Smallville actress Allison Mack's 'sex cult' gets documentary trailer
The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct allegations that some readers may find upsetting.
The makers of Netflix's stunning documentary The Great Hack have tackled even more disturbing subject matter in the first trailer for their series The Vow.
Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer move from the data-driven scandal of Cambridge Analytica in their previous film to examining the sexual abuse allegations levied against the leaders of NXIVM.
The group's founder, Keith Raniere, has been convicted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges in relation to his running of a secretive group that publicly promoted itself as a self-help organisation.
Former Smallville actress Allison Mack was among the high-ranking members of Raniere's inner-circle, and last year pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of racketeering.
The Vow delves into the allegations of sexual abuse that have come out about NXIVM since Raniere, Mack and several of their associates were arrested in 2018.
Noujaim and Amer's trailer explores how people looking for self-improvement say they were manipulated into signing a lifelong "vow of obedience" to Raniere – including serving him and his inner-circle as sex slaves.
When she entered her guilty plea last year, Allison Mack told the court that she would accept "full responsibility for [her] conduct".
"I am very sorry for my role in this case. I am very sorry to my family and to the good people I hurt through my misguided adherence to Keith Raniere's teachings," she said at the time.
Raniere is still awaiting sentencing following his convictions.
The Vow, which HBO describes as a "deep, nuanced" look at the scandal, will premiere in the US on Sunday, August 23.
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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