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Since last year,Rolling Stonehas been tracking the bizarre story of NXIVM, a secretive alleged sex cult founded bymulti-level marketing guru Keith Ranierein Albany, New York. This investigative podcast from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation looks at the case from the inside perspective of actorSarah Edmondson, a high-ranking NXIVM memberwho alleged to theNew York Timesthat shewas brandedas part of the group’s side sect, DOS.
A twist that lends the podcast a noteworthy touch:Escaping NXIVMis reported by Josh Bloch, a producer and childhood friend of Edmondson’s. Bloch touches on his own dismay at seeing his friend’s life unravel under the influence of Raniere.
Edmondson rose within the group’s ranks for more than a decade, finally deciding to flee the group and blow the whistle on what she experienced there. The publication of 2017’s blockbusterNew York Timesstory — which alleged that women in DOS were forcibly branded, held as slaves and compelled to recruit additional slaves for their “masters”— helped set the group’s downfall in motion.
Raniere is currentlyawaiting trial in Brooklynafterpleading not guiltyto sex trafficking, sex trafficking conspiracy, attempted sex trafficking, forced labor conspiracy, racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to commit identity theft.
Also charged, among others, were Hollywood actress Allison Mack (“Smallville”) and Seagrams heiressClare Bronfman. Mack has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit forced labor. Bronfman’s lawyer, Susan Necheles, denied the charges of money laundering and identity theftagainst her client.
