
Allison Mack, a former cast member on Smallville, was released from prison in California July 3 following a sentence for her role in the NXIVM cult scandal. She was sentenced to three years in prison in 2021 but was released after two. Mack, who is 40, pleaded guilty to racketeering charges in 2019. She had recruited women to the sex cult on behalf of cult leader Keith Raniere. Their group was known as “The Vow” and Mack was said to be a “master” of the group.
Founded in 1998 by Raniere, NXIVM started out providing seminars related to human potential development. A New York Times investigative story in 2017 reported on women in the movement being branded and blackmailed. A legal investigation ensued, and criminal charges were brought against Raniere, Mack and others.