Seagram's heiress Clare Bronfman sentenced to more than 6 years in prison for role in NXIVM sex cult
NEW YORK — Seagram’s heiress Clare Bronfman, who spent more than $100 million of her fortune to fund the NXIVM sex cult and its projects, was sentenced to more than six years in prison Wednesday for her role in the Albany-based group.
Bronfman, wearing a pink sweater and multicolored mask, stared down at the defendant’s table as Brooklyn Federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis ordered the sentence of six years, nine months — far more than the five years prosecutors had asked for.
“I have made mistakes, I’m sorry for the time and resources I have taken from the court,” Bronfman said just before learning her fate. “I’m immensely grateful and privileged because all over the world, people are praying for me because they know my goodness. It doesn’t mean I haven’t made mistakes.”
Bronfman, who was a professional equestrian before joining the cult, will also be required to pay a $500,000 fine.
She pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to conceal and hide undocumented immigrants for financial gain, and fraudulent use of identification. She continued to support convicted cult leader Keith Raniere as her sentence loomed.
“We’re going to immediately appeal the decision. The decision was clearly an abomination,” said Bronfman’s attorney, Ronald Sullivan, who had asked for no jail time. “It was outrageous. It was a miscarriage of justice.”
Garaufis condemned Bronfman in an hourlong speech for using her wealth to control her victims.
“She used her incredible wealth and attempted to use her social status and connections not only to support NXIVM’s work, but also as a means of intimidating, threatening and exacting revenge upon individuals who dared to challenge its dogma,” Garaufis said. “It does concern me that she continues to stand by Raniere.”
Bronfman turned to address a victim in the audience, known only as Jane Doe 12, when she spoke.
Authorities said she brought the woman to the U.S. from Mexico in 2015 and promised a $3,600-a-month gig, but blackmailed her and refused to pay — then did the same with numerous other undocumented victims.
“I am truly sorry for all your hardship and any pain I’ve caused you,” Bronfman said, calling Jane Doe 12 her “friend.”
Garaufis was not swayed by Bronfman’s affection toward the woman.
“Jane Doe 12 was affected by that. Bronfman is doing again what she did then. This judge is not blind Ms. Bronfman. I saw what you just did and I’m speechless,” he said as he dropped his papers and shook his head.
Susan Dones, a former NXIVM member, heralded the prison time as U.S. marshals escorted Bronfman out: “Good. It’s about damn time.”
Dones was one of nine women who shared emotional stories of the hell they faced under Bronfman’s rule prior to her sentencing.
“In my opinion you’re a predator. You should feel shame, self loathing … You should understand there are lives you destroyed,” she cried. “I pray that you will take the claws of Keith Raniere out of you, and you will learn who Clare Bronfman really is.”
Bronfman was also found guilty of using the credit card of Raniere’s dead partner, Pamela Cafritz, as part of a scheme to help the cult leader evade taxes.
As a member of NXIVM’s executive board, Bronfman also used her wealth to bankroll the cult’s litigation machine to go after members who left or spoke negatively about it to the media.
In addition to the $100 million she spent on the cult, she gave $67 million to Raniere for commodities investments.
Former member Toni Natalie — who was indicted in 2015 on computer hacking charges — said she was sued by NXIVM and spent more than eight years in bankruptcy court while being followed by an ex-Mossad private eye. She spoke about the cult’s practice of “scorched-earth litigation.”
“I was not scorched. I was incinerated,” Natalie said.
Barbara Bouchey said was dragged into 14 lawsuits from NXIVM since she left, and “endured hundreds of headline news stories” all because she broke up with Raniere.
Raniere was busted in March 2018 after authorities discovered a secret society of women within the cult who were branded over their genitals and required to turn over collateral — often nude photos — as part of a lifetime vow to stay faithful to the group.
He was convicted a year later in Brooklyn Federal Court of sex trafficking, forced labor and child exploitation among other charges. He is expected to be sentenced Oct. 27.
Bronfman was the first of six defendants in the NXIVM case to be sentenced. Others, including “Smallville” actress Allison Mack, are still awaiting sentencing.
Former NXIVM member Sally Brink, who left in 2016 after 13 years, warned Bronfman in her victim impact statement about sticking by Raniere’s side.
“As long as you support KR (Keith Raniere), there is no forgiveness for you,” Brink said Wednesday. “You’re not going to heal with KR in your life. You have to take back your power. You have no sense of self without him.”
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