NXIVM Intercourse Cult Chief Keith Raniere Talks To NBC Information. “I Am Harmless” – .

Keith Raniere, the leader of the alleged sex cult NXIVM, gave an interview that aired on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt tonight and will also be featured on the network’s dateline.

In an interview, Raniere denies his beliefs about sex trafficking, extortion and possession of child pornography. Raniere said he was the victim of unethical persecution in the interview. He asked for a new trial but was denied by a judge on Friday. He will be sentenced on Tuesday and could live in prison for life.

NVXIM’s activities were captured in the documentary series The Vow, which is returning for a second season on HBO in 2021. Directors and executive producers Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer continue the story of the NXIVM cult and its supreme leadership.

Related story

NBC News says Fox News “has decided to smear” reporter Brandy Zadrozny with Tucker Carlson segment

Raniere admitted to NBC interviewer Frank Parlato and Dateline NBC that he was the leader of NXIVM, which allegedly held women as sexual prisoners. Parlato had been a spokesperson for the group and had ultimately revealed their practices. Parlato faces his own charges of tax differentials and other problems. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Raniere said federal prosecutors “scared away witnesses” who could have helped defend him.

“This is a terrible tragedy in which many, many people are injured,” said Reniere. “There is a terrible injustice here. And whether you think I am the devil or not, the judicial process needs to be investigated. “

Along the way, Raniere and NXIVM drew several celebrities under their spell, including Smallville star Allison Mack, President Nancy Salzman, her daughter Lauren Salzman, accountant Kathy Russell, and Seagram heiress Claire Bronfman. All have pleaded guilty to various charges.

“You know, one of the most important things in our country is the justice system,” Raniere said in an interview. He added, “Both the devil and a saint should be able to receive exactly the same treatment under our judicial system.”

Despite his declarations of innocence, Raniere said he was “sad and tormented” for his role in the organization.

“I apologize for participating in all of this – this pain and suffering,” he said. “I clearly participated. I was the leader of the community. And that’s what happened. Even if it is done through suppression, I am absolutely sorry and painful. It’s a terrible situation. “