Mack, best known as the young Superman’s friend in “Smallville”, had previously pleaded guilty and began to cooperate with Keith Raniere, NXIVM leader. Prosecutors said she helped them build evidence that Raniere established a secret society consisting of brainwashed women branded with his initials.
Mack, a Brooklyn federal court judge, renounced her self-improvement guru at her sentencing.
She said that she made “choices I will always regret” and also told the judge she felt “remorseful and guilty”.
In a letter she sent to the court last week, she said that she was sorry for the people she had brought into NXIVM. “I’m sorry that I exposed you to the evil and abusive emotional schemes of a twisted gentleman.”
On Wednesday, she offered her condolences to the victims and said: “From my deepest part of me and soul, I am sorry.”
Mack wept several times as she read her statement to court. U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis assured Mack that he believed her sincere apology, but added that she deserved a serious sentence because Raniere used her celebrity to groom victims.
Mack was sentenced to between 14 and 17 1/2 years in prison under advisory sentencing guidelines. However, her defense team argued that probation or a sentence of home confinement were more appropriate. Because of Mack’s cooperation, the prosecution agreed that any sentence in prison should not exceed the guidelines.
“The NXIVM story and Ms. Mack’s descent were a tragedy for everyone involved.” However, Allison Mack’s story is not over. Her lawyers stated in court papers that this should not be.
Jessica Joan, a victim, refused Mack’s apology and told the judge that Mack deserved no mercy.
Joan stated in court Wednesday that “She can’t blame Keith, but she is a monster made from the same cloth.” “Allison Mack, a predator and a wicked human being,” Joan said.
Mack, 38, was once part the Raniere inner circle, which attracted actors and millionaires among its members. Prosecutors claim she was a master of “slaves” that she instructed to perform labor, take nude photos, and, in some cases, engage in sex acts alongside Raniere.
Raniere fled Mexico with Mack and others, as authorities were closing in on him. Mack was also arrested.
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Mack gave information to the prosecutors about Raniere’s 60-year-old encouragement of “the usage of demeaning, derogatory language including racial insults to humiliate’slaves’,” according to government papers. They also added that Mack provided a recording of a conversation with Raniere regarding the branding.
Raniere explained to Raniere that branding should include “a vulnerable position type a thing” and “hands probably above a head being held, almost as being tied down like sacrificial or whatever.” Raniere said that the women should say “Please brand me.” It would be an honour. Or something similar.
Raniere was sentenced last January to 120 years imprisonment after he was convicted of sex-trafficking. Clare Bronfman (41), was sentenced in September to almost seven years imprisonment for her role in Raniere’s unwavering support.
Mack was granted bail in home confinement and allowed to continue there until she surrendered to prison on September 29. Mack left the courthouse without speaking with reporters on Wednesday.