Ep 6. Honesty & Disclosure

In episode 6 of The Vow season 1, titled "Honesty & Disclosure," the focus is primarily on the legal battle between ex-members and Keith Raniere, the leader of NXIVM. More specifically, the episode delves into the discovery process in the lawsuit filed by the ex-members against Raniere and the organization itself.

The episode takes place during the summer of 2018 and opens with Mark Vicente, one of the key figures in the documentary, expressing his frustration with the discovery process. He explains that he and his wife, Bonnie Piesse, were required to provide thousands of pages of personal emails, text messages, and other documents. However, Raniere had yet to produce any documents in response.

The ex-members meet with their lawyers and discuss the importance of getting Raniere to produce documents that could help support their case. They realize that Raniere may not have kept any records of his alleged illegal activities, but they remain hopeful that something will be found.

The episode then cuts to footage from a court hearing, where Raniere's lawyer is arguing that the ex-members are simply on a "fishing expedition" and that the discovery process should be limited. The judge ultimately rules in favor of the ex-members, allowing them to move forward with their requests for documents from Raniere and NXIVM.

As the ex-members continue to sift through documents they've received in the discovery process, some unsettling revelations come to light. For example, they find evidence that high-ranking members of NXIVM were involved in a plot to sue one of Raniere's former girlfriends for defamation. The goal of the suit was apparently to intimidate the girlfriend and prevent her from speaking out against Raniere.

The ex-members also discover emails between Raniere and Allison Mack, one of the most prominent members of NXIVM who later pleaded guilty to racketeering charges. The emails reveal that Mack and Raniere were in frequent communication and that they discussed a wide range of topics, including potential lawsuits and the possibility of bringing in new members.

Another key part of the episode centers around Catherine Oxenberg, whose daughter India was deeply involved in NXIVM. Catherine learns from her lawyer that India has been subpoenaed to testify in the lawsuit against Raniere and the organization. This news causes Catherine a great deal of anguish, as she knows that India has been brainwashed by NXIVM and may not be able to provide truthful testimony.

Overall, "Honesty & Disclosure" is a gripping episode that sheds more light on the legal battle between the ex-members of NXIVM and Keith Raniere. Through the discovery process, the ex-members uncover more evidence of illegal activity and manipulation within the organization. The episode also highlights the struggles of those who have loved ones in NXIVM, as Catherine Oxenberg grapples with the prospect of her daughter having to testify.