'There's a level of forgiveness': Ex-NXIVM member on Allison Mack's early release | Banfield

Actress Allison Mack was released early from prison in California this week after serving time on charges related to the NXIVM sex cult, The Associated Press reported. Actress and cult survivor Sarah Edmonson exclusively discusses the sentence reduction during an appearance on "Banfield." "Generally, people feel that she (Mack) was a victim, too," Edmonson said.

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[RJelly-fihd]

I am happy that she can forgive! Forgiveness is one of the most difficult and rewarding things a person can do.

[Moviefank]

I don't condone or excuse Allison's prior crimes at all, but I truly feel very sorry for her now. She made some terrible mistakes, but she also helped take down the man who corrupted her mind. And here's what she got for it - being treated like a modern-day leper. She's a human being, for God's sake. She did the right thing, served some prison time, and still too many treat her like she's the worst person on the planet. She didn't murder people like Jeffrey Dahmer, or lead a group to mass suicide like the leaders of Heaven's Gate. Her thoughts and emotions were co-opted by an evil man, who promised Allison that he could revive her career...and in her desire to feel empowered, she chose to trust him. But her decision to seek both justice and retribution should count for something, and I hope that someday, people will come to forgive her like Mrs. Edmonson has. After all, isn't that what decency and mercy are supposed to be about? Even people who don't necessarily believe in God are probably familiar with Matthew 6:14-15: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." None of us are sin-free, so I think its way past time we all bore that in mind.

[kevysiris]

When you take a brand and sear your initials into someone's flesh, you stop being a victim.

[natersby]

Upon hearing the news I was curious about Sarah's reaction to Allison's release, I watched The Vow and am listening to the Scarred audiobook, and thought her reaction may be along these lines. Sarah's journey and fortitude has been quite exceptional to get to this point. I'm looking forward to checking out A Little Bit Culty with Nippy (nice plug btw)

[jasongeer]

She is not a victim she's just as guilty
Stupidity is not a defense

[wendyburke]

I understand how Alison might be considered a victim, but she did hurt a lot of women 3 years ????

[MatthiasPowerbomb]

It's probably good in the long run that Ms Edmonson is able to forgive, but there's no way Mack should already be out of prison after three lousy years. She should be rotting right next to Keith Raniere for a long time.

[amckx]

I can never think she will deserve forgiveness. The audio tapes tell a different story to me.

[HegeMarie]

So happy for her! Wish her all the best ❤

[martymcfly]

She definitely turned stateside against keith to get a lighter sentence

[jeffh]

Well Sarah Endmonson forgives Allison glad she decided too👍 only there’s still other more involve only have not, and still in backlash with haters so it’s not enough to clear her illegal; actions what’s done already sink in🤷🏻‍♂️

[onthedubba]

"If it's very expensive". The con men always ask for money first. Always!

[juanignacioarriagadawurth]

She was a part of the cult too and recruited hundreds🤦

[koolkev]

Pizza 🍕 gate whistle blower, she’s talking 👮

[angiedues]

I watched the Vow recently and the interesting thing I noticed is that often the members In the movie had gut checks, feeling of discomfort and fear around Rainere, even after many years. They accuse him of gaslighting them…they ignored red flags and gaslit themselves.

[stevenkeller]

Alison mack is no more of a victim than Karla hamolka

[caseymajor]

She said she’s going to start her own self help group

[aprox]

"Next called survivor, sarah Edmondson, she was trapped and brainwashed by Allison Mack and Raniere."

Im pretty sure Sarah recruited Allison Mack, just like shes the one who recruited Nicki Clyne and a bunch more women.
She did everything Allison Mack did for most part.
I wouldnt view her as some victim, she was a enabler herself.

Honesty, i wouldnt view any of these former women of nxivm as victims. They were all grown adults who happened to turn with the tide when the time was right.