Digest

This episode of the 2020 True Crime Vault delves into the story of Nexium, a self-help group founded by Keith Raniere, known for its intensive training programs, unique lingo, and alleged secret rituals. The episode explores the group's practices, the experiences of former members, and the legal battles that ensued. Former Nexium member Sarah Edmondson describes a disturbing initiation ritual into a secret sorority within the group, where she and four other women were blindfolded and branded with a symbol containing the initials of Keith Raniere. The episode then delves into the background of Keith Raniere, portraying him as a charismatic and controversial figure who promoted himself as a genius and a leader of a philosophical movement. Former members describe Nexium's intensive training programs, which involved group therapy sessions lasting up to 16 days, and discuss the group's unique lingo and rituals, including bowing and a special handshake. The episode also explores Keith Raniere's past, revealing his involvement in a network marketing company called Consumers Byline. The episode examines the origins of Nexium and its teachings, which were influenced by Scientology, Ayn Rand, and EST. Former members allege that the group's methods were akin to brainwashing. The episode explores Nexium's attraction to aspiring actors and actresses, describing how the group offered a sense of belonging and promised to help them achieve success in Hollywood. The episode focuses on Keith Raniere's personality and influence within Nexium, describing his favorite pastimes, including volleyball and holding court with his followers. It examines Keith Raniere's philosophy of women's empowerment, known as Jinesse, and discusses Raniere's views on the differences between men and women and his alleged mistreatment of women. The episode details allegations of sexual abuse and financial exploitation by Keith Raniere, with former members sharing their experiences with Raniere and his alleged manipulation of women. The episode focuses on the involvement of actresses Allison Mack and India Oxenberg in Nexium, exploring how Mack became a high-ranking member of the secret sorority and how Oxenberg's mother, Catherine Oxenberg, tried to save her daughter from the group. The episode examines the role of Allison Mack, known for her role in the TV series Smallville, in Nexium, discussing Mack's relationship with Keith Raniere and her alleged involvement in the secret sorority. It focuses on India Oxenberg, the daughter of actress Catherine Oxenberg, and her involvement in Nexium, detailing Catherine's efforts to rescue her daughter from the group and the challenges she faced. The episode covers Keith Raniere's arrest in Mexico and the subsequent legal battles, exploring the charges against Raniere and his alleged victims, as well as the legal strategies employed by both sides. It examines Nexium's aggressive legal tactics, including lawsuits against critics and former members, highlighting the role of the Bronfman sisters, who provided financial support for the group's legal battles. The episode provides updates on the legal proceedings against Keith Raniere and other Nexium members, detailing the convictions and sentences handed down to various individuals involved in the group. The episode concludes with the arrest of Keith Raniere in Mexico and his subsequent extradition to the United States, discussing the charges against Raniere and his alleged co-conspirators.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Rise and Fall of Nexium

This episode of the 2020 True Crime Vault delves into the story of Nexium, a self-help group founded by Keith Raniere, known for its intensive training programs, unique lingo, and alleged secret rituals. The episode explores the group's practices, the experiences of former members, and the legal battles that ensued.

00:00:14

The Secret Sorority and Branding Rituals

Former Nexium member Sarah Edmondson describes a disturbing initiation ritual into a secret sorority within the group, where she and four other women were blindfolded and branded with a symbol containing the initials of Keith Raniere.

00:00:25

Keith Raniere: The Vanguard

The episode then delves into the background of Keith Raniere, portraying him as a charismatic and controversial figure who promoted himself as a genius and a leader of a philosophical movement.

00:06:21

Nexium's Teachings and Practices

Former members describe Nexium's intensive training programs, which involved group therapy sessions lasting up to 16 days, and discuss the group's unique lingo and rituals, including bowing and a special handshake.

00:12:42

Keith Raniere's Past and Nexium's Origins

The episode also explores Keith Raniere's past, revealing his involvement in a network marketing company called Consumers Byline. The episode examines the origins of Nexium and its teachings, which were influenced by Scientology, Ayn Rand, and EST. Former members allege that the group's methods were akin to brainwashing.

00:17:32

Nexium's Appeal and the Rise of the Secret Sorority

The episode explores Nexium's attraction to aspiring actors and actresses, describing how the group offered a sense of belonging and promised to help them achieve success in Hollywood. The episode focuses on Keith Raniere's personality and influence within Nexium, describing his favorite pastimes, including volleyball and holding court with his followers.

00:23:10

Allegations of Abuse and Legal Battles

The episode examines Keith Raniere's philosophy of women's empowerment, known as Jinesse, and discusses Raniere's views on the differences between men and women and his alleged mistreatment of women. The episode details allegations of sexual abuse and financial exploitation by Keith Raniere, with former members sharing their experiences with Raniere and his alleged manipulation of women.

00:35:12

The Fall of Vanguard

The episode covers Keith Raniere's arrest in Mexico and the subsequent legal battles, exploring the charges against Raniere and his alleged victims, as well as the legal strategies employed by both sides. It examines Nexium's aggressive legal tactics, including lawsuits against critics and former members, highlighting the role of the Bronfman sisters, who provided financial support for the group's legal battles. The episode provides updates on the legal proceedings against Keith Raniere and other Nexium members, detailing the convictions and sentences handed down to various individuals involved in the group. The episode concludes with the arrest of Keith Raniere in Mexico and his subsequent extradition to the United States, discussing the charges against Raniere and his alleged co-conspirators.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is Nexium and what are some of the allegations against the group?

  Nexium is a self-help group founded by Keith Raniere. Former members allege that the group engaged in disturbing practices, including branding rituals, vows of obedience, and sexual exploitation of women.

• Who is Keith Raniere and what is his role in Nexium?

  Keith Raniere is the charismatic and controversial leader of Nexium. He promoted himself as a genius and a leader of a philosophical movement, and his followers referred to him as "Vanguard."

• What is the secret sorority and what are the allegations surrounding it?

  The secret sorority is a clandestine group within Nexium, allegedly involving branding rituals, vows of obedience, and sexual exploitation of women. Former members allege that women were coerced into participating in these rituals and that they were branded with a symbol containing the initials of Keith Raniere.

• How did Nexium attract aspiring actors and actresses?

  Nexium offered a sense of belonging and promised to help aspiring actors and actresses achieve success in Hollywood. Former members describe how the group provided a supportive environment and encouraged members to socialize with each other, isolating them from outside friends.

• What are some of the legal battles that have taken place surrounding Nexium?

  Nexium has been involved in numerous legal battles, including lawsuits against critics and former members. The group has been accused of using aggressive legal tactics to silence its opponents and protect its reputation.

• What are the updates on the legal proceedings against Keith Raniere and other Nexium members?

  Keith Raniere was convicted on all counts and sentenced to 120 years in prison. Other Nexium members, including Allison Mack, Nancy Salzman, and Lauren Salzman, have also been convicted and sentenced for their roles in the group's activities.

Show Notes