What were the eternal values of the “model cult”?
In Bring Me the Beauties, former Eternal Values members described a liberating but increasingly stifling atmosphere as von Mielas imposed strict dietary restrictions, encouraged them to cut ties with their families, and, after initially encouraging them to abstain from sex, insisted on having casual sexual relationships.
They monetized their teachings by selling cassettes, videos, books, supplements, and psychic readings, while encouraging their followers to buy “gem formulas” and sapphires and other precious stones that they claimed had healing properties.
In 1990, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office began investigating von Miers for selling jewelry using inflated valuations.
Model Jackie Adams, who testified for prosecutors at the time, said she paid Von Meellers more than $100,000 and said in “Bring Me the Beauties” that “it was amazing how much spirituality could cost.”
Mr. von Meers, who was never charged with any crime until his death, told Vanity Fair that the former members who accused him of deceiving him were “jealous, sick, and twisted people.”
