by Dr. Janja Lalich | Nov 19, 2019 | Essays
This article originally appeared on refinery29.com. If you’ve felt like 2018 has been more cult-y than normal, you’re not alone. This summer saw a wide range of show, movie, book, and podcast programming dedicated to the damaging and captivating world of...
by Dr. Janja Lalich | Nov 19, 2019 | Blog, Essays
This article originally appeared on chatelaine.com. Celebrities, executives and wealthy heiresses bought into Nxivm’s promise of expanded consciousness and female empowerment. Then came the sex slavery, brainwashing and blackmail. Inside an alleged cult for successful...
by Dr. Janja Lalich | Nov 19, 2019 | Blog, Essays
This article originally appeared on livescience.com. Charles Manson is escorted to court for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 3, 1969, in Los Angeles, California. (Image: © John Malmin/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Charles Manson was living in squalor at an old...
by Dr. Janja Lalich | Nov 10, 2019 | Blog, Essays
This article originally appeared on vice.com Meet Teal Swan, a YouTuber who proves selling salvation to desperate people is an equal opportunity racket. “It’s always a gross dude.” As someone who has spent too much time writing about cults (sorry everyone!) this is a...
by Dr. Janja Lalich | Nov 10, 2019 | Blog, Essays
This article originally appeared on vox.com. Here is what is going on with Kanye West right now — including the domes, the new album, Sunday Service, and whether it’s a cult — and how it all fits together. Kanye West flashes a peace sign on the pink carpet at the 2019...
by Dr. Janja Lalich | Nov 10, 2019 | Blog, Essays
This article originally appeared on arktimes.com They escaped from the Nahziryah Monastic Community in Marion County. IN 1987: The Rev. K.B. Kedem is flanked by Seraph Kedem (left) and Shakeenah Kedem (right).Courtesy Shakeenah Kedem-Fentis SHE ESCAPED: In 2010,...