India Oxenberg, 32, is expecting a baby girl with her husband Patrick D’Ignazio, and she feels a sense of added responsibility in raising a daughter. As a former member of NXIVM, a cult disguised as a multi-level marketing company, India was groomed to be a sexual partner of the founder, Keith Raniere, and was branded with a symbol that incorporated his initials. Raniere was later sentenced to 120 years in prison on various charges, including sex trafficking and forced labor conspiracy. India is reflecting on her own experience and the efforts her mother, Catherine Oxenberg, made to convince her to leave NXIVM.
India credits her mother for helping her break free from NXIVM, especially during times when she was mentally vulnerable and unable to advocate for herself. As she prepares to become a mother herself, India hopes to be a supportive presence for her daughter. Although she has shared her story in her memoir and in a docuseries, she plans to be cautious about revealing the details of her past to her daughter until she is older. India left NXIVM in 2018 and found love with D’Ignazio that same year, learning to trust herself and have healthy relationships outside of the cult.
India and D’Ignazio got engaged in October 2019 and tied the knot a year later. She believes that he will make a great father to their daughter, despite his outwardly macho hobbies. India sees a sensitive side to him that she believes will be beneficial in raising their child. She is grateful for the support and love they share in their relationship. As they anticipate the arrival of their baby girl, India is focused on creating a safe and loving environment for their family. She hopes to empower her daughter to be strong and independent.
India plans to continue navigating life after NXIVM with the support of her husband and her family. She remains grateful for her mother’s efforts to help her escape from the cult and hopes to carry that same sense of protection and care into her relationship with her daughter. Despite the challenges she has faced, India is looking forward to the new chapter of motherhood and the opportunity to create a positive and nurturing environment for her daughter. With her past behind her, India is focused on the future and the joy that parenthood will bring.
