You may know Catherine Oxenberg from her starring role as Amanda Carrington in the '80s soap "Dynasty."
But the actress is now living a real-life drama that she never imagined would be her reality. She alleges that her daughter India has been brainwashed, and literally branded, by a group called Nxivm.
“This is my last resort, going to the media,” Oxenberg said during an appearance on Megyn Kelly TODAY. "I feel that her life is in danger."
The group, founded by Keith Raniere and Nancy Salzman, states that its mission “is to help transform and, ultimately, be an expression of the noble civilization of humans.” How, exactly? By “raising human awareness, fostering an ethical humanitarianism, and celebrating what it truly means to be human.”
Not so, said Oxenberg. A report in the New York Times quotes a former member who stated that some women in the group were branded with a cauterizing device; former members told the Times that they had to share private and sensitive information with the group to ensure their loyalty. Oxenberg said she believes India has been branded, too.
In a statement posted online, the group said the following: "Recently a media outlet unfoundedly, and incorrectly, linked NXIVM corporation . . . with a social group. The allegations relayed in the story are built upon sources, some of which are under criminal investigation or already indicted, who act as a coordinated group.
"Unfortunately, this media outlet fell prey to these coordinated, criminal efforts. NXIVM was not able to participate in this story because it painfully held true to the due process of our free world justice system. We will explore any and all legal remedies to correct these lies. NXIVM is a professional business providing educational tools, coaching and trainings to corporations and people from all walks of life.... NXIVM firmly opposes and condemns violence, victimhood, dishonor and abuse.”
Ironically, six years ago, it was Oxenberg who first introduced her daughter to Nxivm (pronounced Nex-e-um), by taking her to a session. India loved it. Now, Oxenberg said she's going public as a last resort.
“I love her to the end of the world. I’m only doing this to bring awareness,” Oxenberg said.
Oxenberg said she has begged her daughter to leave Nxivm, to no avail. NBC reached out to Nxivm for comment but has not received a response.
“I lost my mind,” said Oxenberg, when she learned of what her daughter could be going through. “I did an intervention with her at the end of May and I failed.”
But her daughter wrote on Facebook that she’s absolutely fine, and Oxenberg said India is angry with her. “I would never put myself or the people I love into any danger,” India wrote on Oct. 19.