US self-help guru on trial in sex-trafficking case

A New York City jury listened to opening statements and testimony at the sex-trafficking case against a self-help guru this week.

Courtroom sketch of NXVIM leader Keith Raniere, center, with his attorneys during first day of his sex trafficking trial on May 7, 2019. [Photo: AP]

The trial was expected to feature testimony from women who claim that they were forced to have sex with Keith Raniere (rah-NEER'-ee), the former leader of an upstate New York group called NXIVM (NEHK'-see-uhm) that's been likened to a cult.

Raniere has pleaded not guilty and denied the charges. His lawyers say his relationships with the alleged victims were consensual.

In his opening statement, defence attorney Marc Agnifilo said his client was misunderstood and that his methods were meant to help people, adding Raniere's alleged victims were never forced to do anything against their will.

Marc Agnifilo, attorney for Keith Raniere was interviewed on May 7, 2019. [Photo: screenshot from AP]

Agnifilo also confirmed he filed a motion to dismiss the charges against his client, but would not elaborate.

The defendant was captured last year on a US warrant in Mexico, where he fled after sensational news reports about a secret society within his group that branded his so-called sex slaves with his initials.

Five of Raniere's co-defendants, including TV actress Allison Mack, have pleaded guilty.