Group Sues Over "Cult" Allegation

If an organization is accused of being a "cult," is that something that they can sue over? Is the label of "cult" so bad that it should never be used? That's what the NXIVM Corp., also known as Executive Success Programs, seems to think. They want to build a personal training center in Albany, New York, but critics' allegations that they are a "cult" are causing problems - and have resulted in a US$10 million lawsuit by NXIVM.

This program appears to be based upon ESP. The Times Union quotes an attorney as saying:

"He's a fellow with a Web site who was paid to put out disparaging statements about this business. He's never spoken to them. His statements have been false, and we plan to aggressively and immediately correct the damage that's being caused."

It is entirely possible that the allegations are false - and people should be careful about posting falsehoods on the internet. Nevertheless, people do need some freedom to criticize groups they consider dangerous or dishonest. If every critic could be silence through such lawsuits, that would be a real problem.

Read More:

• What is a Cult?
• Why do people join cults?