashram in Kerala to withdraw the case.