MORE: Raniere, and actress Allison Mack, who is best known for her role on the TV series 'Smallville,' were both indicted by a grand jury in April 2018 on charges arising from Raniere and Mack’s alleged roles in a secret society within NXIVM.
NXIVM’s founder Keith Raniere was convicted on Wednesday on all seven counts against him, for creating what prosecutors described as a sex cult in which female members were branded with his initials and kept in line through blackmail.
Rainere did not testify at trial and his defense attorney did not call any witnesses, but contended in court that the relationships were consensual, not forced. Prosecutors say many of the female victims were branded and forced to participate in sex acts with Raniere. Prosecutors asserted that Raniere had more than 50 DOS slaves under him, many of whom were recruited from within NXIVM’s ranks.
"Additionally, I feel it is important to clarify the sorority is not part of NXIVM and that I am not associated with the group," the statement continued."I firmly support one’s right to freedom of expression, so what the sorority or any other social group chooses to do is not our business so long as there is no abuse.
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