Rachel Lees EXPOSES Cult Leader Bill Gothard's Downfall - DECULT Speaker Exclusive Interview

Welcome to The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger! I'm Danny de Hek, and my channel is dedicated to exposing Ponzi schemes, scams, and multilevel marketing predators, all with the aim of protecting everyday investors. In today’s special episode, I’m stepping into a new arena as I interview Rachel Lees, an IBLP survivor, who will be speaking at the DECULT Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Rachel Lees is a New Zealand author best known for her children’s book A Day on Grandad’s Boat and her memoir Sacred Grooming, which recounts her harrowing experience being groomed by Bill Gothard, the American Christian fundamentalist leader behind the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP). Founded in 1961, the IBLP gained prominence in the 1970s and '80s for promoting so-called biblical principles. However, behind the façade of religious piety, Gothard was accused of decades of misconduct and sexual abuse against young women, including Rachel.

Rachel’s story is one of resilience and courage. At 20 years old, she was handpicked by Gothard to work closely with him, where she became a victim of his manipulative grooming tactics. Despite the trauma, Rachel bravely came forward, joining a group of other survivors to file a lawsuit against the IBLP in 2015, accusing the organization of enabling abuse and covering up Gothard’s misconduct.

In this exclusive interview, Rachel discusses the emotional toll of being part of a high-control organization, the manipulation tactics employed by cult leaders like Gothard, and the long road to recovery. Her memoir Sacred Grooming was a pivotal part of raising awareness about the inner workings of the IBLP and was featured in the 2023 Amazon documentary Shiny, Happy People, which brought further attention to Gothard’s influence, including his ties to the Duggar family from 19 Kids and Counting.

Throughout the interview, Rachel shares how she transformed her pain into a force for justice. Her bravery in standing up against such a powerful figure helped lead to Gothard’s resignation in 2014, though he denied any wrongdoing. The lawsuit and her continued advocacy work have been instrumental in exposing the dangers of cult-like organizations and the long-term effects of grooming and manipulation.

Rachel will be speaking at the upcoming DECULT Conference in Christchurch, where she will share her story with a wider audience. The DECULT Conference, organized by journalist and cult expert Anke Richter, brings together international speakers, survivors, and experts to shine a light on cults and high-control groups. Rachel's participation underscores the importance of giving survivors a platform to expose the truth and find healing.

In addition to her advocacy work, Rachel is currently preparing for the release of a sequel to A Day on Grandad’s Boat in 2024 and is working on a food memoir that reflects her roots in Marlborough, New Zealand. Inspired by her grandmother’s gift of Uncle Tom’s Cabin at age 13, Rachel has been passionate about social justice from a young age and is now pursuing a degree in Social Science at Waikato University to continue advocating for survivors of grooming and abuse.

This interview not only highlights Rachel’s inspiring journey but also provides a deeper understanding of the psychology behind cults and grooming, shedding light on how individuals like Gothard manipulate their followers. Rachel’s strength in speaking out is a powerful reminder of the importance of justice, and her story serves as a beacon of hope for others who may be trapped in similar situations.

Tune in to hear Rachel Lees’ story of survival, justice, and healing. Whether you’re familiar with the IBLP scandal or learning about it for the first time, this interview offers critical insights into the methods used by cult leaders to control and exploit their followers, as well as the resilience required to break free and seek justice.

Make sure to subscribe to The Crypto Ponzi Scheme Avenger for more interviews, investigations, and exposés aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation by scams, Ponzi schemes, and cult-like organizations.

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