Cults - The Cut

internet drama May 5, 2022

Dancing in the Name of the LordThe “cult” claims about a TikTok-famous set of performers shocked everyone — except L.A.’s dancefluencer community.

By Gabrielle Bluestone

nxivm June 30, 2021

Allison Mack Sentenced to 3 Years in PrisonThe judge said she was “essentially an accomplice” in the NXIVM sex cult.

By Claire Lampen

feature June 8, 2021

The Oracle’s DaughterSarah Green escaped her mother’s cult 22 years ago. She still thinks about those she left behind.

By Harrison Hill

power May 5, 2021

A Cult Leader Known As ‘Mother God’ Was Found MummifiedSeven members of the group Love Has Won have been arrested after Amy Carlson’s body was discovered decomposing in a bizarre shrine.

By Amanda Arnold

power Mar. 1, 2021

A Student in the Sarah Lawrence ‘Cult’ Case Is Now Facing ChargesAt first, prosecutors painted Isabella Pollok as one of Lawrence Ray’s victims. Now, they say she was a willing accomplice.

By Amanda Arnold

culture May 28, 2020

What Exactly Is a ‘TikTok Cult’?Thankfully, it’s not as sinister as it sounds.

By Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz

crime Feb. 11, 2020

The Alleged Mastermind of the Sarah Lawrence ‘Cult’ Has Been ChargedThe federal prosecution of Larry Ray stemmed from a New York investigative story.

By Hannah Gold

nxivm Nov. 7, 2019

What It Was Like to Date a Cult LeaderToni Natalie dated Keith Raniere in the years before he formed NXIVM. Her book about that experience, called The Program, is out now.

As told to Katie Heaney

science of us Apr. 24, 2019

What Kind of Person Would Join a Sex Cult?Cult expert Janja Lalich explains the draw of Keith Raniere, the leader of the sex cult known as NXIVM.

By Katie Heaney

fixations Aug. 27, 2018

I Think About This a Lot: The Beauty Habits of This Possible Cult LeaderTeal Swan is a controversial self-made guru who calls herself “the spiritual catalyst” — but what I can’t stop thinking about are her pores.

By Maureen O’Connor and Maureen O'Connor

wild wild country May 24, 2018

When You Find Out Your Parents Met in a CultAll thanks to Netflix’s Wild Wild Country.

As told to Emilia Petrarca

behind the scenes Apr. 24, 2018

Bhagwan’s Doctor Gives His Take on Wild Wild CountryAnd that time Sheela tried to have him killed.

By Anna Silman

true crime Mar. 30, 2018

Actress Denies Claims She Was a Recruiter for Alleged ‘Sex Cult’“The accusations that I was in the ‘inner circle’ or recruited women as ‘sex slaves’ are blatantly false.”

By Sarah Spellings

true crime Mar. 27, 2018

Founder of Alleged ‘Sex Cult’ Arrested and Charged With Sex TraffickingWomen in Nxivm were reportedly branded and referred to as “slaves.”

By Gabriella Paiella

self-help Dec. 13, 2017

Man Claims Self-Help Group He Joined Is Actually a Sex CultA new lawsuit alleges Gratitude Training, which offers personal development seminars, is a cult.

By Lisa Ryan

apocalypse later Oct. 8, 2015