Former Smallville actress Allison Mack, once known for playing the girl-next-door character Chloe Sullivan, is now publicly detailing her disturbing involvement with the NXIVM organization that evolved into a criminal sex cult. Mack shares her story in the seven-episode podcast Allison After NXIVM on CBC, explaining how she transformed from television sweetheart to a central figure in Keith Raniere's manipulative scheme.
From Smallville Stardom to Cult Recruitment
Allison Mack's journey into NXIVM began in 2006 when she was 25 years old. Despite her success on the popular television series Smallville, Mack felt unsatisfied with her life and career. Her co-star Kristin Kreuk introduced her to what initially appeared to be a life-coaching course in Vancouver. "We both were at the point where we were 25. It was our break. And we both were like, 'Why do we both feel so unsatisfied?'" Mack recalled in the podcast.
Kreuk described the program to Mack as "the science of joy" and enthusiastically recommended it. "It's the most amazing thing. It's made everything so much better in life. You've got to do this," Kreuk told her, according to Mack's recollection. Kreuk mentioned having a coach and referenced figures called "The Vanguard" and "The Prefect" - titles that would later be revealed as belonging to cult leader Keith Raniere and co-founder Nancy Salzman.
The Descent into Darkness
What began as a self-help program targeting wealthy women and some men quickly spiraled into something far more sinister. NXIVM eventually became a sex trafficking organization that employed mental, physical, and emotional torture tactics against its members. Mack's first course was led by Salzman, who discussed topics including the purpose of mankind, gender differences, and relationships.
When Mack eventually met Raniere, she became completely devoted to him and his teachings. "With everything I had," she described her commitment to Raniere and his increasingly disturbing methods. Following the end of Smallville, Mack threw herself full-time into NXIVM activities.
The organization operated similarly to Scientology in its recruitment strategies, using Mack's celebrity status to attract other vulnerable figures. Notable members included socialites Clare and Sara Bronfman, India Oxenberg (who would become Mack's "slave"), and actors including Nicki Clyne and Grace Park from Battlestar Galactica, and Sarah Edmondson from Stargate-G1.
Criminal Activities and Consequences
Mack became one of Raniere's top recruiters and one of his sexual partners within the organization's secret inner circle known as DOS. This BDSM group required female members to be branded with either Mack or Raniere's initials. Members were subjected to starvation and blackmail using compromising photos or their deepest personal secrets.
Women within the cult were coerced into sexual encounters with Raniere, Mack, or other slave masters. Mack faced accusations of recruiting, overseeing, and brainwashing women for threesomes. She was arrested in April 2018 for her involvement in these activities.
In a emotional moment during her June 2021 sentencing, Mack expressed shame about what her family had to endure. "Oh, my God, my poor brother behind me, having to hear this about his sister," she sobbed. "My poor mom! I'm so sorry, you guys. I can take it, but like f***, you guys, I'm so sorry. I don't see myself as innocent, and they were."
Mack ultimately pleaded guilty to charges related to recruiting women for NXIVM and served two years of a three-year prison sentence from 2021 to 2023. Keith Raniere received a much harsher punishment and is currently serving a 120-year prison sentence after being convicted of sex trafficking, racketeering, and additional charges.
Life After NXIVM
Today, Allison Mack has rebuilt her life outside the cult. She is married to a man named Frank, whom she met at a Los Angeles dog park. Professionally, she is working toward earning her Master's of Social Work, perhaps seeking redemption through helping others after her extensive experience with psychological manipulation.
The revelations in her CBC podcast provide a chilling look into how vulnerable individuals, even successful celebrities, can be drawn into destructive organizations under the guise of self-improvement and empowerment.
