All articles tagged with #cult
Michelle Zajko, linked to the cultlike Zizians, is charged with murder, burglary and conspiracy in the 2022 killings of her parents in Chester Heights, Pennsylvania; prosecutors say she did not act alone and the case ties to broader crimes associated with the group, including past gun involvement, while she remains jailed in Maryland on unrelated charges.
Prosecutors charged Michelle Zajko—with ties to the cult-like Zizians—with first-degree murder and conspiracy in the 2022 killings of her parents in Chester Heights, Delaware County; investigators say shell casings at the scene matched a firearm used at a Vermont home and an enhanced audio capture includes a shout of 'Mom' at the door, and officials say she was not acting alone, with broader links to other Zizians-connected killings; Zajko has been jailed in Maryland on related charges since 2025 as the inquiry continues.
A member of the cult-like Zizians group is charged in the 2022 killings of her parents in Chester Heights, Pennsylvania; the case is linked to other group members in Maryland and Vermont, with prosecutors describing the killings as occurring after a text seeking reconciliation and noting additional charges as investigators pursue the broader group’s activity.
NBC News profiles Greg Baer's Real Love Company, a self-help network he built on unconditional love that drew thousands but allegedly grew cult-like, with women subjected to intimate 'naked holding' and other boundary-crossing practices; multiple women allege abuse, leading to 2019 settlements of two lawsuits, Mormon church proceedings, and a police review that yielded no charges, while former members describe coercive control over dating, marriage, and careers.
Naomi “Nomz” Bistline, a former FLDS “spiritual wife” of Sam Bateman, is rebuilding her life through music after prison and planning to study psychology while releasing her debut, as Netflix’s Trust Me: The False Prophet chronicles her escape and Christine Marie’s undercover work that helped free Bateman’s victims.
Allison Mack, known for Smallville, was convicted for her role in the NXIVM cult, where she was a senior member involved in trafficking and branding women as slaves. She served two years in prison, was released in 2023, and has since spoken openly about her involvement, acknowledging her abuse of power and her remorse, while also expressing a desire for personal growth.
Allison Mack, a former 'Smallville' actress and NXIVM member, shares her story of brainwashing, involvement in the cult's sex trafficking activities, and her subsequent prison sentence in the CBC podcast 'Allison After NXIVM,' which explores her complex role as both victim and participant.
The horror film 'Him' explores the intersection of football and religion, depicting a satanic cult led by Marlon Wayans's character, Isaiah White, and delving into themes of hero worship and sacrifice. The film is visually striking but narratively vague, focusing on the cult-like obsession with the sport and its players, with a mix of biblical and occult imagery, though it leaves many plot questions unanswered.
'28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' is an upcoming horror film set in a dystopian England, featuring more violence and a new cultlike threat, directed by Nia DaCosta and promising a wild, off-the-wall energy that expands the franchise's universe. The film follows Spike as he navigates between two worlds—infected chaos and cult fanaticism—while exploring themes of evil, humanity, and nature's dominance, with a cast including Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell.
Authorities in Kenya have exhumed nine bodies from graves linked to a notorious starvation cult in Shakahola Forest, where over 400 bodies were previously discovered, raising concerns about ongoing cult activity and recent evidence suggesting foul play and continued communication from jailed cult leader Paul Mackenzie.
Alexis Soloski's 'Flashout' is a gripping thriller that alternates between 1972 New York and 1997 Los Angeles, exploring the tumultuous life of theater performer Allison Hayes as she navigates her past and present, revealing themes of power, performance, and identity. The novel is praised for its vivid period details, compelling characters, and tight pacing, making it a stylish and suspenseful exploration of the seductive and dangerous nature of performance.
The film 'Together' depicts a couple's descent into a supernatural union that symbolizes extreme codependency, culminating in their bodies merging into one, which serves as a dark metaphor for losing individual autonomy in relationships. The ending, while visually striking and played for dark humor, underscores the tragic cost of such complete dependence, leaving a haunting impression of love's potential to become a form of death.
Decades after the Jonestown massacre, a new tour allows visitors to visit the site, sparking debate over whether it serves educational purposes or exploits tragedy, with mixed reactions from locals and survivors.
Jared Leto, known for his acting and music career, is accused of impropriety by nine women amid allegations linked to his cult-like retreat at Mars Island, where fans gathered for a spiritual experience.
Melanie Wilking has responded to her sister Miranda Derrick's claims that their family was unsupportive of her religious journey, which is featured in the Netflix docuseries "Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult." Melanie asserts that the family tried to reach out multiple times and that their concerns were due to red flags they observed about 7M Films and its leader, Robert Shinn. The docuseries has intensified the family rift, with Miranda defending her choices and denying cult involvement, while Melanie and other former members allege manipulative practices by Shinn. The legal battle between Shinn and former members continues.