He was the world’s first male supermodel, but for 20 years he was trapped in an alien cult

He was the world’s first male supermodel, but for 20 years he was trapped in an alien cult

Hoyt Richards, the world's first male supermodel, financed a cult for 20 years led by Frederick Von Mierers, who claimed to be an alien savior. The case demonstrates how charisma, astrological pseudoscience, and psychological isolation exploit even intelligent, educated, successful people—a stark reminder of human vulnerability to persuasive narratives regardless of individual achievement.