The Cult News Network

Recognizing coercive control in relationships

Published February 26, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Uncategorized Tagged abusive controlling friendships, coercive control, warning signs

Dating violence, in public perception, looks loud and obvious, according to the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center. Abuse is often subtle, controlled and strategic. Coercive control is a form of systemic abuse that gains power and control over a person through repeated…[Continue Reading...]

Former Unification Church says it’s compensating claimants as court ruling nears

Published February 26, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Uncategorized Tagged cults, fund raising schemes, Japan, restitution, Unification Church

A religious group previously known as the Unification Church says it has returned money in response to damage claims by people including active members. This comes before a possible appellate court order to disband the group next week. The group…[Continue Reading...]

Why conspiracy theories can be so irresistible

Published February 26, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Uncategorized Tagged analysis, conspiracy theories, research, true believers

People who prefer structured, rule-based explanations may find conspiracy theories appealing because they offer a clear, ordered explanation for events that feel chaotic. New research led by Flinders University has found that understanding how someone processes information can be a…[Continue Reading...]

Witness in Shakahola case details cult control, destruction of Bibles, and suicide pacts

Published February 26, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Cult Crimes Tagged court testimony, cults, Good News International Church, Kenya, murders, starvation deaths, suicides

A self-confessor in the Shakahola case on Wednesday told a Mombasa court that he had intended for months to disclose his involvement but feared for his safety Enos Amanya Ngala, also known as Haleluya, testified before Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku…[Continue Reading...]

Parents Sue Discord Over Child’s Live‑Streamed Suicide for ‘764’ Cult

Published February 26, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Cult Crimes Tagged 764 cult, DIscord, lawsuit, suicide

We all know social media can be dangerous for kids, but a new lawsuit alleges Discord went far beyond typical online risks. Jay Taylor’s parents say the platform knowingly enabled a child‑abuse cult that drove their 13‑year‑old son to a…[Continue Reading...]

Shakahola suspect explains how Mackenzie supervised grave digging, burials

Published February 25, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Cult Crimes

The DPP has gained significant ground at the Shakahola massacre trial after a self-confessed suspect told a Mombasa court that controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie personally supervised grave digging and burials inside the forest settlement. Enos Amanya Ngala alias “Haleluya”, who…[Continue Reading...]

Milwaukee’s Satanic panic of 1988: The kids were alright

Published February 25, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Uncategorized Tagged 1980s, Satanic panic, Satanism, United States

Where was I in 1988? Anywhere but aware. In my fourteenth year on Planet Suburb, folded neatly between the Green Sheets of the afternoon Milwaukee Journal and the abstract piety of St. Alphonsus middle school, I knew not of “Suicide…[Continue Reading...]

Fame, Fortune & Fear: Scientology’s Soft Power Agenda

Published February 25, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Uncategorized Tagged Scientologists, Scientology, survivor stories

Hear from survivors, experts and local residents on what life is really like behind closed doors at the Church of Scientology's UK headquarters and how they plan to influence East Grinstead The Church of Scientology have had a significant presence…[Continue Reading...]

Debunking doesn’t stop misinformation online. But researchers found ‘pre-bunking’ can.

Published February 25, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Uncategorized Tagged conspiracy theories, debunking, prebunding, research analysis

The rise of misinformation on social media has been a monumental stress test for the world’s critical thinking skills. Misinformation has had a huge influence on elections, public health and the treatment of immigrants and refugees across the world. Social…[Continue Reading...]

NXIVM Leader Keith Raniere: His Life Today After Starting the Cult

Published February 25, 2026 By admin

Categorized as Cult Crimes Tagged convicted criminal, cult leader, Keith Raniere, NXIVM, prison sentence

When Keith Raniere launched NXIVM, he billed it as a personal-development program and promised would-be members to help them improve their lives in ways no one else could. The group, with Raniere as its leader, grew to attract thousands of…[Continue Reading...]