Over the past few months, the world has been rocked by endless of claims of sexual harassment, with thousands coming forward to claim that they too were victims of vile and unacceptable behaviour. Each and every case was horrifying in its own way, however news of a sex cult that was reportedly being run by Hollywood TV stars was perhaps one of the most shocking incidents out there.
'Smallville' stars Allison Mack and Kristen Kreuk were accused of helping to recruit female sex slaves to join the New York-based sex slave cult named NXIVM, founded by Keith Raniere about 20 years ago. Allegedly, the two actresses would help lure women into the "self-help" organisation, in which Raniere would brand his slaves with his initials, forcing them to stay in the group with the threat of releasing their nude photos or other potentially damaging information about them.
Now, Canadian actress Kristen Kreuk has finally broken her silence on her involvement in the cult, angrily denying that she had ever been a part of it. The Beauty & the Beast star took to Twitter on March 29th to claim that she was "deeply disturbed and embarrassed to have been associated with NXIVM". She wrote:
“When I was about 23, I took an Executive Success Programs/NXIVM ‘intensive,’ what I understood to be a self-help/personal growth course that helped me handle my previous shyness, which is why I continued with the program. I left about five years ago and had minimal contact with those who were still involved. The accusations that I was in the ‘inner circle’ or recruited women as ‘sex slaves’ are blatantly false. During my time, I never experienced any illegal or nefarious activity. I am horrified and disgusted by what has come out about DOS. Thank you to all of the brave women who have come forward to share their stories and expose DOS; I can’t imagine how difficult this has been for you. I am deeply disturbed and embarrassed to have been associated with NXIVM. I hope that the investigation leads to justice for all of those affected.”
Her denial has been supported by actress Sarah Edmondson, who was a victim of NXIVM herself and wrote on social media in support of the 'Smallville' star, stating that "she is a lovely person who should not be dragged into this mess."
However, although Kreuk has strongly denied any involvement, her co-star Allison Mack is said to have been leader Raniere's right-hand woman at NXIVM, in which victims were branded on their pelvic areas using a cauterizing pen with a symbol which, unbeknownst to them, incorporated Raniere's initials. Mack, who starred as Chloe Sullivan in hit series 'Smallville' was considered a high-ranking member of the cult and was believed to have been second in charge to Raniere.
In addition, the actress was reportedly present at Raniere's arrest in Mexico in March 2018, after which he was extradited to Fort Worth, Texas. Following his arrest, Raniere appeared in front of a Fort Worth federal judge in the State of Texas where he faced charges of sex trafficking and as well as forced labour in New York State. If convicted, he could reportedly be sentenced to life in prison.
We can only hope that justice is served, and that the victims involved are able to overcome their trauma.
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