Here's what we know about NXIVM, the creepy sex slave cult whose 'second-in-command' was Smallville actress Allison Mack
When news broke of 'Smallville' actress Allison Mack being involved in sex cult, it sent a shudder down everyone's back. The cult, which went by the name 'Nxivm' was run by a man named Keith Raniere, who was arrested recently in Mexico following accusations of sex trafficking. The actress was known to be second-in-command in the sex slave cult.
The actress was found to be with him at the time of his arrest and is also being charged with co-conspiring.
So what were the goings-on of this twisted, Albany-based 'self-help' group? Let's take a look.
A life of luxury
Raniere was caught in Mexico, living in a luxurious villa with women who he dubbed his 'slaves'. The cult leader was shelling out nearly $10,000 every week for the property. Following the FBI's arrest of Raniere, the IRS has also officially launched a deeper investigation into the cult's finances. In 2010, Vanity Fair covered a story in which they detailed how Sara and Clare Bronfman, the 'Seagrams heiresses' had happily donated more than $150 million on Nxivm and Raniere.
Raniere has a slew of 'slaves'
The twisted 'vanguard', as Raniere had styled himself as, had women who were branded 'slaves'. These women were subjected to many humiliating tasks that included wearing fake cow udders over their breasts. If the 'slaves' disobeyed any of the commands, the women would be subject to public humiliation. Their torture didn't end there. The women had a restrictive diet that limited their calorie intake to 500-800 calories a day. Raniere apparently preferred 'thin' women, and felt that starving people were easier to control.
Raniere had a loyal women following
The cult leader's most loyal female followers were a part DOS, which stands for Dominos Obsequious Sororium. It translates to 'Masters Over Slave Women'. The secret sorority also used the 'slaves' to perform menial labor, and often subjected these poor women to humiliation if the task was not attended to in the right manner.
Keeping a tight hold on his 'slaves'
Raniere's 'slaves' were made to give up information about themselves which could be 'damaging' if it was ever brought to the public's eye. This was used as collateral, in case any member decided to deflect the group.
Branded like cows
Newly-recruited 'slaves' were branded with a symbol that consisted of Raniere's as well as Allison Mack's initials. This sick practice was a doctrine for Nxivm's women's subgroup called 'Jness' which laughably preached 'female empowerment'. The best of these 'branded women' were selected to go and live with Raniere at his compound.
As more and more details of this cult's strange behavior surfaces, the members of Nxivm are being subpoenaed to testify against Raniere in his upcoming federal court appearance. The cult leader is currently being held without bond.