Defense Attorney Fights for Raniere's Intentions "to My Last Breath"

Marc Agnifilo opens for Keith Raniere, arguing his client's actions were not criminal but rather part of a personal growth program.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In the third installment of the Keith Raniere federal trial, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo delivered a lengthy opening statement arguing that Raniere's actions, while unconventional, were not criminal. Agnifilo told the jury they would hear from people who benefited from NXIVM's teachings and described Clifton Park as "idyllic," "beautiful," and "serene." He framed the nude photographs and "collateral" in DOS as tools of personal growth, not sexual exploitation. Agnifilo said he would defend Raniere's "good faith" and "good intentions" "to my last breath in this courtroom."

Why it matters

The defense's opening statement sets the stage for a battle over the intentions and motivations behind Raniere's actions, which prosecutors have characterized as those of a "con man," "predator," and "crime boss." The case hinges on whether the jury will view Raniere's actions as part of a legitimate personal growth program or as criminal exploitation.

The details

Agnifilo told the jury they would hear from people who benefited from NXIVM's teachings and described the community in Clifton Park as "fun" and not isolating. He argued that control and personal responsibility are not inherently criminal, and that the nude photographs were tools of personal growth, not sexual exploitation. Agnifilo framed DOS as a women's secret society modeled on male traditions, with the "collateral" as a way of showing commitment, not blackmail. He also revealed new details about Daniella's time in the "room," including that her mother was also in the house and the door was unlocked.

  • The defense's opening statement took place on May 7, 2019 at the United States Courthouse in Brooklyn, New York.

The players

Marc Agnifilo

The defense attorney representing Keith Raniere in the federal trial.

Keith Raniere

The founder of NXIVM, who is on trial for sex trafficking and other charges.

Tanya Hajjar

The prosecutor who delivered the government's opening statement, characterizing Raniere as a "con man," "predator," and "crime boss."

Judge Garaufis

The judge presiding over the federal trial of Keith Raniere.

Daniella

A woman who was allegedly kept in a room by Raniere, though Agnifilo argued the room was unlocked and her mother was also in the house.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to defend his intentions to my last breath in this courtroom. I'm going to defend his good faith. I'm going to defend his good faith to my last breath in this courtroom.”

— Marc Agnifilo, Defense Attorney (frankreport.com)

“Get a dollar bill, turn it over, look at the other side and there is a pyramid with an eye as homage to the Freemasons, who had a major role in the creation of this country. All men. All men. Keith Raniere thought that women should have a secret society of their own.”

— Marc Agnifilo, Defense Attorney (frankreport.com)

What’s next

The judge told the jury to stand and stretch, and the government then prepared to call its first witness.

The takeaway

The defense is taking an aggressive approach, arguing that Raniere's actions, while unconventional, were not criminal but rather part of a legitimate personal growth program. The case will hinge on whether the jury views Raniere's intentions as benign or exploitative.