Well, this is weird. We'd heard rumours about Smallville actress Allison Mack's involvement in a sex cult known for abusing its members but it's been confirmed today that she's been arrested in connection with a case which revolves around the alleged cult leader Keith Raniere, a.k.a. Vanguard. Now 35, Mack has been absent from television for a while but, well, she's been keeping herself busy.
The actress has been charged with sex trafficking, sex trafficking conspiracy, and forced labour conspiracy according to the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York. "As alleged in the indictment, Allison Mack recruited women to join what was purported to be a female mentorship group that was, in fact, created and led by Keith Raniere," US Attorney Richard P. Donoghue says. "The victims were then exploited, both sexually and for their labor, to the defendants’ benefit."
Members were recruited by being told that they were joining a self-help group meant to empower women but branding (both Mack and Ranier's initials were forcibly put on their pelvic areas) and various forms of sexual abuse were prevalent and Mack is being painted as a ringleader of sorts. It's a bizarre situation but one which is quite frankly disgusting and could lead to more celebrities being outed for their involvement. Fellow Smallville alum Kristen Kreuk has previously denied ties.
We'll be sure to keep you updated but be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section.