‘It Was Walking Through The Gates Of Hell.’ Smallville’s Allison Mack Recalls The Feds Probing Her About NXIVM, And Reveals Post-Arrest Struggles

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Allison Mack, years after her arrest related to the NXIVM cult, is now sharing her story. In a recent podcast series, the former Smallville actress detailed her life before, during, and after being involved with the cult, including how she became involved and what happened when she was arrested and questioned by federal agents.

Allison Mack, best known for playing Chloe Sullivan on the TV show Smallville for ten seasons, recently appeared on Michael Rosenbaum’s Inside of You podcast. In the episode, available on YouTube, she spoke about the legal troubles that began when she was arrested in 2018 and accused of sex trafficking, conspiracy related to sex trafficking, and forced labor. Mack cooperated with federal investigators and, during the interview, shared details about her questioning.

It felt like my world had completely fallen apart, like I’d stumbled into the worst possible nightmare. Honestly, it was terrifying. The hardest part wasn’t just going through it, but trying to process everything at the same time. It’s hard to imagine what I was going through, but believe me, being in it was so much more disorienting. I kept asking myself, ‘What even happened?’ and ‘What is going on with my life?’ I was just completely lost and confused.

So, Ana de Armas, who plays Marilyn in the new film, explained something fascinating during our chat. Apparently, when someone cooperates with federal agents on a case like this, it’s called ‘proffering.’ Basically, the authorities try to figure out if the person is reliable enough to testify and also collect any information that could help build a case. She also made it very clear – and this was important – that she never had to take a polygraph test while discussing the film’s subject matter. It was a relief to hear her say that, honestly.

Around 2006, Mack became involved with NXIVM, an organization founded by Keith Raniere in 1998. In the podcast series Allison After NXIVM, Mack stated that her co-star, Kristin Kreuk, initially encouraged her to join, believing it was simply a self-help group. Over time, Mack’s role within the organization grew, and she eventually controlled and branded a group of people she referred to as “slaves.” After her arrest in 2018, Mack says she cut off contact with approximately 90% of her acquaintances and struggled with negative thoughts.

It was incredibly painful to accept what had happened. The possibility of being convicted of a sex crime – and facing a lifetime as a registered offender, potentially with 22 years in prison – was overwhelming. These harsh realities were incredibly difficult to face.

Mack, who once contemplated suicide, credits a small circle of friends with helping her through a difficult time. In 2021, she admitted guilt to racketeering and conspiracy charges and publicly apologized for her involvement. Speaking with Michael Rosenbaum, Mack revealed she initially feared a prison sentence of 16 to 22 years, but ultimately received three years in prison followed by three years of probation. She was released in 2023 after serving 21 months at a federal correctional facility in California. The actress, known for her role in Wilfred, was grateful for the support she received.

NXIVM stopped operating in 2021, and its story was told in the HBO Max docuseries, The Vow. Allison Mack, who was involved, now says she has changed and fully understands that what happened was wrong.

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2025-11-18 22:10