The Purple People have inhabited the reclusive Nahziryah Monastic Community, deep in the Ozarks wilderness of Marion County, for more than 20 years. Led by a self-described mystic who is African American, disciples and family members are required to take strict vows under his “Nazir Order of the Purple Veil.” From the outside, the agrarian commune dotted with purple dwellings appears almost whimsical, but beneath the purple veil, ex-family members say, is a cult of violence.

In our report we say Ary Kedem is now Catholic. He is Christian. We also cite Makeba Kedem-Dubose and Atawraw Kedem-Sislo as step sisters. They share the same father.