Most people recognize Frank Parlato as the “journalist” who played a major role in exposing and ultimately bringing down the NXIVM cult, but in reality, that’s only a small piece of his much larger, far more complicated story.
Beyond his involvement with NXIVM, Parlato has built a career by orchestrating paid smear campaigns, targeting individuals like social media influencer Danesh Noshervan and James McGibney of Bullyville. He leverages his media platforms and investigative persona to unleash damaging attacks on behalf of whoever is willing to pay him, regardless of the truth or the morality of the cause. At the same time, he has also been caught working the other side, trying to salvage the reputations of men like Jerry Sandusky, the former football coach convicted of horrific child sexual abuse. Instead of exposing wrongdoing, Parlato has, on multiple occasions, been involved in attempts to whitewash the reputations of some of the most reviled criminals, shaping public opinion in favor of men who have done irreparable harm.
This isn’t journalism in any real sense of the word. Let’s call it what it is: Frank Parlato is a mercenary for hire, a so-called “fixer” who will go to work tearing down reputations or laundering the images of the worst offenders, as long as the price is right. His work isn’t about truth, justice, or any journalistic ideals, it’s about advancing the agenda of whoever can afford his services, no matter how disturbing or unethical that agenda might be. There’s a fundamental difference between exposing wrongdoing and being willing to defend the indefensible for a paycheck, and Parlato has blurred that line beyond recognition.
Now, with Keith Raniere’s appeal having been firmly rejected in October 2025, we’re starting to hear rumors that Parlato and his associates are actively lobbying for a pardon for the disgraced NXIVM leader. The mere suggestion that someone convicted of orchestrating such vile crimes could be considered for a pardon is not just outrageous, it’s a direct affront to decency and justice. There is absolutely no justification for granting clemency to child abusers, regardless of how much money changes hands or what kind of political favors are being traded behind the scenes. Allowing influence and cash to wipe away the crimes of people who prey on the vulnerable sends a message that justice can be bought, and that the suffering of victims can simply be erased by those with enough resources. We must not let this happen. No amount of PR spin or backroom deals should ever be enough to clear the names of pedophiles and predators. The public needs to stay vigilant and make it clear that some lines simply cannot be crossed, no matter who is advocating for them or what is at stake.
