NXIVM cult leader ordered to pay millions to victims of horrific branding
New York, New York - Keith Raniere, the leader of the infamous NXIVM cult who abused and mistreated his followers for years, has been ordered by a court to pay millions in compensation to his victims.
Raniere was first sentenced back in June 2019, and in October 2020, a court set the sentence at 120 years for all the crimes he had committed since the 90s.
As the New York Times wrote, citing the court case, Raniere (60) must now also pay $3.4 million in compensation to 21 victims of his abuse.
The money is to be used, among other things, to remove the scars that numerous women had suffered during the cult's rituals.
These brandings were considered a permanent pledge of allegiance to the leader. The women were forced to say, "Master, please brand me, it would be an honor" while being held down on a table. A doctor who was also involved in the organization would then use a cauterizing pen to burn them.
Lower-ranking members, called "slaves," were required to perform sexual services on other members, who were referred to as "master". More than 100 ex-members of the cult had been expecting compensation. The court in Brooklyn ruled that 21 people were entitled to compensation on the grounds of forced labor, sex trafficking, slavery, and extortion.
The money will also be used for psychological care and the legal costs of the victims. But it's not clear if any of them will actually see a single cent, since Raniere still insists that he has no material possessions and may not be able to raise the funds.
Raniere seemed unrepentant in the video feed from his Arizona prison.
Actor Allison Mack (38) was sentenced in June for her role in helping to torture other members of the cult.
Cover photo: 123RF/ jgaunion