This is a CBC podcast.

Nexium was one of the most insidious cults of modern times.

Marketed as a self-help group, it drew an ambitious woman with the promises of growth and empowerment,

only to trap them in a system of control, manipulation, and abuse.

Some were even branded with the initials of its founder, Keith Renere.

And the person should ask to be branded.

So it doesn't seem like they're being coerced?

But Keith didn't act on these twisted fantasies alone.

He had help from lots of people, including his most famous recruit, Smallville star, Allison Mack.

He said, in order for me to help you with that, we're going to have to be physically intimate.

Allison helped push forward Keith's vision.

And when it all came crashing down, a judge sentenced her to three years in prison.

He said you capitalized on your celebrity.

Leah. Do you think that's fair? I'm Natalie Robamed. I'm a journalist and I've gotten exclusive

access to Allison since she was released from prison. For the first time, she's telling her side of the nexium story. And I've been

haunted by how much her story blows the lines between victim and perpetrator. How do you feel about

intimacy, elicit their discomfort around that and be like, okay, so I have an assignment that's

going to push you through that. You're going to seduce somebody.

Like, you're going to seduce Keith.

I talked to the people around Allison.

I mean, he messed with her brain.

She doesn't know what's going on.

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