After two Brazilian ladies went missing in September 2022, their families and the FBI launched a statewide manhunt. The only thing they knew was that their flatmate was Kat Torres, a famous health advocate.
The former model was sentenced to prison for eight years on the accusation of the slavery and human trafficking of one of her victims. A second woman was also the subject of the charges brought against Torres.
Having followed Torres’ rise from poor Brazil to worldwide catwalks and parties with Hollywood A-listers, a woman named Ana was captivated by her story when she came across her Instagram profile in 2017. An FBI rescue operation would rely on Ana, who was a victim of Torres’s extortion as well.
Ana was raised in an abusive household. She escaped an abusive relationship and came to America on her own from Brazil.
In her autobiography, which Torres had just written, she said that her spiritual abilities allowed her to foretell the future.Â
Brazilian health and beauty expert Torres was famous for her spiritual approach and many celebrity appearances. But her account relied on falsehoods and partial facts.
Her former roommate said that she took the hallucinogenic substance ayahuasca from her Hollywood buddies. She became a call girl for the affluent.
On Torres’ wellness website and subscription service, customers were promised love, wealth, and self-esteem. The self-help films included advice on relationships, health, business success, and spirituality. Exclusive one-on-one video sessions with Torres might be unlocked for an additional $150. However, the advice caused people to withdraw psychologically and obey Torres.
In 2019, Ana consented to go to New York to serve as Torres’ live-in assistant, providing a monthly income of around $2,000 while also tending to Torres’ animals and household tasks.
Ana discovered that Torres’ apartment was filthy and disordered. Even the most fundamental of activities required Ana’s undivided attention, and Torres could not function without her. Because she was never compensated, Ana was unable to find another place to live. She grew violent when she confronted Torres. Once Ana found a boyfriend, she eventually escaped.
The other stories of victims are horrific. Over 20 women claim Torres mistreated or defrauded them. They are receiving care for the trauma they endured at Torres’ hands.
Torres’s lawyer has challenged the verdict.
According to Ana, there may be more victims who come forward after reading about Torres’ misdeeds.Â
