This article contains major spoilers for the docuseries Bad Vegan, available on Netflix.
Strangis and the Grooming Process
The first episode ofBad Veganintroduces Melngailis as an educated, accomplished woman.
In fact, Rivera points out that the pattern of Strangis' behavior perfectly fits that of grooming.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner / Courtesy of Netflix
According to Rivera, there are steps a manipulator takes when psychologically grooming a victim.
InBad Vegan, Melngailis met Strangis through the actor Alec Baldwin who was a regular customer at her restaurant.
It was a personal connection that made Melngailis believe she could safely lower her guard with Strangis.
InBad Veganthis can be seen in the early days of Melngailis and Strangis' relationship.
Once the victim commits their first questionable act, they can be coerced to do even more extreme things.
The pattern of grooming is also seen in people who become involved in cults.
Are Victims of Coercion Blameless?
Is Melngailis Culpable?
Manion and Rivera disagree about how deeply Strangis' manipulation of Melngailis goes.
Moreover, the show indicates that Melngailis wasn’t reallyin lovewith Strangis and eventually even became repulsed by him.
On the other hand, Rivera believes Melngailis' confusing behavior is a result of Strangis' grooming.
Both Rivera and Manion also question if Melngailis was repeating patterns from her past in her relationship with Strangis.
