Allison Mack, the former “Smallville” star who gained notoriety as the enabler of NXIVM leader Keith Raniere, is finally sharing her story in the new CBC podcast “Allison After NXIVM.” This seven-episode podcast, part of CBC’s “Uncover” series, premiered on Nov. 10 and is hosted by Natalie Robehmed, with production by Vanessa Grigoriadis of Campside Media.
Mack, now 43, started her career as a child actor in Long Beach, California, before moving to Vancouver to star in “Smallville,” a popular series about the teenage Clark Kent. In the first episode of “Allison After NXIVM,” she reveals that it was through her co-star Kristin Kreuk that she first became involved with NXIVM in 2006 and quickly became entangled in the cult, ultimately falling under Raniere’s influence.
The podcast aims to explore the question of who Allison Mack truly is – a victim or a victimizer. As detailed in “Allison After NXIVM,” Mack was both a victim of brainwashing by Raniere and a perpetrator within the group. She was part of a harem of women who served Raniere’s every need, engaging in coercive sexual activities and recruiting other women to do the same. Mack’s involvement in NXIVM’s women’s group DOS, where she had “slaves” and enforced strict control over their actions, further illustrates her dual role as victim and victimizer.
After serving nearly two years in federal prison, Mack was released in July 2023. During her prosecution, she began to awaken to the reality of Raniere’s manipulation and her own complicity in the cult’s crimes.
The NXIVM scandal first gained widespread attention in a 2017 New York Times expose, leading to Raniere’s arrest in 2018. HBO’s documentary series “The Vow,” which premiered in 2020, shed further light on the cult’s activities, with Mack playing a mysterious role in the background. Raniere was convicted in 2019 and is currently serving a 120-year sentence for various crimes.
“Allison After NXIVM” delves into Mack’s post-incarceration life, including her marriage and pursuit of a master’s degree in social work. The podcast has faced criticism for giving Mack a platform, but Robehmed emphasizes that Mack chose to share her story in podcast form as she no longer feels comfortable in front of cameras.
The podcast also features an exclusive interview with Lauren Salzman, the daughter of NXIVM co-founder Nancy Salzman. Salzman, who testified against Raniere at his trial, was sentenced to time served and probation in 2021.
“Allison After NXIVM” challenges Mack’s narrative and provides a nuanced exploration of her experiences within the cult. The podcast offers a unique perspective on the NXIVM scandal and sheds light on the complex dynamics at play within the organization.
