The Hulu series ‘Stolen Youth: Inside the cult at Sarah Lawrence‘ which premiered on 9th February 2023 is based on a true story. The story revolves around the lives of a few students of Sarah Lawrence, and how they had been manipulated by a fellow classmate’s father.
Lawrence Ray, also known as “Larry” is the father of Sarah Lawrence student Talia Ray. He was the main man behind the “cult” that lead to many devious acts involving the lives of the students. Let’s find out the whole story.
Related: ‘The Texas Killing Fields’: Everything To Know About The Trending Netflix Docuseries
Who Is Lawrence Ray?
Lawrence Ray went to prison for the first time in 2003. Variety Magazine mentions, as part of this custody trial, he also received a psychological evaluation. The evaluator concluded that “it is impossible to evaluate Mr. Ray in the usual manner” because he can control almost any situation that is put in front of him.
In 2019, he was charged with controlling and manipulating a bunch of Sarah Lawrence kids and exploiting them. Lawrence was charged with 15 counts of racketeering, extortion, violent assault, sex trafficking, forced labor, money laundering, and tax evasion. as a result, he was sentenced to 60 years in prison.
In case you missed: Fake Heiress Anna Sorokin Set To Host A Reality Series From Her House Arrest
What Is The True Story Behind ‘Stolen Youth’?
In 2010, after coming out of prison, Lawrence Ray moved to his daughter’s dorm room in Sarah Lawrence. He then began posing as a mentor and fatherly figure to his daughter’s friends. When in reality, he was controlling and brainwashing them, isolating them from their families and their own self-esteem.
He even resorted the students to violence and sexual assault and even prostitution. He controlled what they ate, who they talked to, and when they slept. Lawrence deprived them of sleep, thereby making their minds not function properly. And he exploited them and extracted thousands of dollars from them.
You might like to read: Top 25 Shows Based On True Stories
