Cults and Extreme Belief

Elizabeth Vargas examines NXIVM, an organization that sells “self-help” seminars that they claim give people the tools they need to get their lives together and allow them to make a difference in the world. However, the group led by Keith Raniere, referred to by followers as Vanguard, stands accused of drawing supporters down a path of destruction that includes near-starvation diets, sexual assault, forced branding, pseudo-slavery, and blackmail. Luring in many high-profile Hollywood actresses to evangelize for his cause over its 20 years in operation, Raniere was recently arrested in Mexico and charged with sex trafficking, among other crimes. Former members of NXIVM share harrowing experiences of manipulation and sexual violation.

Former Jehovah’s Witness Romy Maple–a survivor of child sexual abuse–embarks on a journey to uncover why her pleas for justice were systematically ignored by top members of the organization.

Amy Bril recounts her childhood growing up in the Children of God, a group notorious for pedophilia and “religious” prostitution. Amy and others born and raised in the group are banding together to address a suicide epidemic among fellow survivors.

Growing up in the United Nation of Islam (UNOI), Elijah Muhammad was forced into child labor, physical abuse and squalid living conditions. Today, he has a unique opportunity to speak to the FBI in hope of getting justice for himself and the other children abused by UNOI and its leader, Royall Jenkins’, teachings.

Former "Moonie" Teddy Hose, tries to alert the public to a gun-obsessed Unification Church offshoot known as the Sanctuary Church of Newfoundland, Pa. Sean Moon, the charismatic leader and a son of the late Reverend Sun Myung Moon, preaches an extreme gospel featuring his father as "returning Jesus" and guns at the center of worship.

Despite their hippie persona and rustic community businesses, The Twelve Tribes have long stood accused of physically abusing children and subjugating of women. Now disconnected from her family, ex-member Samie Brosseau, works to expose the Twelve Tribes abusive practices today.

Many believed that when Warren Jeffs was sentenced to life in prison for child sexual assault, the problems within the FLDS community would be solved--the group would disperse and members would wake up and leave the church. However, when Jeffs was locked away, it left devoted FLDS followers like Norma Richter to face a subsequent humanitarian crisis alone, and forced to fend for themselves in a world they were once taught to fear.

Former members of different groups meet to discuss their shared experiences with Elizabeth Vargas.

Former members of different groups meet to discuss their shared experiences with Elizabeth Vargas.