ID Expands “People Magazine Investigates” with New Special Unpacking the Twelve Tribes Cult
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Today Investigation Discovery, the leading true crime network, announced a special presentation out of its long running series, PEOPLE MAGAZINE INVESTIGATES. Produced in partnership with the award winning true crime reporting team at PEOPLE, PEOPLE MAGAZINE INVESTIGATES: THE SECRETS OF THE TWELVE TRIBES CULT, explores the still active Twelve Tribes organization. By going behind closed doors, the special reveals how unwavering religious practices and the weaponization of “the fear of God,” often controls every aspect of life within the group, featuring illuminating interviews with brave former insiders who found the courage to walk away. PEOPLE MAGAZINE INVESTIGATES: THE SECRETS OF THE TWELVE TRIBES CULT will premiere Monday, March 16 from 9-11pm ET on ID and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
Started in the early 1970s by founder Gene Spriggs, the Twelve Tribes organization quickly became popular with people in search of a simpler, more idyllic peaceful life. Spriggs and the group promised an escape from the modern pressures of society and a return to living life in accordance with the Old Testament. However, some discovered quickly that life within Twelve Tribes was not what it was made out to be. After members sacrificed their ‘earthly possessions’ to join the group, allegedly handing over their life savings, some claimed they were forced into excruciating mandatory labor, that children were allegedly exposed to severe corporal punishment, and that access to modern medical care was terrifyingly prohibited. PEOPLE MAGAZINE INVESTIGATES: THE SECRETS OF THE TWELVE TRIBES CULT goes inside this harrowing reality and elevates the voices of those who escaped but remain shunned by loved ones or family members still within the group.
Featuring extensive access to former members, as well as archival footage and insight from PEOPLE’s reporting team, PEOPLE MAGAZINE INVESTIGATES: THE SECRETS OF THE TWELVE TRIBES CULT will expose the dark, sinister underbelly of a cult that promised an allure of peace, happiness and uncomplicated living.
PEOPLE MAGAZINE INVESTIGATES: THE SECRETS OF THE TWELVE TRIBES CULT is produced by Radley Studios and PEOPLE Magazine for Investigation Discovery.
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