Summary
Highlights
Kat Torres, originally from a poor neighbourhood in Brazil, rose to fame as an international model. She leveraged her celebrity, including a connection to Leonardo DiCaprio, to launch a wellness brand on Instagram. Her narrative of overcoming adversity resonated with many, attracting a significant following.
In the US, Kat quickly monetised her Instagram success, publishing a self-help book called 'The Voice' and offering online consultations and merchandise. She drew inspiration from spiritual leaders and self-help gurus like John of God and Tony Robbins, rebranding herself as a coach who could help others achieve their dreams. Her method centred around a 'voice' that provided revelations and predictions, deeply influencing her clients.
Early acquaintances observed Kat's lavish lifestyle, suspecting her income came from wealthy men, leading to a 'sugar baby' arrangement. After a health issue, her connections with these men diminished. She then became involved with ayahuasca, a psychedelic drug, which acquaintances say marked a turning point in her behaviour, intensifying her belief in her spiritual 'Voice'.
Kat began isolating her followers, convincing them to break off relationships and move in with her. Ana describes being unpaid for domestic work, experiencing abuse, and being treated like a slave. Sol had a similar experience, lured by promises of work for Kat's business but forced into unpaid domestic labour. Desirrê was persuaded to move to Texas and eventually coerced into working at a strip club and as a prostitute, with all her earnings going to Kat.
Kat imposed a 'law of silence' in her home, forbidding communication among the women and restricting their movements. She threatened those who questioned her, using witchcraft and police reports as leverage. As the women's families lost contact, a public outcry and media attention in Brazil led to a desperate search. Ana and Sol had already filed police reports, and Kat's increasingly bizarre social media posts intensified concerns.
Following extensive reports and a police investigation, Kat was confronted by law enforcement. A recorded phone call revealed her coaching the women on how to respond to police questions. Despite her attempts to manipulate the situation, Kat was eventually arrested and deported to Brazil, facing charges of human trafficking, slave labour, and medical fraud. In a prison interview, Kat denies all allegations, claiming the accusations are lies and that she is being persecuted for her influence.
The victims describe enduring severe trauma and undergoing therapy to cope with their experiences. They highlight how social media has become a dangerous platform for human trafficking through grooming and manipulation. The women hope their stories serve as a warning and encourage other victims to come forward, emphasising that Kat's actions were a criminal and serious case, not just online drama.