Former Brazilian model and wellness influencer Kat Torres's rise to fame on Instagram is revealed to be a facade hiding a dark world of witchcraft, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. The documentary uncovers a wellness empire built on lies and manipulation, with enslaved followers paying a heavy price. Hear from the self-proclaimed guru behind bars in a Brazilian prison, as her reign of control is exposed.
Behind social media facades lies dark exploitation and manipulation.
Wellness influencers can prey on vulnerable followers for personal gain and control.
Deep dives
Kat Torres: From Instagram Influencer to Accusations of Human Trafficking
Kat Torres, initially known as an Instagram model with a seemingly perfect life, transitioned into a wellness influencer and life coach, attracting followers seeking spiritual guidance. A follower, Anna, drawn to Kat's story of overcoming challenges, moved in with her after building connections online. However, Anna soon discovered the dark reality behind Kat's facade, including forced domestic work, threats, and exploitation.
Unveiling Kat's Exploitative Actions and Influence Abuses
Kat's manipulative tactics included convincing followers to work in strip clubs, retain their earnings, and even engage in prostitution under the guise of spiritual guidance. Her controlling demeanor extended to dictating every aspect of her followers' lives, isolating them and instilling fear to maintain control.
The Legal Consequences and Pursuit of Justice Against Kat Torres
As allegations of human trafficking and exploitation mounted, Kat faced legal repercussions, leading to her arrest and eventual sentencing to eight years in prison for subjecting individuals to involuntary servitude and sexual exploitation. Despite maintaining her innocence, the legal system upheld Kat's conviction, signaling a significant step towards justice for her victims.
Former Brazilian model, wellness influencer and spiritual life coach Kat Torres was an inspiration and a lifeline to women all over the world. More than a million people on Instagram followed her extraordinary career trajectory from extreme poverty in Brazil, to a European modelling career and a life of luxury in the US.
But behind the perfectly curated posts is a story of witchcraft, sexual exploitation and human trafficking; a dark and secretive sorority that led to missing women and sent their families and the FBI on a desperate search to find them.
After months of investigations, a team from BBC Eye and BBC News Brasil uncover a wellness empire built on half-truths and lies. For the documentary Hannah Price tells the story of her enslaved followers and the heavy price they paid. And for the first time - in a surreal confrontation behind the walls of a Brazilian prison - we hear from the self-proclaimed “guru” who exerted absolute control.
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