NXIVM ‘Cult’ Leader Keith Raniere Sentenced for Sex Trafficking

Keith Raniere, the founder of NXIVM, a personal development company accused of being a ‘sex cult’, was sentenced to 120 years in prison on Tuesday.

Prior to sentencing over a dozen accusers detailed the physical, sexual, and mental abuse they suffered at the hands of Raniere. His first sex slave, identified as Camilla, said the NXIVM ‘vanguard’ robbed her of her youth when he raped and infected her with HPV as a 15-year-old virgin in 2015.  

“He used my innocence to do whatever he wanted with me,” she told the judge. “Today, I still have trouble identifying the line between a normal relationship and an abusive one.’’

Her sister Daniela, who Raniere’s follower Lauren Salzman kept imprisoned in a room for two years for gaining weight and admitting interest in another man, told sentencing Judge Nicholas Garaufis, “As the court sentences Keith Raniere, I would like to remind you that he showed no mercy.”

Both women were part of a secret society within NXIVM called the DOS, led by Rainer and his second in command, Smallville actress Allison Mack, who recruited women as ‘slaves’ to sexually pleasure their ‘master’ Raniere.  

India Oxenberg, daughter of Dynasty actress Catherine Oxenberg, wrote a victim impact statement describing her time as a slave and the painful branding she endured upon joining the DOS. 

“I was branded with a cauterizing pen,” she wrote. “This extremely painful procedure lasted for over 30 minutes and took months to heal. I may have to live the rest of my life with Keith Raniere’s initials seared to my flesh. I am not sure how I will ever be able to fully put this behind me.”

Raniere proclaimed his innocence and alleged his accusers were lying in court. “I do believe I am innocent of the charges,” he said. “It is true I am not remorseful of the crimes I do not believe I committed at all.”

Catherine Oxenberg slammed Raniere on Twitter. “Only a monster would discredit his victims.. remorseful for what? himself? Typical sociopath.”

Only a monster would discredit his victims.. remorseful for what? himself? Typical sociopath https://t.co/wlEkygOFJO

— Catherine Oxenberg (@catoxenberg) October 27, 2020

A group of five former DOS members came out to support their embattled leader. Battlestar Galactica actress Nicki Clyne, Raniere’s decade-long partner, said the group was “here together and we are proud of our choices.”

Another ex-DOS member, Samantha LaBeron said, “We didn’t necessarily want to be masters and slaves. We wanted freedom. True internal freedom,” she continued. “We did it in a very edgy way but that was our purpose.”

Raniere was convicted of racketeering, sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of a child and human trafficking in 2019. Judge Garaufis sentenced him to 120 years in prison.  

“Despite everything that has happened and despite the countless victims who have given voice to their great pain, Mr. Raniere remains unmoved. Indeed, he maintains his innocence,” Garaufis said about his decision. “To him, the brave victims who have spoken out about the abuse suffered at his hands — including those who spoke today — are liars.”

Marie Finn