Sigram Heiress Involved in Sexual Exploitation Controversy Linked to Secret US Cult... Ultimately Sentenced to Prison

Claire Bronfman, heiress of Seagram [Image source = Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Claire Bronfman (41), heiress of Canadian liquor company Seagram, has been sentenced to 6 years and 9 months in prison for involvement with the secret cult NXIVM, accused of sexual exploitation.

According to various foreign media reports, on the 1st (local time), a New York court sentenced Claire Bronfman, daughter of Seagram founder Edgar Bronfman, to 6 years and 9 months in prison and a fine of $500,000 (approximately 580 million KRW) for credit card fraud and other charges.

Bronfman was accused of hiding illegal immigrants in the U.S. to help the cult NXIVM and providing financial support to the group by using deceased persons' credit cards.

NXIVM, founded by Keith Raniere in 1998, was revealed to be a multi-level marketing business consulting company operating self-development programs, attracting about 16,000 members. Among them were celebrities and prominent figures in society.

Women recruited as members were forced to become Raniere's "sex slaves." He claimed to be a spiritual leader and branded the first letter of his name on women's bodies, coercing them into sexual slavery.

The U.S. federal prosecutors stated that the members were "bound in a master-slave relationship," and former members testified that those who had sexual relations with him were given his initials.

Founder Keith Raniere [Photo by Yonhap News]

As the scandal erupted with celebrities, wealthy individuals, and famous people joining the group and being accused of arranging sexual relations, it was revealed that Seagram heiress Claire Bronfman supported Raniere as a member of NXIVM.

Having previously provided funding and acted as a senior member of the group, she was prosecuted for hiding illegal immigrants in the U.S., and for financial support to NXIVM by using the identity and credit cards of deceased persons while serving as a board member.

The prosecution emphasized, "Without Bronfman's support, Raniere's crimes would have been impossible."

The defense admitted the charges but requested probation, claiming they were unaware of sexual violence occurring within NXIVM; however, the court rejected this claim, resulting in a prison sentence.

Meanwhile, the sentencing hearing for founder Raniere, who was previously sentenced to life imprisonment, is scheduled for the 27th.