HBO’s “The Vow” takes audiences to a deep dive into NXIVM, an organization that markets itself as a way to make other people more productive.
In fact, the leaders and teachers of the NXIVM sect (pronounced NEX-ee-um) manipulated the members, even convincing some to be marked with a symbol with the initials of leader Keith Raniere and to have interaction in sexual acts with him.
Raniere, who turns 60 on August 26, convicted of extortion, sex trafficking, conspiracy to paint and other felony charges in June 2019.
“The Vow” begins his nine-part adventure on Sunday (HBO and HBO Max, 10 pm EDT/PDT), featuring those who were once at the helm of the organization: Raniere, who sought to be called “Vanguard” and Nancy Salzman, nicknamed “Prefecta”. The docu-series also features former members whose enthusiasm for the organization has been replaced by disgust, misfortune and an unwavering preference for knocking down Raniere and saving other members under his spell.
Here’s what you want to know before the show’s premiere:
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Raniere and Salzman created Executive Success Programs, a method of self-improvement, in 1998. Later, it was also known as NXIVM. The members wore short handkerchiefs around the neck, with colors indicating the user’s position in the organization and their progression along what they called “the trail of stripes”.
In 2003, Raniere in the canopy of Forbes’ October factor, which dubbed him “the world’s boldest executive coach”. The article spoke of Raniere’s now-defunct customer shopping line, describing it as “a multi-level marketing program … that promised lucrative commissions to former clients to recruit new ones.”
According to Forbes: “In 1993, the New York Attorney General filed a civil lawsuit alleging that Consumers ‘ Buyline was a pyramid scheme. Without admitting irregularities, Raniere reached an agreement with $40,000.” At the time of publication, Forbes reported that Raniere had “paid only $9,000”.
But Raniere’s imaginable criminal activity was not limited to the business world. In 2012, the Albany Times Union reported that Raniere had had several alleged sexual encounters with underage women as adults.
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DOS, also known as “The Vote,” advertised as a secret women’s sorority organization within NXIVM to help women succeed in their full potential, but referred to their recruits as slaves to which “masters” were assigned. DOS meant “gift sororium dominus”, which the Daily Beast, in filing court documents, said one member said he translated as “master of slaves.” The Guardian reported that this meant “master of obedient companions.” Actress Allison Mack, best known for her role as Chloe Sullivan in “Smallville,” has served as a high-level “teacher.” He informed Raniere, the “great teacher,” that he had had sexual contact with some of the members.
Before women simply uned, and as members, they were asked to provide a “guarantee” to show their resolve to the group. These included nude photographs and other elements of his private life that would be shameful if made public. DOS members also adhered to a serious calorie restriction. A former member said in 2019 that India Oxenberg, daughter of actress Catherine Oxenberg, better known for her role as Amanda Bedford Carrington in “Dynasty,” at one point allowed only 500 calories a day.
In addition, the members were marked with a symbol that combined the initials of Raniere and Mack in their pelvic area. Recordings played in a Brooklyn court in May 2019 revealed that Raniere ordered Mack to undress before being labeled.
“Almost, like, attached as a sacrifice what, and the user asks to be stigmatized,” Raniere said. “(They) say, ‘Please mark me, it would be an honor’ or something like that.” An honor I need to bring for the rest of my life. And they probably say it before they’re repressed so they don’t look forced. »
The New York Times investigated DOS and its brand for a report released in October 2017 that caught the eye.
“To be effective, members had to succeed over the weaknesses that Mr. Raniere taught women as commonplace: too emotional nature, a breach of promises, and acceptance of the role of victim, according to (former members),” the article reported. “Submission and obedience would be used as a team to achieve these goals,” several women said.
Former member Sarah Edmondson, who stars in “The Vow,” told NYT and other media outlets that women in training “should send their main text messages with”Morning M and Mr. Night. “During the exercises, a teacher texted his slaves ‘?’ and they had 60 seconds for “Ready M.”
Failed interns had to pay fines, fasting or corporal punishment, NYT reported.
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Forbes described the good fortune of Raniere’s executive good fortune systems in his canopy history and high-level relationships, which come with a former U.S. general. And the daughter of a former Mexican president.
Mack co-star “Smallville”, Kristin Kreuk, who played Lana Lang on the series, turned to Twitter in 2018 to explain her involvement in NXIVM.
“When I was about 23 years old, I took an extensive course of good fortune systems for executives / NXIVM, which I understood as a course of self-help / personal expansion that helped me manage my past shyness, that’s why I continued the program. “He read. “I left about five years ago and had minimal contact with those who were still involved. Allegations that he was in the ‘restricted circle’ or that he had recruited women as ‘sexual slaves’ are evidently false.
“During my time, I have never experienced any illegal or destructive activity,” he added. “I’m horrified and disgusted by what came out of DOS … I am deeply disturbed and ashamed to have been related to NXIVM.”
Clare Bronfman, heiress to the liquor fortune of Seagram, high-ranking member of NXIVM who then faced criminal charges. She was accused of helping manage what was supposedly a fraudulent business involving identity theft and cash laundering.
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Raniere was convicted of seven offenses in a new York federal court in June 2019.The fees included conspiracy to devote forced labor, conspiracy to devote electronic fraud, sex trafficking and extortion, including underlying acts of child pornography ownership, identity theft, and sexual exploitation of minors, among others. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 27 and imprisoned at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center.
Mack pleaded guilty in April 2019, signing a plea agreement and admitting extortion offenses that could put him through obstacles for years. He had been the victim of organized crime, conspiracy to devote forced labour, conspiracy to devote electronic fraud, and various sex trafficking fees in connection with his role. She’s awaiting sentencing, too.
The same goes for Salzman, who admitted a charge of organized crime conspiracy in March 2019.
Bronfman had long funded Raniere’s control of NXIVM, according to prosecutors. In April 2019, he signed a guilty plea agreement, alleging guilt of a conspiracy charge to conceal and space out illegal extraterrestrial beings for monetary gain and a charge of fraudulent use of identity documents. She’s awaiting sentencing, too.
Contributing: Jon Campbell and Joseph Spector, USA TODAY NETWORK
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