Scientology was cited during a recent defense from Smallville star Allison Mack’s lawyers to help her avoid unwarranted charges.
Smallville fans received some shocking news earlier this year when it was discovered that Allison Mack, who played Chloe on the show, was involved with a sex cult. Not only was she part of a sex cult, called NXIVM, but she was allegedly one of the ringleaders of the whole situation, along with group founder Keith Raniere. One of the charges that Raniere and the Smallville star are facing is charges of inducing forced labor to members of the cult.
This process allegedly involved members of the cult giving Mack nude photos and other personal information to ensure labor from the members but a recent report from Deadline reveals that Mack’s lawyers cited a 2009 case involving the Church of Scientology to defend the Smallville star against charges of inducing forced labor. This is what Mack’s lawyers had to say about the charges via court papers filed at the Brooklyn Federal Court.
“The government argues that Ms. Mack obtained forced labor through ‘threats of serious harm,’ with serious harm being the embarrassment that would result from the exposure of one’s collateral. Courts have found, however, that such an outcome, albeit embarrassing, does not amount to serious harm under the statute.”
This is what the court filing had to say in relation to the 2009 case involving the Church of Scientology.
“The court did not find the plaintiffs were compelled to remain in the organization even though, if they chose to leave, they would be ‘excommunicated’ from their friends and family and labeled a ‘dissenter’. The threat of reputational damage and isolation from loved ones therefore did not qualify as serious harm.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all news regarding the case as soon as more information becomes available. How do you feel about Allison Mack’s lawyers citing the 2009 Church of Scientology case? Let us know your thoughts on the topic in the comments below!
Source: Deadline