We
recently wrote about how the NXIVM sex trafficking cult was using
a precedent set by Scientology to protect themselves from charges
of forced labor, coercion and blackmail. There may be a missing
link that accounts for these startling similar styles of
operation.
As
far back as 2003,
Rick Ross of the Cult Education Institute (formerly the Cult
Awareness Network, more on that in a moment) addressed a comment
from a user at the forum from user Templar regarding "the
beginning of the end for NXIVM."
NXIVM
Sex Cult Uses Scientology Precedent As Protection In Forced
Labor Case
The comment regarded Keith Raniere, head of NXIVM,
working
to legally suppress detractors
by claiming copyright and trade secret violations. This form of
"lawfare" had been similarly unsuccessful when Scientology
recently attempted to use the same argument to keep OT materials
from being released on the internet.
A real connection between the two is Nancy O'Meara, a high ranking
Scientologist who, get this, also happens to be involved in the
Cult Awareness Network (CAN).
How can that be, you may ask? In 1995, Rick Ross and two other
members of CAN were found guilty of violating the right to freedom
of religion in relation to the Life Tabernacle Church. Ross was
made to pay over $3 million in damages, CAN was also liable for
over $1 million. When their assets (including records, name, and
phone number) were sold at auction for $20,000 they were
purchased
by a Scientologist.
It goes deeper than that, though. NXIVM is something of a
knock-off version of Scientology "tech." Rick Ross refers to
Raniere as a "squirrel," which is Scientology slang for someone
who uses Dianetics "tech" outside of the bounds of traditional
Church of Scientology practice.
Nation
of Islam And Church Of Scientology Connection Deepens
Raniere even uses the term "suppressive" (another bit of COS
jargon) to describe "enemies" of the cult.
Back in September, also in 2003, Cult News (which is sponsored by
Cult Education Institute) published an article explaining how
Nancy O'Meara had "coached" NXIUM which could be a further
explanation of how and why similar tactics have been employed.
