Allison Mack Discusses NXIVM and Life Post-Prison in New Podcast
Allison Mack, a former actress known for her role in “Smallville,” has opened up about her past involvement in the controversial NXIVM organization in her new podcast, “Allison After NXIVM.” This seven-episode series was released on a Monday, allowing Mack to share her experiences and reflect on her actions within the group.
Life in NXIVM and Acknowledgment of Wrongdoing
In the podcast, Mack discusses her participation in NXIVM, labeling it a “self-improvement group.” However, she candidly addresses her role in manipulating women and coercing them into sexual servitude for the organization’s leader, Keith Raniere. “I don’t see myself as innocent,” she states, emphasizing her use of her acting success as a means to exert influence over others.
Later in the series, she admits to being abusive and aggressive towards her victims. “I was harsh and callous,” she reflects. Mack accepts that her actions caused significant trauma to the women involved, stating, “I did make people feel like they had no choice.” Her honesty about her past behavior is a significant theme throughout the podcast.
Legal Consequences and Personal Growth
- In 2019, Mack pleaded guilty to racketeering charges associated with her involvement in NXIVM and its subgroup, DOS.
- DOS operated as a secret society where women were branded with Raniere’s initials.
- Mack served as a “master,” responsible for recruiting new members.
- She received a three-year prison sentence in 2021 and was released in 2023.
- Keith Raniere is currently serving a 120-year sentence for sex trafficking and other offenses.
While Mack acknowledges her wrongful actions, she believes she also possessed altruistic intentions, expressing a desire for personal and collective growth. “I wanted to be better,” she says, revealing her conflicted feelings surrounding her past.
Life After Prison
Since her release, Mack has been pursuing a master’s degree in social work and exploring PhD programs in expressive arts therapy. She has also begun working with a nonprofit, focusing on integrating creative arts into prison environments.
This summer, Mack married Frank Meeink, a former neo-Nazi who now advocates for racial acceptance and diversity. The couple’s meeting in a dog park shortly after her release marks a new chapter in Mack’s life. According to Natalie Robehmed, the podcast’s host, Mack now identifies as Allison Meeink.
Behind the Podcast: Sharing Her Story
Mack’s podcast series formed after she reached out to journalist Vanessa Grigoriadis, who previously interviewed her before the legal issues arose. Grigoriadis, now an executive producer for the series, aims to present Mack’s narrative authentically. “Allison After NXIVM” appears as a significant entry in the true crime genre, alongside documentaries like “The Vow” and “Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult.”
Through this new platform, Mack seeks to shed light on her journey, aiming for redemption while acknowledging the impact of her past. The podcast serves as both a personal reflection and a broader commentary on the ramifications of her involvement in NXIVM.
