Editing Universal Medicine

{{short description|Australian alternative medicine cult}}
{{Distinguish|panacea (medicine)}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2020}}{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{infobox alternative medicine
| name = Universal Medicine
| image = [[File:Universal Medicine Wollongbar.png|frameless|center]]
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| claims = [[Alice Bailey#Esoteric healing|Esoteric healing]]; esoteric breast massage, chakra-puncture, ovarian readings, esoteric ovary massage, esoteric connective tissue therapy.
| topics = [[Western esotericism|Esotericism]], [[Occult]], [[New Religious Movements]], [[Pseudoscience]], [[Theosophy (Blavatskian)|Theosophy]].
| orig-date = 1999<ref name="The Da Vinci Mode"/>
| origprop = Serge Benhayon
| laterprop = Natalie, Simone, Michael and Deborah Benhayon.
| seealso =
| MeshID =
}}

'''Universal Medicine,''' abbreviated as '''UniMed''' or '''UM''', is an organization, often described as a [[cult]], founded and led by Serge Benhayon, a former bankrupt tennis coach from [[New South Wales]] (NSW) Australia who has no medical qualifications.<ref name=":12"/><ref name=":14"/><ref name="HCCC"/><ref name="fabic"/> It sells "[[Alice Bailey#Esoteric healing|esoteric healing]]" products, music, publications, workshops and courses.<ref name="CourierMail"/> None of the healing modalities are evidence based or have been proven effective by scientific research.<ref name="HCCC">{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/cd31bd4c3bffe83eca257d95007fda2b/$FILE/Final%20Report%20-%20The%20Promotion%20of%20False%20and%20Misleading%20Health-Related%20Information%20and%20Practices.pdf |title=The Promotion of False and Misleading Health-Related Information and Practices |author=Parliament of N.S.W. |date=November 2014 |publisher=New South Wales Parliamentary Library |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141212041200/http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/cd31bd4c3bffe83eca257d95007fda2b/$FILE/Final%20Report%20-%20The%20Promotion%20of%20False%20and%20Misleading%20Health-Related%20Information%20and%20Practices.pdf |archive-date=12 December 2014}}</ref><ref name=":8"/> [[Uruguayan]]-born Benhayon founded the group in 1999 after receiving what he described as an "energetic impress" while on the toilet.<ref name=":33"/><ref name="TelegraphBullied">{{cite news |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/jane-hansen-how-universal-medicine-bullied-me/news-story/7b7d0bf1e9e27e9078f72d00059ead02 |title=How Universal Medicine bullied me |last1=Hansen |first1=Jane |date=15 March 2015 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=Sydney |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822064221/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/jane-hansen-how-universal-medicine-bullied-me/news-story/7b7d0bf1e9e27e9078f72d00059ead02 |archive-date=2019-08-22}}</ref><ref name=":1"/> A [[NSW Supreme Court]] jury found it was true to say that he leads a "socially dangerous" and "socially harmful cult", "intentionally indecently touched" clients and "is a charlatan who makes fraudulent medical claims".<ref name=":11"/><ref name=":15"/><ref name=":02">{{cite news |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/serge-benhayon-defamation-loss-esther-rockett |title=A Faith Healer Sued A Blogger Over Accusations He Leads A Cult. He Lost. |last1=Sainty |first1=Lane |date=15 October 2018 |work=Buzzfeed News}}</ref><ref name=":21"/> In a British court ruling, UM was found to be "a cult with some potentially harmful and sinister elements".<ref name="irishexaminer"/>

The organisation and unregulated health service provider is principally located in [[Goonellabah, New South Wales|Goonellabah]] and [[Wollongbar, New South Wales|Wollongbar]], near [[Lismore, NSW]], Australia.<ref name=":a1"/> Its European headquarters are known as "The Lighthouse" and is situated in the village of Tytherington near [[Frome|Frome, Somerset]], England.<ref name=":40">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/the-somerset-b-b-thats-home-to-universal-medicine-burpers-x086hf8qn |title=The Somerset B&B that's home to Universal Medicine 'burpers' |last=Pogrund |first=Gabriel |date=2019-03-10 |work=The Sunday Times |location=UK |issn=0956-1382 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200224163806/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-somerset-b-b-thats-home-to-universal-medicine-burpers-x086hf8qn |archive-date=2020-02-24 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name="CompaniesHouseUMUK">{{Cite web |url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/06598012 |title=Universal Medicine UK |last=Companies House UK |date=1 April 2019 |access-date=1 April 2019}}</ref>

The signature treatments practised and taught by Universal Medicine are "[[Western esotericism|esoteric]] breast massage", "esoteric healing", "ovarian readings", "chakra-puncture", "esoteric connective tissue therapy" and "esoteric ovary massage".<ref name=":20">{{cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/lawyer-tells-jury-not-to-believe-conman-from-goone/3534608/ |title=Lawyer tells jury not to believe 'conman from Goonellabah' |last1=McKeith |first1=Sam |date=26 September 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="MOInsideUM">{{cite news |url=http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/inside-universal-medicine |title=Inside Universal Medicine |last=Kaye |first=Byron |date=23 July 2012 |work=Medical Observer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727005940/http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/inside-universal-medicine |archive-date=27 July 2012 |url-status=dead |location=Australia |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name="SMH">{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/cult-cures-on-medicare-20120721-22gsn.html |title='Cult' cures on Medicare |last=Aston |first=Heath |date=22 July 2012 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822221446/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/cult-cures-on-medicare-20120721-22gsn.html |archive-date=22 August 2017 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref> All treatments were devised by non-registered health practitioner Serge Benhayon, who has claimed the business grosses at least AUD$2 million a year from courses and retreats.<ref name=":a1"/><ref name="HCCC"/><ref name="NewsComAU">{{cite news |url=https://www.news.com.au/tablet/new-age-medicine-of-serge-benhayon-leaves-trail-of-broken-families/news-story/56b1d4dc7fd9aa65c9cfcc0bfe681b1f |title=New age 'medicine' of Serge Benhayon leaves trail of broken families |last1=Robertson |first1=Josh |date=8 September 2012 |work=news.com.au |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190115000535/https://www.news.com.au/tablet/new-age-medicine-of-serge-benhayon-leaves-trail-of-broken-families/news-story/56b1d4dc7fd9aa65c9cfcc0bfe681b1f |archive-date=15 January 2019 |url-status=live |publisher=News Corp Australia |last2=Walsh |first2=Liam |access-date=15 January 2019}}</ref>

The followers of its [[doctrine]] "The Way of the Livingness" are known collectively as "The Student Body".<ref name=":4"/><ref name=":00"/> "The Teachings" are classified into meditation, self-care, nutrition, exercise, music, reincarnation, psychological wellbeing and the esoteric, and are supported by audio, books, and online lectures. Serge Benhayon describes himself as a "seer", calls himself the "[[Ascended Master]]", and followers call him the "new Messiah".<ref name="fabic"/><ref name="charlatan"/><ref name=":33">{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/universal-medicines-serge-benhayon-to-inherit-bulk-of-devotees-milliondollar-estate-20151228-glvl7u.html |title=Universal Medicine's Serge Benhayon to inherit bulk of devotee's million-dollar estate |last1=Hall |first1=Louise |date=28 December 2015 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514102015/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/universal-medicines-serge-benhayon-to-inherit-bulk-of-devotees-milliondollar-estate-20151228-glvl7u.html |archive-date=14 May 2018 |url-status=live |last2=Elliott |first2=Tim |url-access=limited}}</ref> They also believe he "was the one sent from (the mythical kingdom of) [[Shambhala]] to awaken us all", is the only human to have achieved the "highest level of initiation" on earth and claim the NSW Supreme Court ruling against him is "totally untrue".<ref name="SMHabsurd">{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/da-vinci-reincarnated-i-agree-it-sounds-absurd-20120721-22gxv.html |title=Da Vinci reincarnated? 'I agree, it sounds absurd' |last=Aston |first=Heath |date=22 July 2012 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627091107/https://www.smh.com.au/national/da-vinci-reincarnated-i-agree-it-sounds-absurd-20120721-22gxv.html |archive-date=27 June 2018 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name="AWW"/><ref name="Williams">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/business-leader-steps-down-over-link-to-burping-cult-universal-medicine-bx8twlmbl |title=Business leader steps down over link to burping cult Universal Medicine |last=Bannerman |first=Lucy |date=2019-03-03 |work=[[The Times]] |location=UK |issn=0140-0460 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200802184412/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/business-leader-steps-down-over-link-to-burping-cult-universal-medicine-bx8twlmbl |archive-date=2020-08-02 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref> In the British court ruling, the doctrine was said to be one of "erroneous and malign beliefs".<ref name="irishexaminer"/>

While Benhayon has denied engaging in unethical practices, significant evidence to the contrary has been documented.<ref name=":27"/>
[[File:Natalie and Serge Benhayon.png|thumb|right|Natalie & Serge Benhayon at UM event 2015]]

== Beliefs and teachings ==

Benhayon's [[Alice Bailey#Esoteric healing|esoteric healing]] belief system is based on the occult teachings of early 20th century theosophist [[Alice A. Bailey]].<ref name="The Da Vinci Mode">{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/the-da-vinci-mode-20120819-24h50 |title=The Da Vinci Mode |last1=Leser |first1=David |date=25 August 2012 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150515100544/http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/the-da-vinci-mode-20120824-24h50 |archive-date=15 May 2015 |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=22 January 2018}}
* {{cite web |title=The Da Vinci Mode |url=http://davidleser.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/davinci-mode.pdf |website=David Leser}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Bailey |first1=Alice A. |title=Esoteric Healing Vol IV (A Treatise on the Seven Rays) |date=1953 |publisher=Lucifer Press/Lucis Press}}</ref><ref name="AWW"/> Serge Benhayon has claimed to be the reincarnation of [[Leonardo da Vinci]] and [[Pythagoras]] as well as Alice A. Bailey, [[Imhotep]] and [[Saint Peter]].<ref name="fabic"/><ref name=":16"/> He has written that Leonardo da Vinci is a "Claimed Son of God" and teaches that he is connected energetically to an ancient lineage of "living wisdom", and more "High [[Ascended master#Origins|Initiates]]" and Claimed Sons of God will reincarnate "over and over again until each and every single human is united as one, by their true light".<ref name="The Da Vinci Mode"/> Benhayon also claims that his daughter, Simone, a swimming teacher and head of Universal Medicine UK, is the reincarnation of [[Winston Churchill]].<ref name=":41">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-somerset-47485167 |title=Mother 'lost' to burping bad spirits cult |date=10 March 2019 |work=BBC News |location=UK |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="Private Eye 1359">{{cite news |title=Quacks in the system |date=7 February 2014 |work=[[Private Eye]] |issue=1359 |location=UK |pages=33 |url=https://archive.today/249hg/c7fdb1f96c488d5b46c5de2968a8142c7fe3652b.jpg |format=JPG}}</ref><ref name="May 2020"/>

Serge Benhayon devised Universal Medicine's healing practices based on the belief that disease is caused by energetic disharmony resulting from ill choices made in this and previous lifetimes. Benhayon teaches that there are two types of energy: [[prana]] ({{lang|sa|प्राण}}, {{IAST|prāṇa}}; [[Sanskrit]] for [[Energy (esotericism)|life force]]) and fire.<ref name="The Da Vinci Mode"/> Most forms of established wisdom, knowledge and belief, as well as most music and certain foods are believed to contain prana, which he regards as evil.<ref name="MOprana">{{cite news |url=http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/concerns-raised-over-prana-treatment |title=Concerns raised over 'prana' treatment |date=30 July 2012 |work=Medical Observer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801231553/https://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/concerns-raised-over-prana-treatment |archive-date=1 August 2012 |url-status=dead |location=Australia |url-access=registration}}</ref> Prana is to be rejected or cleared to be replaced with "fiery energy" which emanates from the "Atmic womb of God". Universal Medicine healing modalities and products, including teas, herbal elixirs, creams and laminated healing symbol postcards, aim to clear prana.<ref name="The Da Vinci Mode"/><ref name="SMH"/>
{{Quote box
 |quote  = "I know more than any scientist in my inner heart ... I know everything about the universe and how it works. I can answer any question about any mystery in the world, any mystery in the universe."
 |source = Serge Benhayon's message for the "New Era", January 1, 2012<ref name="The Da Vinci Mode"/>
 |width  = 25%
 |align  = right
}}

Benhayon teaches that people who abuse their authority, such as dictators and corrupt politicians, are reincarnated as children with disabilities "as are Down syndrome, as are [[Cerebral palsy|spastic]],(sic) or any other disabled child" and claims disabilities such as [[Autism]] and [[Down syndrome]] are karma for past life sins.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/disabled-jibe-appalling-former-mayor-slams-healer/3564026/ |title=Disabled jibe 'appalling': Former mayor slams UM 'healer' |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=1 November 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="charlatan">{{cite news |url=https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/universal-medicine-cult-founder-exposed-as-charlatan/news-story/626fe650621ee65ba16b1a7af2f62aa7 |title=Universal Medicine cult founder exposed as 'charlatan' |last=Deutrom |first=Rhian |date=18 February 2019 |work=news.com.au |publisher=News Corp Australia}}</ref> He has also controversially stated on many occasions that sexual abuse, including that towards children, is karma from past lives and the universe attempting to stop a person from continuing to make non-loving choices.<ref name=":41"/><ref name="TelegraphBullied"/>

He also teaches that illness is caused by the [[Spirit possession|possession]] of the body by evil spirits, and is reported to have told a terminally ill patient that an evil spirit had entered her liver and kidneys.<ref name="The Da Vinci Mode"/> He reportedly teaches couples that when a man orgasms inside a woman she will take on his bad energy and he has said that if a possessed entity is of a sexual nature then they can invade a father's body and while he sleeps at night leave his body and rape his daughters.<ref name=":37">{{Cite episode |title=The Cult {{!}} International investigation into Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkSQTMHJK4c |series=Sunday Night |first1=Matt |last1=Doran |first2=Stephen |last2=Rice |network=Seven Network TV Australia |date=17 February 2019 |transcript=Episode overview |transcript-url=https://7news.com.au/sunday-night/this-guy-is-a-predator-the-international-investigation-into-australian-cult-leader-serge-benhayon-c-15060}}</ref>

On race he writes that skin colour evolution was a conscious choice and that Asians chose yellow skin, saying: "yellow signifies the intellect" and the "pursuit of a lighter complexion arose when [[Black skin|Black]] (sic) became erroneously identified with the [[Darkness#Religion|Darkness]] (sic)".<ref name="TelegraphBullied"/> He taught his followers that if their children misspent their inheritance, or if they set conditions on their donations to UM, their "kidney energy" could be harmed in the next life.<ref name=":21">{{Cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-05/universal-medicine-cult-preyed-on-cancer-victim-jury-finds/10381432 |title='We've been vindicated': Relief as jury finds 'socially dangerous cult' preyed on cancer victim |last=Robertson |first=Josh |date=5 November 2018 |work=ABC News |location=Australia}}
* {{cite AV media |title='We've been vindicated': Relief as jury finds 'socially dangerous cult' preyed on cancer victim |publisher=ABC News |location=Australia |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0pa_da3_9Y |via=YouTube}}</ref>

During a sermon in September 2017, Benhayon stated he could "orgasm as a [[Intersex#Hermaphrodite|hermaphrodite]] (sic)", claiming he had the ability to "orgasm like a woman" and ejaculate as a man simultaneously.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://abc.net.au/news/2018-04-16/warning:-explicit-content---universal-medicine-sex/9653700 |title=WARNING: Explicit content - Universal Medicine sex seminar |date=16 April 2018 |work=ABC News |location=Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620235947/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-16/warning:-explicit-content---universal-medicine-sex/9653700 |archive-date=20 June 2018}}
* {{cite AV media |title=Unpacking Universal Medicine Episode 1 - Mystifying Sex |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm1N4XIN2P4&t=100 |time=1:40-2:42 |publisher=ABC News |location=Australia |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref name=":4"/>

Universal Medicine and The Way of the Livingness has followers in Australia, the UK, North America and Europe.<ref name="The Da Vinci Mode"/> Critics have characterised it as a [[cult]], which has left a "trail of broken families".<ref name="NewsComAU"/><ref name="SMH"/><ref name="ABC">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/07/23/3551582.htm |title=Controversial health provider under investigation |work=ABC North Coast |date=23 July 2012 |location=NSW Australia |author=Turnbull, S. |author2=MacKenzie, B.}}</ref><ref name="NREcho"/> An ex-partner of a Universal Medicine supporter complained that Benhayon "controlled every aspect of our lives".<ref name="TelegraphControl"/> Benhayon, who is reportedly referred to as a "fifth degree [[Ascended master#Origins|initiate]]" and "The One", rejects these claims.<ref name="SMH"/><ref name="NREcho">{{cite news |url=http://www.echonews.com.au/news/healer-denies-cult-claims/1479639/ |title=Healer denies cult claims |last=Encalada |first=Javier |date=26 July 2012 |work=Lismore Echo |location=NSW}}</ref><ref name="MensConference"/> According to the Chilling Effects website and other sources he has used legal threats to have cult allegations, including those within media reports, removed from Australian [[Google Search]] indexes.<ref name="ChillingEffects">{{cite web |url=https://www.chillingeffects.org/notices/893962# |author=Phoenix Global via Chilling Effects |date=14 January 2013 |title=Infringement Notification via Websearch Complaint |work=[[Chilling Effects]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101055056/https://www.chillingeffects.org/notices/893962 |archive-date=1 November 2014}}</ref><ref name="doubtful">{{cite web |url=http://doubtfulnews.com/2014/12/web-pages-including-ours-deemed-critical-of-universal-medicine-removed-from-google-search-results/ |title=Web pages, including ours, deemed "critical" of Universal Medicine removed from Google Search results |date=31 December 2014 |work=Doubtful News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210045930/http://doubtfulnews.com/2014/12/web-pages-including-ours-deemed-critical-of-universal-medicine-removed-from-google-search-results/ |archive-date=10 December 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The organisation has at least seven lawyers as members and officially denies it is a cult.<ref name="AWW"/><ref name=":43"/> But when ''Australian Doctor'' questioned Amelia Stephens, a UM member and a Brisbane doctor, she responded "This depends on what your definition of a cult is".<ref name="stephens">{{Cite web |url=https://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/senior-racgp-figure-defends-involvement-fringe-alternative-medicine-group |title=Senior RACGP figure defends involvement with fringe alternative medicine group |last1=Wright |first1=Jocelyn |last2=Smith |first2=Paul |date=17 April 2018 |website=Australian Doctor Group |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/XCqri/7910bd22e2f511918f82384083ec2983d2b7c764 |archive-date=2018-12-24}}</ref><ref name=":4"/>

Benhayon and other senior UM members have a history of calling the police on journalists, and claim to be victims of a media witch hunt and smear campaign.<ref name=":41"/><ref name="signs"/><ref name=":37"/><ref name=":04"/> The group's devotees and practitioners reportedly inundate media organisations who publish stories about UM with angry letters and written complaints and denounce those in the media who critique them as "irresponsible journalists".<ref name="MOInsideUM"/><ref name="EyeLam"/><ref name="TelegraphBullied"/><ref name=":36">{{Cite news |url=https://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/scientists-accused-of-promoting-cult-that-touts-esoteric-breast-massage-after-study-published/all/ |title=Scientists Accused Of Promoting 'Cult' After Study Published |last=Luntz |first=Stephen |date=17 April 2018 |website=IFLScience}}</ref><ref name=":04"/> UK based director Simone Benhayon coordinates and instructs followers to post favourable comments online at least five or more times a day, with exceptions for those European members who recently had a "time travel experience".<ref name="May 2020">{{Cite news |last=Drill |first=Stephen |date=2020-05-24 |title=Universal Medicine: Simone Benhayon instructed members of alleged cult |work=Gold Coast Bulletin |location=Qld, Australia |url=https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/national/universal-medicine-simone-benhayon-instructed-members-of-alleged-cult/news-story/410cfedc9ab13fef05ddbae0f2189600 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200524094740/https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/national/universal-medicine-simone-benhayon-instructed-members-of-alleged-cult/news-story/410cfedc9ab13fef05ddbae0f2189600 |archive-date=24 May 2020 |access-date=3 August 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Devotees created the company 'Real Media Real Change' to combat unfavourable media coverage as well as the Universal Medicine 'Facts' website by the UM 'Facts Team' to combat UM critics.<ref name=":28"/><ref name=":26"/><ref name="scam"/><ref name=":5"/> Serge Benhayon is the registrant of this 'Facts about Universal Medicine' website.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/news/serge-benhayon-not-a-charlatan-court-told/3541129/ |title=Serge Benhayon not a 'charlatan', court told |last=McKeith |first=Sam |date=4 October 2018 |website=The Daily Examiner |location=Grafton NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=":43">{{Cite news |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/university-of-queensland-medical-faculty-members-linked-to-healing-cult/ |title=University of Queensland Medical Faculty Members Linked to Healing 'Cult' |last=VICE Staff |date=16 April 2018 |work=Vice.com - Australia Today}}</ref> UM labels non-believers as "detractors" with senior UM members claiming that these detractors are really afraid of them.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-15/universal-medicine-health-studies-wont-be-pulled-by-uq/10896690 |title=Qld university stands by health studies done by devotees of 'dangerous cult' |last=Robertson |first=Josh |date=15 March 2019 |work=ABC News |publisher=abc.net.au}}</ref><ref name="MensConference"/><ref name=":37"/> In 2019 the Supreme Court published that "evidence (was) tendered in the proceedings that there had been significant and persistent opposition to attempts to expose (UM's) bogus healing claims and practices, often involving personal and professional attacks on any critics... There are problems associated with (Benhayon's) ongoing zealous support, including from health professionals who evidence a lack of insight into the dangers of Universal Medicine activities, the deceptive conduct engaged in by (Benhayon) and Universal Medicine, and the risk that (Benhayon) poses to vulnerable people."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/5c775896e4b0196eea404c21 |title=Benhayon v Rockett (No 9) [2019] NSWSC 172 |last=Supreme Court of New South Wales |date=28 February 2019 |website=www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au |publisher=NSW Caselaw}}</ref>

Followers claim to be members of UM, which they assert is "like a religion" but Benhayon contradicted this saying he ran a business with clients and that there is "no group and no members".<ref name="MensConference"/> Benhayon's doctrine "The Way of the Livingness" is one which he currently operates under his Universal Medicine business and is a 'form of [[Theosophy (Blavatskian)#Definition|theosophy]]'.<ref name=":10"/><ref name="UKCC"/> It was denied charitable status in the UK in 2011 as it did not meet the criteria of a genuine religion and is not registered as a [[religion in Australia]].<ref name="CCWayOfLivingness">{{cite web |url=http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/livingness-fails-obtain-charitable-status/governance/article/1090743 |title=Way of the Livingness fails to obtain charitable status |last=Wiggins |first=Kaye |date=12 September 2011 |work=Third Sector |location=UK |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000116/http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/livingness-fails-obtain-charitable-status/governance/article/1090743 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="UKCC">{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-way-of-the-livingness-the-religion-of-the-soul-trust/the-way-of-the-livingness-the-religion-of-the-soul-trust-charity-commission-decision |title=The Way of the Livingness, The Religion of the Soul Trust: Charity Commission decision |author=Gov.UK |date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Charity Commission of England & Wales}}</ref><ref name=":00">{{Cite news |url=https://northernstar.com.au/news/how-um-hits-back-back-at-tabloid-tv-scrutiny/3654423/ |title=UM hits back at media |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=22 February 2019 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref> [[Helena Blavatsky]] - the founder of the [[Theosophy (Blavatskian)#Definition|19th century theosophy]] that Benhayon's doctrine is based on - insists that is not a religion.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Madame Blavatsky: the mother of modern spirituality |author=Lachman, Gary |date=2012 |publisher=Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin |isbn=9781585428632 |location=New York |oclc=776538868}}</ref>

Critics say Universal Medicine places unreasonable pressure on followers to adhere to a severely restricted diet and to avoid most exercise for fear those things might "infect their spiritual alignment" and lead to poor health.<ref name="MOInsideUM"/> After reviewing a diet chart from Universal Medicine, the Professor of Public Health at the [[University of Wollongong]] and former president of the Public Health Association of Australia Heather Yeatman said it was "a public health issue" when children were placed on such restrictive diets: "If a child is not having dairy or cereals they are likely to be low in energy intake and there could be the risk of stunting if children are not getting enough energy. It is critically important there is a balanced diet, especially at the weaning stage because it can impact overall growth and cognitive development. It's a public health issue." This came after the report of a baby of UM member parents was hospitalised due to diet-related illness.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/news-story/0bda4d34cca49375f852c4053fe4cc32 |title=Court rules Universal Medicine founder is running a 'harmful cult' |last1=Hansen |first1=Jane |date=21 October 2018 |newspaper=The Sunday Telegraph |publisher=News Corp |url-access=subscription}}
* {{cite web |title=Court rules Universal Medicine founder is running a 'harmful cult' |author=Jane Hansen |newspaper=The Sunday Telegraph |date=October 20, 2018 |url=https://www.cultnews101.com/2018/10/court-rules-universal-medicine-founder.html |via=Cult101}}</ref><ref name=":37"/>

Followers are reportedly told health problems result from wrongdoings in their past lives.<ref name="MOinvestigation"/> Cult Counselling Australia director Raphael Aron said his organisation had a researcher working full time on Universal Medicine after counselling former clients who were concerned about its influence on their children.<ref name="CourierMail">{{cite news |last=Robertson |first=Josh |url=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/archive/news/esoteric-healer-serge-benhayon-plans-college-of-universal-medicine-in-goonellabah/news-story/f0dfd0faaeb7dcf6643c7a964a3b0a7d |title='Esoteric healer' Serge Benhayon plans College of Universal Medicine in Goonellabah |work=The Courier Mail |date=2012-09-15 |location=Brisbane |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200720005133/https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/archive/news/esoteric-healer-serge-benhayon-plans-college-of-universal-medicine-in-goonellabah/news-story/f0dfd0faaeb7dcf6643c7a964a3b0a7d |archive-date=20 July 2020 |access-date=20 July 2020}}</ref> Aron said CCA had also counselled breakaway followers, who were still "battling" to withdraw emotionally from the group.<ref name="NewsComAU"/> He also says:

:UM seems to be "exercising a level of mind control to the point where people submit to whatever this fellow seems to be offering, to their detriment... What he's doing is potentially very dangerous".<ref name="MOInsideUM"/>

Benhayon denies he or the group interfere in "the students" personal lives but detractors say relationships become impossible when everything from music to sex must be "Serge-approved".<ref name="SMHabsurd"/> Cult expert David Millikan was quoted as saying "[Mr Benhayon] knows what they should read, what they should wear, what they should eat, how they should exercise, what sort of sexual life they should have and so they end up in this closed world".<ref name=":22">{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-10/universal-medicine-emails-with-dying-cancer-patient-released/10474294 |title=Universal Medicine follower's daughter releases private emails between mother and 'cult' leader |last1=Robertson |first1=Josh |date=10 November 2018 |work=ABC News |location=Australia}}
* {{cite AV media |title=Private emails cast light on 'cult leader' who jury found 'preys on cancer victims' |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUl-Ze67VQU |publisher=ABC News |location=Australia |via=YouTube}}</ref> The NSW Supreme Court found the statements that Benhayon "is sexually manipulative of his cult followers" and "engages in bizarre sexual manipulation to make money for his business" to be true imputations.<ref name=":18"/>

===Music===
Benhayon asserts that music such as [[Rock music|rock]], [[reggae]], [[Pop music|pop]], [[funk]], rap and the work of [[Johann Sebastian Bach|J.S. Bach]] contain the "pranic energy" that his followers must abstain from.<ref name=":44">{{cite news |url=https://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/news/spiritual-healer-defends-ridiculous-teachings-at-t/3515164/ |title=Spiritual healer defends 'ridiculous' teachings at trial |last=McKeith |first=Sam |date=7 September 2018 |work=The Daily Examiner |location=Grafton NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Taught to reject other forms of music, UM followers commit to in-house esoteric or 'glorious' Benhayon-approved music, such as that by Miranda and Michael Benhayon or the official UM musician Chris James.<ref name="AWW">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.pressreader.com/australia/the-australian-womens-weekly/20190325/page/48/textview |title=Inside the medical cult destroying Aussie lives |last1=Chenery |first1=Susan |date=25 March 2019 |magazine=Australian Women's Weekly |publisher=Bauer Media |edition=April 2019 |pages=48–52 |via=Press Reader}}
* {{cite magazine |last1=Chenery |first1=Susan |title=The Universal Lie |magazine=Australian Women's Weekly |url=https://docdro.id/BoG4hxT |via=DocDroid}}</ref><ref name="The Da Vinci Mode"/> [[WFMU]] music critic Micah Moses says tracks from the UM record label Glorious Music are "contemporary faux urban pop" and "imitation mainstream dreck" that are mostly "unplayable" and "dreadfully bad".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wfmu.org/flashplayer.php?version=3&show=88529&archive=177838 |title=Music Of Mind Control with Micah |last=Moses |first=Micah |date=24 September 2019 |website=WFMU |format=mp3 |time=37.15 - 53.15}}
* {{cite web |title=Music Of Mind Control with Micah: Playlist from September 24, 2019 |url=http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/88529 |website=WFMU}}</ref>

== Treatments and practices ==
{{Quote box
 |quote  = "Serge Benhayon is the leader of Universal Medicine, a group which to his knowledge, engages in misleading conduct in promoting the healing services it offers", "makes false claims about healing that cause harm to others" and "preys on cancer patients". "Serge Benhayon as the leader of Universal Medicine exploits the followers of that group through his false and harmful teachings", "had exploited children by having them vouch for Universal Medicine's dishonest healing practices", "has persuaded followers to shun loved ones who won't join his cult" and "is sexually manipulative of his cult followers". "Serge Benhayon is the leader of an exploitative" and "socially harmful cult, which to his knowledge had engaged in dishonest healing practices" and "that is paternalistic to women".
 |source = NSW Supreme Court jury findings, December 6, 2018<ref name=":01"/>
 |width  = 25%
 |align  = right
}}

Universal Medicine markets practitioner training and accreditation through its Esoteric Practitioners Association Pty Ltd; however, the training and qualifications are not recognised and "esoteric practitioners" are not [[accredited]].<ref name="HCCC"/><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/sister-says-relationship-broken-after-universal-me/3532620/ |title=Sister says relationship 'broken' after Universal Medicine |last=McKeith |first=Sam |date=24 September 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Members of the association are charged an annual fee.<ref name=":0"/> Clients have been reported to spend tens of thousands of Australian dollars on Universal Medicine products and services.<ref name="NewsComAU"/><ref name="DailyTelegraph">{{cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/doctor-sent-woman-for-two-years-of-new-age-healing-in-a-galaxy-far-far-away-for-a-cough-costing-her-35000/story-fni0cx12-1227042292016?nk=83c5ba21b8dba82030667f6ffab83e0a |title=Doctor sent woman for two years of new age healing in a galaxy far, far away for a cough - costing her $35,000 |last=Hansen |first=Jane |date=31 August 2014 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=Sydney}}</ref>

Benhayon's "esoteric connective tissue therapy" is said to improve the patient's energy flow by "allowing the pulse of the lymphatic system to symbiotically correspond with the body's own ensheathing web". [[John Dwyer (medicine)|John Dwyer]] describes the existence of a lymphatic pulse as "utter nonsense".<ref name="SMH"/>

Universal Medicine also provides counselling services to parents, body-awareness education workshops to young women, cardiosacral pulse and craniosacral readings, as well as "exorcism sessions" where children were reportedly present.<ref name="MOYWCA"/><ref name="MOInsideUM"/><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/court-evidence-may-be-used-for-action-on-universal/3662619/ |title=Court evidence may be enough for Universal Medicine action |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=4 March 2019 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

In November 2014, Universal Medicine's treatments were highlighted in a [[Parliament of New South Wales|NSW Parliamentary]] Inquiry report by the Health Care Complaints Committee which states:
:"While there is little anecdotal evidence to suggest actual harm caused by these treatments, concerns were raised that patients may forgo seeking proper medical advice and care. Two patients who were undergoing therapies at Universal Medicine were independently diagnosed with cancer and [[bronchiectasis]] respectively, and required proper medical intervention in order to be properly treated".<ref name="HCCC"/>

Universal Medicine lobbied the local [[Don Page (politician)|NSW MP for Ballina Don Page]] to have these unfavourable comments removed from the Parliamentary Inquiry Report.<ref name="TelegraphBullied"/>

Controversy surrounds referrals for esoteric treatments by some doctors, a situation that medical regulators say is difficult to address.<ref name=":7"/><ref name="Dwyer">{{cite magazine |last=Dwyer |first=John |author-link=John Dwyer (medicine) |date=1 May 2013 |title=When "Healing Hands" Start Grasping |url=http://www.australasianscience.com.au/article/issue-may-2013/when-"healing-hands"-start-grasping.html |magazine=Australasian Science |volume=34 |issue=4 |pages=44 |url-access=subscription }}{{Dead link|date=November 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}
* {{cite magazine |author=John Dwyer |date=May 2013 |title=When "Healing Hands" Start Grasping |magazine=Australasian Science |url=https://www.scienceinmedicine.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/bp_may13.pdf |via=Science in Medicine }}</ref> During the inquiry Don Page MP said these types of referrals "would give most people considerable concern".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/DBAssets/InquiryEventTranscript/Transcript/9143/Corrected%20Transcript%20-%20%20Hearing%20No%202.pdf |title=Report of Proceedings Before Committee on the Health Care Complaints Commission Inquiry into the promotion of false and misleading health-related information and practices |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=3 September 2014 |website=Parliament of NSW |access-date=17 September 2025 |archive-date=20 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620035706/https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/DBAssets/InquiryEventTranscript/Transcript/9143/Corrected%20Transcript%20-%20%20Hearing%20No%202.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> Universal Medicine's registered allied health practitioners allegedly encourage followers to seek GP referral for Medicare treatment plans to pay for sessions. A former patient who received treatment from a UM physiotherapist under a Medicare plan reported the "Universal physio claimed her health was improving from 'craniosacral pulse' therapy", however, "her GP ordered tests that found she had cancer". The patient was reportedly told by Universal Medicine that "doctors will make you sicker than you already are".<ref name="MOinvestigation">{{cite news |url=http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/investigation-urged-cult-medical-group |title=Investigation urged into 'cult' medical group |date=16 July 2012 |work=Medical Observer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724213807/http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/investigation-urged-into-cult-medical-group |archive-date=24 July 2012 |url-status=dead |location=Australia |url-access=registration}}</ref> Another patient was told by a thoracic physician and student of UM that conventional HRT was harmful and "deep-seated grief is a major driving factor in lung disease".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/specialist-reprimanded-esoteric-referrals |title=Specialist reprimanded for 'esoteric' referrals |last=Scholefield |first=Anthony |date=1 June 2017 |website=Australian Doctor |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://archive.today/QjNmr/eb575c0da1f066047986de7652534f0c6796272f |archive-date=2018-12-24}}</ref><ref name=":0"/> Dwyer stated that it was "highly reprehensible" that medical professionals registered on a "promise to practise [[evidence-based medicine]]" were engaged in promoting "cultish behaviour".<ref name=":4"/>

Serge Benhayon has responded to criticism stating that UM does not "interfere with medicine... We do not hold ourselves above medicine. We are super pro medicine".<ref name="MOInsideUM"/> UM conducts retreats such as "the science of [[Divination]]".<ref name="fabic"/> Sydney paediatrician and "Baby Doc" author, Howard Chilton, has endorsed Benhayon as a "teacher of enormous integrity". Chilton has given talks at the company's women's health forums but claims his support for UM is a personal matter unrelated to evidence-based practice. Chilton's daughter Isabella is married to Benhayon's son Curtis.<ref name="TelegraphBullied"/> UM associated thoracic surgeon Sam Kim, who has praised Benhayon's esoteric breast massage and states UM is a reputable healing organisation, not a cult.<ref name=":31"/><ref name=":6"/> Supporter and [[Bangalow]] ophthalmologist Anne Malatt claims her life and work had been inspired by Benhayon, adding that the "core tenet of Serge's teachings is energetic integrity" and "when put into practice on a daily basis, they work".<ref name=":04"/><ref name="The Da Vinci Mode"/><ref name="SMH"/> Sydney rheumatologist and UM advocate Maxine Szramka claims to have observed UM student's chronic pain being permanently cured adding UM's esoteric healing practices lead to miracles every day.<ref name="szramka">{{Cite news |url=https://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/specialist-linked-alleged-cult-resigns-doctors-lobby |title=Specialist linked to alleged cult resigns from doctors' lobby |last=O'Rourke |first=Geir |date=13 November 2018 |work=Australian Doctor |archive-url=https://archive.today/vUt96/3da778bbad09a1f941b012e42a9a2f96c35abe5d |archive-date=2018-12-25 |url-access=registration}}</ref> Her endorsement has now been deleted from the UM website.<ref name=":30"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/doctor-linked-alleged-cult-entitled-her-private-life-and-private-views |title=Doctor linked with alleged cult 'entitled to her private life and private views' |last=Smith |first=Paul |date=9 November 2018 |website=Australian Doctor |url-access=registration}}
* {{cite web |title=Doctor's links with 'cult' her 'personal business' |url=https://i.postimg.cc/gzcT6rBz/Doctors-links-with-cult-her.jpg?dl=1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/zOaBC/2cada19f62a58f3924a740c1bf197c0ace2a6256 |archive-date=2018-12-25}}{{unreliable source?|date=May 2022}}</ref>

UM practises an unproven technique on women called "Deeper Femaleness" claiming it is "great for rape recovery". It involves the "hands-on esoteric healing" of a woman's abdomen and pubic area and manipulation of the woman's pubic bone. UM publications show the therapy is performed by men.<ref name="charlatan"/><ref name=":9"/><ref name=":37"/>

The treatments have been characterised as "sleazy" with one ex-patient comparing her experience to being subjected to a "[[Abusive power and control|grooming]] exercise".<ref name="TelegraphSleazy">{{cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/universal-medicine-client-says-her-sessions-felt-sleazy-and-she-was-being-groomed/news-story/86f9798a6e90389f715ea182c56b0771 |title=Universal Medicine client says her sessions felt 'sleazy' and she was being 'groomed' |last=Hansen |first=Jane |date=22 June 2014 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=Sydney}}</ref> UM has responded by taking the ex-patient to the Supreme Court of NSW alleging defamation.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.echo.net.au/2016/05/universal-medicine-defamation-hearing-today/ |title=Universal Medicine defamation hearing today |last=Local News |date=6 May 2016 |work=Echonetdaily |location=Byron Bay NSW}}</ref> The jury found it was substantially true to say "Serge Benhayon makes bogus healing claims" and "is engaged in a healing fraud that harms people".<ref name=":18"/>

Benhayon confirmed that in 2009 at [[Billinudgel]] in NSW, the group held a "[[book burning]]" at the property of his lawyer.<ref name="SMHherbal"/> Others reported it as "just like the ritual burning of books in [[Nazi Germany]]", where Benhayon's students were invited to throw their books onto the [[pyre]]. Most books burnt were on [[Chinese medicine]], [[kinesiology]], [[acupuncture]], [[homeopathy]] and other [[alternative healing]] modalities, all of which Benhayon had decreed "prana" which he considers "evil".<ref name="The Da Vinci Mode"/><ref name="MOprana"/>

Benhayon insists women should not play sport, stating: "You've become involved with sport, which women should never be, because the right ovary becomes more powerful than the left. They're ready to have a child but the vaginal walls as thick as, and they're not a woman energetically, even though they have breasts, vagina, uterus and so forth".<ref name=":37"/> On feminism Benhayon teaches that women are "paying the price" for greater equality in the form of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis and period issues. He states women have now moved "into much more male energy" in gaining greater equality and how this was achieved is "energetically not correct".<ref name=":44"/>

Serge Benhayon confirms revenue from Universal Medicine provides a living for the whole of the extended Benhayon family. In 2016, he had a taxable income of more than $188,000, and his wife, Miranda, $176,000. Approximately $50,000 of his income came from the Universal Family Trust, which also distributed $129,593 to his daughter Natalie, approximately $100,000 to his son Michael, $59,812 to his son Curtis and a further $34,890 to Curtis' wife Isabella. A further $400,000 went to another company. Benhayon's ex-wife Deborah Benhayon receives a salary as the chief financial officer for UM.<ref name=":14">{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/discarnate-spirits-in-the-courtroom-as-healer-is-cross-examined-20180905-p501u5.html |title='Discarnate spirits' in the courtroom as 'healer' is cross-examined |last1=Whitbourn |first1=Michaela |date=5 September 2018 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190110191442/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/discarnate-spirits-in-the-courtroom-as-healer-is-cross-examined-20180905-p501u5.html |archive-date=10 January 2019 |url-status=live |publisher=Fairfax Media |url-access=limited |access-date=14 September 2018}}</ref> Real estate to the value of $5.5 million has been linked to the group, including a $1.75 million property in Brisbane, and a hall valued at $2.3 million.<ref name=":20"/> All of his four children hold positions within the organisation.<ref name="AWW"/>

Serge Benhayon personally holds an extensive multimillion-dollar property portfolio in Northern NSW which includes UM's spititual home "The Hall of Ageless Wisdom" on one of his properties. When in Australia he lives on a private estate near Lismore, and when in England in a house at 'The Lighthouse' estate near Frome in Somerset.<ref name=":37"/><ref name=":21"/> 'The Lighthouse' is the European base for UM and is owned by Simon Williams, the ex-president of the local [[Chamber of Commerce]].<ref name="Williams"/>

== Esoteric breast massage ==

UM operates 'esoteric breast massage' (EBM) programs for women with breast cancer as well as 'breast cancer care retreats' at the cost of $60 per head.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/council-approves-workshops-linked-to-universal-medicine-cult/news-story/ddc2721e625d2a586f6276a5e80ff76c |title=Council approves workshops linked to Universal Medicine cult |last=Payne |first=Kristin |date=21 March 2019 |work=Gold Coast Bulletin |publisher=News Corp |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/ztpTk/788a23906c1d3ce49899c775491beca77a0421b4 |archive-date=2019-03-21}}</ref><ref name=":21"/> Stated by the group to be administered only by women, EBM has been promoted to "cure or prevent breast cancer" by rekindling femaleness.<ref name="SMH"/><ref name="NthStar">{{cite news |url=http://www.northernstar.com.au:80/story/2012/07/24/breast-therapy-slammed/ |title=Breast 'Therapy' Slammed |last=Stevens |first=Rodney |date=24 July 2012 |work=Northern Star |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725115017/http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2012/07/24/breast-therapy-slammed/ |archive-date=25 July 2012 |url-status=dead |location=NSW}}</ref><ref name="MOAHPRA">{{cite news |url=https://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/universal-medicine-may-have-answer-ahpra |title=Universal Medicine may have to answer to AHPRA |date=20 September 2012 |work=Medical Observer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727192828/http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/universal-medicine-may-have-to-answer-to-ahpra |archive-date=27 July 2013 |url-status=dead |location=Australia |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name="SMHherbal">{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/new-age-groups-herbal-supplements-under-investigation-20120722-22ia9.html |title=New age group's herbal supplements under investigation |last=Aston |first=Heath |date=23 July 2012 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701165007/https://www.smh.com.au/national/new-age-groups-herbal-supplements-under-investigation-20120722-22ia9.html |archive-date=1 July 2018 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name="Private Eye 1359"/> This was described as "irresponsible, dangerous and misleading" by Matthew Lam, research director of [[Breakthrough Breast Cancer]].<ref name="EyeLam">{{cite news |title=Serge of interest |date=21 February 2014 |work=[[Private Eye]] |issue=1360 |location=UK |pages=31 |url=https://i.postimg.cc/dwQK1gJH/sergeofinterest.jpg?dl=1 |format=JPG |archive-url=https://archive.today/P4msg/c2fd15569c49b589cdaf3089c0b7bcb7b7984a5c |archive-date=2018-12-10}}</ref> NSW Cancer Council CEO Andrew Penman said there was no medical evidence massage could prevent breast cancer. Esoteric breast massage claims have also been dismissed by [[Breast Cancer Network Australia|Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)]].<ref name="NthStar"/> A former esoteric breast massage patient reported Universal Medicine staff told her it would prevent breast cancer by "clearing... all of men's negative energy" accumulated over her lifetime. She recalled it as "the most horrible thing I've ever had in my entire life".<ref name="MOInsideUM"/> Esoteric breast massage also claims "to heal many issues such as painful periods, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, bloating/water retention, and pre-menstrual and menopausal symptoms".<ref name="TelegraphGrooming"/><ref name="Dwyer"/> [[John Dwyer (medicine)|John Dwyer]] from the University of NSW describes such claims as "ludicrous".<ref name="Dwyer"/> According to changes recorded in the web archive, those claims were erased from the esoteric breast massage website coinciding with the onset of media scrutiny in July 2012, along with assertions such as:

:"The breasts are emanators of a quality of DIVINE TRUTH that begins at the heart. The heart in connection to the pubic bone chakra, which is aligned to the ovaries, brings the emanation of nurturing out for all to have".<ref name="EsotericBreastMassageArchive">{{cite web |url=http://www.esoteric-breast-massage.com/ |title=Home Page |work=Original Esoteric Breast Massage Website |date=20 April 2012 |author=Esoteric Women's Health Pty Ltd |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420124209/http://www.esoteric-breast-massage.com/ |archive-date=20 April 2012}}</ref>

Serge Benhayon instructs his students to "try and avoid as much as possible the nipple area" and when questioned on what aspect of health is addressed by esoteric breast massage in September 2012, he stated: "Disconnection to their bodies".<ref name=":37"/><ref name="CourierMail"/> A 2018 poll in the ''[[Medical Journal of Australia]]'' found that 94% of respondents agreed that doctors who promote "remedies" such as "esoteric breast massage" should be investigated.<ref name="bizarre"/>

== Regulatory and other issues ==
{{Quote box
 |quote  = The Australian Health Minister, [[Greg Hunt]], wrote to AHPRA's CEO, Martin Fletcher, regarding "concerns for public safety in relation to the provision of certain services being provided by organisations allegedly with links to cults".
 |source = Northern Star, August 8, 2019<ref name=":a1"/><ref name=":a0"/>
 |width  = 25%
 |align  = right
}}

Accusations of misconduct against Universal Medicine have drawn attention from the regulatory bodies; the [[Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency]] (AHPRA) and the [[Therapeutic Goods Administration]] (TGA).<ref name="AusDoctor">{{cite news |url=http://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/latest-news/cult-health-group-faces-ahpra-inquiry |title='Cult' health group faces AHPRA inquiry |last=Newton |first=Kate |date=20 September 2012 |work=Australian Doctor |location=Sydney |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name="MOAHPRA"/><ref name="ABC"/><ref name="AusDoctorTGA">{{cite news |url=http://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/latest-news/herbal-products-sold-by-cult-investigated |title=Herbal products sold by 'cult' investigated |last=Newton |first=Kate |date=24 July 2012 |work=Australian Doctor |location=Sydney |url-access=registration}}</ref> The [[NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing]] investigated claims of breach of Australian charitable fundraising laws by the charity the "College of Universal Medicine" and referred these to the police.<ref name="TelegraphGrooming">{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jane |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/newage-esoteric-breast-and-ovary-massage-healer-under-investigation-over-alleged-charity-law-violations/story-fni0cx12-1226962513015?nk=6bd8683a5a2d7a396c4e41fbf8603e7b |title=New-age esoteric breast and ovary massage healer under investigation over alleged charity law violations |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=22 June 2014 |location=Sydney}}</ref><ref name="ABCWilson">{{cite news |date=27 June 2014 |title=Director from College of Universal Medicine defends charity status |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-27/universal-meedicine-charity/5555876 |work=ABC News Online |location=Australia}}</ref> A 2018 complaint by the [[Friends of Science in Medicine]] sparked a [[Health Care Complaints Commission]] (HCCC) investigation into UM and associated non-registered practitioners.<ref name=":a1">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/blogger-calls-for-immediate-action-on-harmful-cult/3800039/ |title=Blogger calls for 'immediate' action on 'harmful cult' |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=8 August 2019 |work=Northern Star |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=":a0">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/medical-group-urges-hccc-to-an-ums-healing/3596210/ |title=Doctors call for ban on cult's false 'healing' |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=8 December 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

Prior to the TGA investigation and their withdrawal from sale UM's herbal remedies were erroneously said to "promote fire in the lungs and therefore help to dispel any dampness in the lungs" and were "good for dealing with hardening of the connective tissue especially around the chest and arms and also hardening of the vascular system".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/tgas-urgent-universal-inquiry |title=TGA's urgent Universal inquiry |date=23 July 2012 |website=Medical Observer |location=Australia |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801192612/http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/tgas-urgent-universal-inquiry |archive-date=1 August 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Benhayon's daughter Simone is one of the Trustees of The Sound Foundation in the UK, a second related charitable organisation that Universal Medicine called one of its "two main world headquarters".<ref name="Private Eye 1359"/> The Sound Foundation was the subject of a 2013 complaint to the [[Charity Commission for England and Wales|Charity Commission]] for England and Wales which found extensive irregularities and resulted in the charity being given a mandatory compliance plan.<ref name="CharityCommission">{{cite web |url=http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/charity-commission-hands-action-plan-health-charity/governance/article/1222011 |title=Charity Commission hands action plan to health charity |last=Stothart |first=Chloe |date=25 November 2013 |work=Third Sector |location=UK |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062918/https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/charity-commission-hands-action-plan-health-charity/governance/article/1222011/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It also attracted attention from a [[National Health Service]] Forum who distanced itself from the group.<ref name="Private Eye 1361">{{cite news |title=Good news corner |date=7 March 2014 |work=[[Private Eye]] |issue=1361 |location=UK |page=32}}
* {{cite web |author=Esther Rockett |date=March 9, 2014 |title=Private Eye follows up on Universal Medicine's links with the NHS |url=https://universalmedicineaccountability.wordpress.com/2014/03/09/private-eye-follows-up-on-universal-medicines-links-with-the-nhs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/EgHFG/9048f56a6c8bf83690f6a3fbd40d70c9d197793d |archive-date=2018-02-19 |website=Universal Medicine Accountability (Wordpress)}}</ref>

Universal Medicine is reported to have received a portion of AUD$709,493 federal funds to provide six public lectures and "counselling services to parents" under a Commonwealth grant scheme applied for by the [[YWCA]]. [[The Australian]] Government refused to fully release documents explaining how the funds were used, saying "YWCA raised objections... including that the information does not accurately reflect YWCA's activities" and could "have an adverse effect on the YWCA by affecting its relationships with other entities and its reputation".<ref name="MOYWCA">{{cite news |url=http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/government-blocks-ywca-documents |title=Government blocks YWCA documents |last=Kaye |first=Byron |date=27 November 2012 |work=Medical Observer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210124129/https://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/government-blocks-ywca-documents |archive-date=10 December 2012 |url-status=dead |location=Australia |url-access=registration}}</ref>

In 2016, 20 Universal Medicine adherents joined the Australian doctors' reform lobby group, the HPARA, en-masse causing turmoil and a split in the organisation. HPARA chair John Stokes said the UM adherents, who "initially ... all seemed quite impressive and normal," unexpectedly began turning up to meetings and attempted to take over the organisation's social media accounts and board of directors without declaring their UM connections. "Some of them behaved in ways that made me feel quite uncomfortable, where they would come into my personal space," he recalled. Stokes said there were concerns of reprisals and potential legal threats from the UM group, and that he and others expressed concern at HPARA being associated with the cult, but is now confident that no member with links to UM remains in the HPARA.<ref name="hpara">{{Cite web |url=https://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/ahpra-lobby-group-distances-itself-universal-medicine |title=AHPRA lobby group distances itself from Universal Medicine |last1=O'Rourke |first1=Geir |last2=Smith |first2=Paul |date=24 October 2018 |website=Australian Doctor |location=Sydney NSW |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://archive.today/PkjJ5/0fca6dff50232264ece456df999f49fffdf295bb |archive-date=2018-12-24}}</ref>

An investigation by [[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] in April 2018 revealed that [[The University of Queensland]] was investigating conflicts of interest of three of its faculty who were "acolytes" advocating for Universal Medicine. Video allegedly shows four researchers, two of whom are doctors, publicly advocating UM practices. Two more of the nine are presenters for the College of Universal Medicine. John Dwyer stated that: "[They] have let the university down badly in their fervour for promoting the benefits of Universal Medicine's approach to treatments, which have no basis in science, couldn't possibly be effective, and really represent a pre-scientific approach to how the body works and interacts with God and the universe". After receiving a 12-page letter from a third-party whistleblower ''The [[Journal of Medical Internet Research]]'' (JMIR) raised "serious concerns" as to the conflict of interest of the authors of the UM related articles it published. The editorial director stated that: "the omission of this conflict of interest, which appears to be highly significant in this case, is a clear violation of our policies" and suggested both articles published in the JMIR should be retracted. JMIR was also "very concerned" when it was revealed that the "original results paper contained large statistical errors inflating the effect sizes" and concluded "the proposed and executed research does not provide any evidence that any Universal Medicine modalities are effective in making people healthier".<ref name=":4">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/international/uq-researchers-accused-of-promoting-dangerous-cult/9663184 |title='Cult' Universal medicine practices promoted by researchers, UQ launches investigation |last=Robertson |first=Josh |date=16 April 2018 |work=ABC News |location=Australia}}
* {{cite AV media |title='Cult' Universal medicine practices promoted by researchers, UQ launches investigation |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCgY9voDJqM |publisher=ABC News |location=Australia |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref name="bizarre">{{Cite web |url=https://www.doctorportal.com.au/mjainsight/2018/16/the-researchers-the-university-and-the-bizarre-medical-cult/ |title=The researchers, the university and the bizarre medical cult |last=Wilcken |first=Hugo |date=30 April 2018 |website=MJA InSight 16 |publisher=AMPCo (Australian Medical Association) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625213159/https://www.doctorportal.com.au/mjainsight/2018/16/the-researchers-the-university-and-the-bizarre-medical-cult/ |archive-date=25 June 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> When the original peer-reviewers of the papers were made aware of the extensive conflicts of interest, they stated they would not have accepted the manuscripts had they been aware of this fact upon submission.<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal |last=JMIR Editorial Office |date=11 May 2018 |title=Expression of Editorial Concern, Correction of Conflict of Interest and Affiliation, and Data Corrections |journal=JMIR Public Health and Surveillance |language=en |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=e53 |doi=10.2196/publichealth.9932 |pmid=29757750 |issn=2369-2960 |pmc=6303671 |doi-access=free}}</ref>

In November 2018, Universal Medicine was compelled to cancel all their event and hire bookings with [[Ballina Shire Council]], including the Girl to Woman Festival, only days prior to the festival being debated in council chambers. UM took this action after 1,000 people had signed a petition to have the Girl to Woman event barred from [[Lennox Head]] Cultural Centre, and also to avoid becoming embroiled in a council policy motion that adopted child-protection measures for future events and hiring "where the Council believes that provision of the service would pose a potential for child abuse".<ref name=":24"/> Council's amended policies concerning hiring and the tightening of child-protection measures (not mentioning UM or the girl festival) were adopted, but not before UM had publicly criticised council's actions and long-term UM student and advocate Rebecca Asquith (Baldwin) appeared at the council meeting on behalf of the festival urging councillors to oppose the motion.<ref name=":26"/><ref name=":1"/><ref name=":29">{{Cite news |url=https://www.echo.net.au/2018/11/universal-medicine-cancels-event-bookings/ |title=Universal Medicine cancels all event bookings |last=Shand |first=Aslan |date=30 November 2018 |work=Echonetdaily |location=Byron Bay NSW}}</ref><ref name=":27"/><ref name="ballina">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ballina.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/res.asp?id=13703 |title=Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Ballina Shire Council |date=22 November 2018 |website=ballina.nsw.gov.au |access-date=18 December 2018 |archive-date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219044156/https://www.ballina.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/res.asp?id=13703 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":25">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/council-adopts-child-protection-measures-for-event/3582731/ |title=Council adopts child protection measures for events |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=22 November 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Council representatives said that UM education events were used as recruitment gateways, urged people to stay away from joining the group and said UM was not wanted in the area.<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Council bans cult |url=https://www.prime7.com.au/news/6620-council-bans-cult |series=North Coast News |first=Mitchell |last=Sariovski |network=PRIME7 TV Northern NSW |date=20 February 2019}}</ref>

Subsequent to this, NSW Minister for Health, [[Brad Hazzard]], issued a directive for NSW Health to halt all dealings with Universal Medicine after UM-linked individuals and businesses were found to be involved in the annual Positive Adolescent Sexual Health (PASH) conference. The youth health initiative is backed by the [[NSW Department of Health]] and aimed at teens aged 15 years and up. Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Wayne Jones said that UM members would be removed from the project and NSW Health would: "immediately review engagement and risks of health service involvement with Universal Medicine and discontinue any further association".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/um-dealings-halted-by-ministers-directive/3588549/ |title=UM dealings halted by minister's directive |last1=Turner |first1=Liana |date=28 November 2018 |work=The Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{Cite news |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/cult-members-told-by-minister-to-leave-sexual-health-conference/news-story/1a9ae19e696254730e7b77efd4a52d31 |title='Cult' members told by minister to leave sexual health conference |last=Morton |first=Rick |date=28 November 2018 |work=The Australian |publisher=News Corp |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181128192400/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/cult-members-told-by-minister-to-leave-sexual-health-conference/news-story/1a9ae19e696254730e7b77efd4a52d31 |archive-date=28 November 2018 |url-status=dead |access-date=28 November 2018}}</ref> [[Electoral district of Lismore|Lismore]] MP [[Thomas George (Australian politician)|Thomas George]] ([[National Party of Australia|Nationals]]) and [[Australian Labor Party|ALP]] candidates for Lismore and [[Electoral district of Ballina|Ballina]], [[Janelle Saffin]] and Asren Pugh, supported the directive by the Health Minister.<ref name=":07">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/um-affiliates-step-down-as-minister-calls-for-revi/3589564/ |title=UM affiliates step down as minister calls for review |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=29 November 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref> A few days earlier Ms Saffin and ALP candidate for [[Division of Page|Page]] Patrick Deegan had called for an inquiry into UM to ensure that no government resources go toward any organisation regarded as a 'cult', and that government departments and agencies do not endorse, encourage or support the involvement of children and young people in any such organisation. Ms Saffin said: "An inquiry [into UM] would be opportunity to clear the air and to restore faith in our local institutions". "It has taken the courage of whistle-blowers and the determination of journalists to expose the predatory practices of Universal Medicine".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/labor-candidates-back-call-for-universal-medicine-/3585362/ |title=Inquiry into Universal Medicine backed by Labor candidates |last=Burke |first=Jasmine |date=26 November 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=":29"/>

Also in November 2018 the NSW child protection agency, [[Department of Family and Community Services (New South Wales)|Family and Community Services (FACS)]], issued a staff directive that "no child be referred to Universal Medicine" after at least one UM aligned child protection worker was found to be incorporating UM teachings and events in the care plans of two children overseen by the department. Documents released showed an acting manager and child protection case worker endorsed the girl's involvement with UM activities including the Girl to Woman Festival and Kids in Connection. Care plans instructed that the girl "needs to be supported to maintain her connection with the teachings of Universal Medicine" and that she have "internet access to access readings and meditations from the universal medicine website". After the rogue care plans became public FACS responded that they had "referred the matter to the Office of the Children's Guardian" and "the information in the (Benhayon v Rockett) Supreme Court judgment is known to FACS and staff are taking appropriate action to ensure it has no impact on children known to FACS". UM practitioners were also reported to have attended Lismore FACS staff meetings to conduct relaxation workshops.<ref name=":2"/><ref name=":23"/>

Since the Benhayon v Rockett court ruling in Australia, two [[Church of England]] schools have decided to stop using the swimming pool run by Benhayon's daughter Simone, which is located at UM's UK headquarters at 'The Lighthouse' in Somerset.<ref name=":40"/><ref name="May 2020"/>

In April 2019, The Lismore Chamber of Commerce in NSW stripped business awards previously awarded to Universal Medicine after a review instigated by the new board of directors. The awards removed after a unanimous decision were: 2014 People's Choice Award, 2015 People's Choice Award, 2017 People's Choice Award, 2017 Excellence in Health Services (Highly Commended), and the 2018 Hall of Fame People's Choice Award. The Chamber said that: "any business that has engaged in any unlawful, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive or other improper misconduct should be refused entry to the business awards."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/universal-medicine-stripped-of-business-awards/3706104 |title=Universal Medicine stripped of business awards |date=18 April 2019 |work=Northern Star |publisher=News Corp |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Benhayon claims that Universal Medicine is not liked in the NSW Northern Rivers community because, as he says: "we have standards they cannot meet".<ref name=":37"/> UM has been accused of a "them and us" mentality that creates community divisions.<ref name="AWW"/> Senior UM members and Benhayon family members were once active on the board's of Lismore, Byron Bay and Ballina Chambers of Commerce in NSW and resigned from the Lismore Chamber due to association with UM.<ref name="Echo Oct 2017">{{cite news |url=https://issuu.com/echopublications/docs/byronecho3319 |title=Universal Medicine leader loses defamation case |date=2017-10-17 |work=Byron Shire Echo (print edition) |issue=33 #19 |location=Byron Bay NSW |page=3}}</ref><ref name=":26">{{cite news |url=https://issuu.com/echopublications/docs/byronecho3112 |title=Council candidates support website attacking 'cyber bully' |last=Lovejoy |first=Hans |date=2016-08-31 |newspaper=[[Byron Shire Echo]] |edition=print |volume=31 |issue=12 |location=Byron Bay NSW |page=6 |via=Issuu}}
* {{cite news |last=Lovejoy |first=Hans |date=2021-05-16 |title=Council candidates support website attacking 'cyber bully' |newspaper=Byron Shire Echo |url=https://www.echo.net.au/2016/08/council-candidates-support-website-attacking-cyber-bully/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/2018-our-biggest-stories/3612169/ |title=The stories that made news in 2018 |last=Munro |first=Jacqueline |date=1 January 2019 |website=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Senior UM members have also unsuccessfully run for [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal]] and [[National Party of Australia|National]] Party preselection in NSW.<ref name=":30">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/wouldbe-mp-doctor-maxine-szramka-linked-to-cult-leader/news-story/156f477a5bc992f85c5d9ae5abad0d55 |title=Would-be MP doctor Maxine Szramka linked to cult leader |last=Morton |first=Rick |date=8 November 2018 |website=The Australian |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181108173642/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/wouldbe-mp-doctor-maxine-szramka-linked-to-cult-leader/news-story/156f477a5bc992f85c5d9ae5abad0d55 |archive-date=8 November 2018 |url-status=dead |access-date=4 December 2018}}</ref><ref name=":03">{{cite news |url=https://issuu.com/echopublications/docs/byronecho3347 |title=Federal candidates throw themselves at the electorate - Ray Karam Independent |date=2019-05-01 |work=Byron Shire Echo (print edition) |issue=33 #47 |location=Byron Bay NSW |pages=8–9}}</ref> In the UK Senior UM members resigned from the board of Frome Chamber of Commerce after their association with UM was reported by the BBC.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/owner-hotel-linked-cult-resigns-2641066 |title=Hotel owner resigns from chamber after TV show unearths 'cult' links |last=Britten |first=Elise |date=13 March 2019 |website=SomersetLive News |publisher=Reach PLC |location=England}}</ref><ref name="signs">{{Cite web |url=https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/cult-bb-signs-appear-around-2637318 |title='Cult B+B' signs appear around Frome |last=Britten |first=Elise |date=12 March 2019 |website=SomersetLive News |publisher=Reach PLC |location=England}}</ref>

=== Australian medical authorities and Samuel Kim ===

Following an investigation by the NSW Medical Council in 2017 a Universal Medicine advocate and affiliated doctor, Samuel Tae-Kyu Kim, was reprimanded for referring a patient for esoteric lung massage and chakra puncture: "knowing there was insufficient evidence for their efficacy as treatments for Patient A's lung condition".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/doctor-found-guilty-over-referrals/3184226/ |title=Doctor found guilty over referrals |last=Adams |first=Cathy |date=31 May 2017 |work=Northern Star |publisher=News Corp |location=NSW}}</ref> The physician, whose clinic is located in the Universal Medicine Clinic in Goonellabah, claimed chakra puncture is an "internationally recognised therapy", however only practised by Universal Medicine. The Council heard evidence from a Senior Specialist and thoracic physician, who stated:

:Universal Medicine "affects an attitude which conventional medicine abandoned in the 19th century and this heightens the need to clearly distinguish for patients the difference between conventional medicine and Universal Medicine. Particularly as it is unclear, given it is a relatively new organisation, how Universal Medicine's training programs are accredited".<ref name=":3">{{cite news |url=https://www.echo.net.au/2017/05/universal-medicine-affiliated-doctor-reprimanded/ |title=Universal Medicine affiliated doctor reprimanded |last1=Dobney |first1=Chris |date=30 May 2017 |work=Echonetdaily |location=Byron Bay NSW}}</ref>

The HCCC alleged Samuel Kim had withheld conventional therapy and the investigation focused on his referrals to his now wife Jasna Jugovic (esoteric lung massage) and three "Universal Medicine practitioners" Neil Ringe (chakra puncture), Serge Benhayon (spiritual healing) and Michael Serafin (non-medically trained pharmacist).<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |url=http://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/Publications/Media-releases/2017/Dr-Samuel-Tae-Kyu-Kim---Unsatisfactory-professional-conduct |title=Dr Samuel Tae-Kyu Kim – Unsatisfactory professional conduct |last=HCCC |date=9 May 2017 |website=HCCC |archive-date=28 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728035528/http://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/Publications/Media-releases/2017/Dr-Samuel-Tae-Kyu-Kim---Unsatisfactory-professional-conduct}}</ref><ref name=":31">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/may/31/doctor-rebuked-over-spiritual-healing-group-touting-esoteric-breast-massage |title=Doctor rebuked over 'spiritual healing' group touting 'esoteric breast massage' |last=Robertson |first=Joshua |date=31 May 2017 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> The investigating committee found Kim to lack contrition, and at times to be an unreliable witness and his evidence to be contradictory.<ref name=":0"/> Following the enquiry, the [[Health Care Complaints Commission|HCCC]] found 5 out of 6 allegations against Kim proven, him "guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct" (which he admits to), and concluded by placing permanent restrictions upon his practice.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=http://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/250/Decision%20-%20KIM%20Samuel%20Tae-Kyu%20-%20PSC%20-%208%20May%202017.pdf.aspx |title=PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE INQUIRY. Samuel Tae-Kyu Kim |last=NSW Medical Council |date=20 March 2017 |website=HCCC |archive-date=23 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623151222/https://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/250/Decision%20-%20KIM%20Samuel%20Tae-Kyu%20-%20PSC%20-%208%20May%202017.pdf.aspx}}</ref>

Kim stood down from the [[Australian Medical Association]] Queensland council in May 2018 after ABC News investigated a second case of professional misconduct where he had shared the entire medical and medication records of a patient with Serge Benhayon without the patient's knowledge. The patient had criticised Universal Medicine in the media and Kim claims he obtained the patient's verbal consent. The NSW Privacy Commissioner disagreed and found Kim had breached Health Privacy Principles, violated the patients privacy and its report said it was "unclear ... why it was necessary for Kim to provide such a summary of what appears to be Mr Martin's entire medical history to Mr Benhayon". Shaun Rudd, the AMA Queensland chairman, said the council had "a robust conflict of interest policy and AMA Queensland has full confidence in Kim's ability to serve as a councillor".<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |url=https://thelimbic.com/respiratory/thoracic-physician-stands-down-in-dispute-over-links-to-esoteric-group/ |title=Thoracic physician stands down in dispute over 'esoteric' group |last=Hoffman |first=Tessa |date=3 May 2018 |work=The Limbic |publisher=thelimbic.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-02/doctor-gave-patient-medical-history-to-universal-medicine/9710412 |title='Doctor who gave patient medical history to Universal Medicine 'cult' stands down from AMA |last=Robertson |first=Josh |date=2 May 2018 |work=ABC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503210212/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-02/doctor-gave-patient-medical-history-to-universal-medicine/9710412 |archive-date=3 May 2018 |url-status=live |location=Australia}}
* {{cite AV media |title='Cult' leader given patient's entire medical history by doctor |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFLVBX4TSz4 |publisher=ABC News |location=Australia |via=YouTube}}</ref> Kim stated that he was a 'student' of Universal Medicine and an honorary advisor at Benhayon's College of Universal Medicine, but had no financial interests in the organisation.<ref name=":6"/>

=== Call for Parliamentary Judicial Inquiry ===
In [[NSW Parliament]] in August 2019, Lismore MP [[Janelle Saffin]] called for a judicial inquiry into UM stating: "I call for an inquiry not because it is a cult, but because it has infiltrated my community, some government departments, agencies and related programs, and non-government organisations, some educational institutions, some media outlets and some business organisations." Among other things she stated that: "It is a cult that has caused the separation of families, is a wealthy commercial enterprise that has a range of subsidiary and related companies operating from Lismore and beyond, and has targeted those who speak out and bullies them in a range of ways, including directly on the streets in my hometown of Lismore and with defamation threats." She concluded by saying: "Professionals who are Universal Medicine socially harmful cult promoters in the workplace are not fit and proper professionals to be in charge of children, the sick, students and the vulnerable."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://api.parliament.nsw.gov.au/api/hansard/search/daily/pdf/HANSARD-1323879322-107025 |title=Legislative Assembly Hansard |last=Saffin |first=Janelle |date=21 August 2019 |website=Parliament of NSW |pages=77–78 |format=PDF}}</ref>

=== The Taxation Office and the College of UM ===
The [[Australian Taxation Office]] (ATO) investigated and took action against the College of Universal Medicine, after almost $600,000 in charitable donations had been collected for its "school building fund" between 2011 and 2015.<ref name=":47"/> College director Charles Wilson had initially rejected any suggestion of impropriety.<ref name="ABCWilson"/> The ATO found the "not for profit" college located in NSW was "not operating a school" because its courses did not qualify as "knowledge-based teaching" for tax purposes.<ref name=":47">{{Cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-14/universal-medicine-cult-received-donations/11482874 |title=Prominent donors gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to 'exploitative cult' |last=Robertson |first=Josh |date=14 September 2019 |work=ABC News |publisher=abc.net.au}}</ref><ref name="coum_board">{{Cite web |url=https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/6ce43807ef50e5e341436ef78f5aa9ff#people |title=College Of Universal Medicine |last=Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission |date=2 January 2019}}</ref> The College was retrospectively stripped of its deductible gift recipient (DGR) status and returned $563,282 back to donors in October 2015.

In reaching its decision the ATO also noted conflicts of interest where the College's fundraising to renovate the building, owned by Serge Benhayon, was a "potential capital benefit" to the owner in earning $80,000 a year in rent from it. It also found most donations to the building fund were not maintained separately to the College's other moneys, meaning "the safeguard of public money is threatened" and the cash could be potentially used "for other purposes".<ref name=":47" />

== Legal issues ==

===Estate of Judith McIntyre===
In December 2015, Benhayon appeared at the [[Supreme Court of NSW]] when his sizeable inheritance from the estate of devotee Judith McIntyre was challenged by her children. The breast cancer victim's estate was estimated to be worth $1.1 million, $600,000 of which was intended for Serge Benhayon. A further gift of $800,000 was given to Benhayon by McIntyre three days after executing her will. Justice James Stevenson declined to alter the distribution of the estate and issued a ruling stating that Ms McIntyre "appears to have carefully considered how she should dispose of her estate".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/cancer-victims-children-lose-appeal-to-overturn-will-which-bequeathed-majority-of-11m-estate-to-healer/news-story/ebe4db1a431eec20a02844a35d6b9e9d |title=Cancer victim's children lose appeal to overturn will which bequeathed majority of $1.1m estate to healer |last1=Dale |first1=Amy |date=29 December 2015 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref><ref name=":33"/> Prior to her death, UM followers had established themselves as Ms McIntyre's nurse, housemate, financial planner, the witness to her will, the lawyer who drafted it and its executor.<ref name=":21"/><ref name=":37"/> Benhayon's solicitor acted for both the benefactor and the beneficiary.<ref name=":46">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/cult-leaders-lawyer-to-be-investigated-over-her-be/3786793/ |title='Cult' leader's lawyer to be investigated over her behaviour |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=23 July 2019 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref> In a later unrelated trial, a NSW Supreme Court jury found it was substantially true to say that Benhayon "preys on", "swindles" and "exploits cancer patients by targeting them to leave him bequests in their wills" and that he exercised "undue influence" on Ms McIntyre to inherit the bulk of her million-dollar estate.<ref name=":18">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/revealed-what-the-jury-said-about-socially-harmful/3553783/ |title=REVEALED: What the jury said about 'socially harmful cult' |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=19 October 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=":12"/><ref name=":21"/>

Years after the court case, Judith McIntyre's daughter Sarah released her mother's emails that were ruled inadmissible by the court in 2015.<ref name=":22"/> Sent during the last few months of her life, they showed Benhayon coaching her dying mother on how to restrict her children's share of her fortune, where he claimed that her children were "trying to destabilise you, trying to evoke your sympathy", which was "an attack on the funds that will help The Hierarchy's work on Earth".<ref name="charlatan"/><ref name=":37"/> Benhayon also warned her against publicly revealing donations because evil spirits known as "the Dark Lodge" could "cause serious harm" to donors. Theologian and minister David Millikan says the emails "reek of coercion, they are very unseemly for a person who is in that sort of powerful position pastorally over the woman who's dying".<ref name=":22"/><ref name="AWW"/> Shortly before her death, Judith had been persuaded by UM staff to appear in a video blaming herself for her breast cancer, saying: "I had created the disease by all my self neglect, my choices". Daughter Sarah said: "I think my mother was scared for what might happen to her in the afterlife if she didn't give him (Benhayon) the money".<ref name=":37"/>

In June 2018, [[Lucy McCallum|Justice McCallum]], of the Supreme Court of NSW, ordered Benhayon to produce photographs and videos of workshops or sessions that relate to the technique of "Deeper Femaleness" which display the "hands on" healing technique practised by Universal Medicine. He was also ordered to produce a list of donations received, tax returns and other financial statements. This pre-trial ruling came as part of the defamation case in which Benhayon attempted to sue blogger, Esther Rockett, for defamation.<ref name=":10">{{cite news |url=https://lawyerly.com.au/judge-orders-spiritual-guru-produce-pics-hands-healing/ |title=Judge orders spiritual guru to produce pics of 'hands on' healing |last=Fredenburgh |first=Cat |date=21 June 2018 |work=Lawyerly |publisher=Lawyerly Media |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/spiritual-healer-serge-benhayon-gave-client-ovarian-reading-20180624-p4znf9.html |title=Spiritual healer Serge Benhayon gave client 'ovarian reading' |last=McClymont |first=Kate |authorlink=Kate McClymont |date=24 June 2018 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625075356/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/spiritual-healer-serge-benhayon-gave-client-ovarian-reading-20180624-p4znf9.html |archive-date=25 June 2018 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

=== Benhayon v Rockett Defamation Trial ===
{{Quote box
 |quote  = Under cross-examination ... Mr Benhayon had referred to spirits - which he could sense rather than see - being in the courtroom as he gave his evidence. However, he refused the barrister's repeated requests for him to count the spirits, saying he could not break the rule of his soul.
 |source = Australian Associated Press, October 15, 2018<ref name=":15"/>
 |width  = 25%
 |align  = right
}}

Benhayon unsuccessfully sued blogger Esther Rockett for defamation in the [[Supreme Court of NSW]] between 2015 and 2018. He claimed social media posts she had made portrayed him as: delusional, dishonest, a sexual predator and the leader of a "socially harmful cult". Rockett had described Benhayon as a "sleazebag guru" and accused him of performing a "sleazy ovarian reading" on her during a treatment session, inappropriately touching her, and engaging in inappropriate conduct towards women. Rockett - a religious studies graduate who studied cults, New Age and eastern religions - argued the defences of truth and honest opinion in connection to her social media postings.<ref name=":13">{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/spiritual-healer-serge-benhayon-not-a-cult-leader-court-20180904-p501mh.html |title=Spiritual healer Serge Benhayon 'not a cult leader': court |last1=Whitbourn |first1=Michaela |date=2018-09-04 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-date=2020-07-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200719031924/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/spiritual-healer-serge-benhayon-not-a-cult-leader-court-20180904-p501mh.html |publisher=Fairfax Media |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/self-styled-healer-serge-benhayon-leads-socially-harmful-cult-jury-20181010-p508ux.html |title=Self-styled healer Serge Benhayon leads 'socially harmful cult': jury |last1=Whitbourn |first1=Michaela |date=15 October 2018 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181015092108/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/self-styled-healer-serge-benhayon-leads-socially-harmful-cult-jury-20181010-p508ux.html |archive-date=15 October 2018 |url-status=live |publisher=Fairfax Media |url-access=limited |access-date=15 October 2018}}</ref><ref name="AWW"/> In court Benhayon claimed these portrayals made him feel "raped", saying; "The attempt to demolish my reputation ... you feel raped, you feel you have been stripped".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/healer-felt-raped-when-blog-post-described-him-as-sleazebag-guru-court-hears/news-story/0e851ecff4b8d282cae8772c7272e44d |title=Healer felt 'raped' when blog post described him as 'sleazebag guru', court hears |last=Cornwall |first=Deborah |date=5 September 2018 |work=The Australian |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180905132159/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/healer-felt-raped-when-blog-post-described-him-as-sleazebag-guru-court-hears/news-story/0e851ecff4b8d282cae8772c7272e44d |archive-date=5 September 2018 |url-status=dead |publisher=News Corp |url-access=subscription |access-date=17 December 2018}}</ref> Later he stated that he takes the subject of rape very seriously.<ref name="madman">{{Cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/spiritual-healer-accuses-barrister-of-trying-to-paint-him-as-madman-20180906-p50267.html |title=Spiritual healer accuses barrister of trying to paint him as 'madman' |last=Whitbourn |first=Michaela |date=6 September 2018 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190110191810/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/spiritual-healer-accuses-barrister-of-trying-to-paint-him-as-madman-20180906-p50267.html |archive-date=10 January 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=20 December 2018}}</ref>

During the 7-week trial, which began in September 2018, Benhayon described himself as a "teacher and practitioner" and also a "business owner". He said his teachings, which are offered as courses, were derived "from the tradition known as the ageless wisdom". He claimed the ageless wisdom had a "very strong lineage that includes the divine messengers", including Hermes, Plato, Pythagoras, Jesus and Muhammad. He told the court that he "had an understanding", which was stronger than a belief, that in one of his many past lives he was Leonardo da Vinci in addition to Pythagoras.<ref name=":13"/><ref name=":14"/><ref name=":16"/> Benhayon told Ms Rockett's barrister, Mr Molomby QC, that he could sense discarnate spirits in the courtroom who were nine feet tall, had no feet, and a "crevasse" where the nose was meant to be. He declined to count them and denied this was because he couldn't really feel their presence, saying "I could [count] if I wanted to but it's not something I practise and it's not something I'm allowed to do".<ref name=":16">{{cite news |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/serge-benhayon-defamation-spirits-in-the-courtroom |title=This Faith Healer Suing For Defamation Says He's The Reincarnation Of Leonardo Da Vinci |last1=Sainty |first1=Lane |date=5 September 2018 |work=Buzzfeed News}}</ref><ref name=":14"/> Under cross-examination, Benhayon also stated that people who abused their authority - such as dictators and corrupt politicians - are reincarnated as disabled children. He agreed that during a Sacred Esoteric Healing course - level 1, that he had said that the Roman emperor Nero continues to reincarnate as an autistic child, while other authority abusers reincarnate as children with Down syndrome or other disabilities.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/5630505/reincarnation-evidence-given-by-nsw-healer/ |title=Reincarnation evidence given by NSW healer |last1=AAP - Scheikowski |first1=Margaret |date=6 September 2018 |work=Newcastle Herald |publisher=Australian Community Media |location=NSW}}</ref>

The four-person jury completed answers to 58 pages of questions, finding in Ms Rockett's favour and against Mr Benhayon. They found it was substantially true to say he led a "socially harmful cult", made "bogus healing claims", "intentionally indecently touched" her and a number of other clients, and as Ms Rockett claimed, that there were "reasonable grounds to believe" Mr Benhayon intentionally sexually preyed upon her and other clients during treatment sessions. It was also found substantially true to say Mr Benhayon "had an "indecent interest in young girls as young as ten whom he causes to stay at his house unaccompanied", "is guilty of inappropriate behaviour with children" and "is dishonest".<ref name=":34">{{Cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/cult-leader-used-defamation-case-to-inflict-pain-on-blogger-court-20181206-p50kkh.html |title='Cult leader' used defamation case to inflict pain on blogger: court |last1=Thompson |first1=Angus |last2=Whitbourn |first2=Michaela |date=6 December 2018 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181206112842/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/cult-leader-used-defamation-case-to-inflict-pain-on-blogger-court-20181206-p50kkh.html |archive-date=6 December 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=27 December 2018}}</ref><ref name=":11"/><ref name=":18"/><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |url=https://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/jury-declares-universal-medicine-leader-exploitative-charlatan |title=Jury declares Universal Medicine leader an exploitative charlatan |last1=Smith |first1=Paul |last2=Wright |first2=Jocelyn |date=16 October 2018 |website=Australian Doctor |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name=":01">{{Cite web |url=https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/5c772e44e4b0196eea404c09 |title=Benhayon v Rockett (No 8) [2019] NSWSC 169 |last=Supreme Court of New South Wales |date=6 December 2018 |website=New South Wales Caselaw}}
* {{cite web |title=Benhayon v Rockett: Jury's findings of imputations proven true |url=https://i.postimg.cc/fwMwz63X/Truth-summary-Benhayon-v-Rockett-No-8-2019-NSWSC-169-6.jpg?dl=1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/r1Myt/6ce14aa86d0485955c5021315db178e6c455b86a |archive-date=2019-03-06}}{{unreliable source?|date=May 2022}}</ref>

The jury found the imputations that he "vilifies people with disabilities", "exploits cancer patients by targeting them to leave him bequests in their wills", "dishonestly promotes fraudulent ideas of karma for self-gain", "denigrates life and glorifies death" and "is a hypocrite because his Esoteric Healing has death as its goal" were also substantially true.<ref name="Echo Oct 2017"/><ref name=":12">{{cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/defamation-loss-for-universal-medicine-founder/3550048/ |title=Spiritual healer 'leader of socially harmful cult': Jury |last=AAP |date=15 October 2018 |work=Northern Star |publisher=News Corp |location=NSW}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{cite news |url=https://www.tenterfieldstar.com.au/story/5702997/defamation-loss-for-nsw-spiritual-healer/ |title=Defamation loss for NSW spiritual healer |last1=AAP - Scheikowski |first1=Margaret |date=15 October 2018 |work=Tenterfield Star |publisher=Australian Community Media}}</ref><ref name=":18"/><ref name=":17"/> The ''Northern Star'' also reported further findings of substantial truth including that "Serge Benhayon engages in inappropriate conduct towards women", "instructed students at Universal Medicine training workshops to touch the genitals of victims of sexual assault", "has engaged in bullying to stop Esther Rockett exposing that he is guilty of inappropriate behaviour with children" and "is not a fit person to hold a Working with Children Certificate".<ref name=":18"/><ref name=":25"/><ref name=":01"/>

The jury found imputations that Benhayon was "delusional", had "a propensity to touch girls inappropriately", "groped the genitals of various women under the guise of treating them" or "instilled fear and guilt in children to get them to do his bidding" were not substantially true, instead they were covered by Rockett's defences of honest opinion and qualified privilege.<ref name=":11"/><ref name=":17"/><ref name="Serge_Activity">{{cite news |title=Serge Activity |date=2 November 2018 |work=[[Private Eye]] |issue=1482 |location=UK |pages=17 |url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DrEOk03WwAAPLZp.jpg |url-status=live |format=JPG |archive-url=https://archive.today/n51nd/12b7bbde2387a000b15a9a8a626dc32a3a7a2904 |archive-date=2018-11-06}}</ref> Serge Benhayon has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.<ref name=":27"/>

The judge declared that Benhayon's failure to accept a settlement offer made early in the proceedings by the defendant was unreasonable, and was quoted as saying that the "unreasonableness of the plaintiff's refusal to accept the offer is illustrated by the apparent appetite for public humiliation of the defendant", and ordered him to pay Rockett's legal costs on an indemnity basis - a higher rate than usually applies.<ref name=":38">{{Cite news |url=https://www.9news.com.au/2019/02/28/16/15/solicitors-for-cult-leader-may-be-probed |title=Solicitors for 'cult leader' may be probed |last=AAP - McPhee |first=Sarah |date=28 February 2019 |website=9 News |location=Australia}}</ref><ref name=":39"/> Benhayon had to pay around $1.2 million to Rockett.<ref name=":45">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/revealed-bloggers-legal-costs-paid-by-cult-leader/3765570/ |title=The high cost of 'cult' leader's failed defamation case |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=28 June 2019 |website=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Benhayon's Sydney barristers were not criticised for their handling of the case and concluded by informing the court that Benhayon "accepts the analysis of the jury's verdict".<ref name=":34"/><ref name=":35">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/how-um-leader-twice-rejected-bloggers-settlement-o/3597814/ |title=How UM leader twice rejected blogger's settlement offer |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=10 December 2018 |website=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

In addition, during final hearings, [[Julia Lonergan|Justice Lonergan]] criticised Benhayon's [[Mullumbimby]]-based lawyers Universal Law, calling solicitor Paula Fletcher's 31-page legal letter sent to the defendant on the day of Rockett's father's funeral "disgraceful" and "demeaning", saying it contained "personal insults" that were "at best, unprofessional and most discourteous" and "at worst, bullying and harassment".<ref name=":32">{{cite news |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/serge-benhayon-esther-rockett-costs-defamation |title=A "Cult Leader" Tried To Inflict "Pain" On A Blogger With Expensive Defamation Cases, Court Hears |last1=Sainty |first1=Lane |date=7 December 2018 |work=Buzzfeed News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/law-firms-demeaning-behaviour-could-spark-action/3660758/ |title=Law firm's 'demeaning' behaviour could spark action |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=1 March 2019 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Lonergan added "there is no place for any such personal remarks and insults in any professional correspondence in legal proceedings" and that the letter "suggests that the solicitor who authored them had a lack of independence from, or objectivity about, the litigation".<ref name=":42">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/court-to-consider-action-on-cult-founders-lawyer/3694959/ |title=Decision pending on conduct of 'cult' leader's lawyer |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=10 April 2019 |work=Northern Star |publisher=News Corp |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{Cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/cult-leader-ordered-to-pay-blogger-s-legal-costs-20190228-p510wj.html |title='Cult leader' ordered to pay blogger's legal costs |last=Whitbourn |first=Michaela |date=28 February 2019 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190228114335/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/cult-leader-ordered-to-pay-blogger-s-legal-costs-20190228-p510wj.html |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=28 February 2019}}</ref> Fletcher's daughter was Benhayon's son's first wife. The judge also commented on other legal demands and machinations from Universal Medicine's legal team regarding a concurrent defamation trial taken out against Rockett in Queensland calling lawyer's actions: "completely preposterous" and "harassment and unreasonable".<ref name=":35"/><ref name=":32"/><ref name=":06">{{Cite web |url=https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/5d12e8c0e4b02a5a800c1eea |title=Benhayon v Rockett (No 10) [2019] NSWSC 792 |last=Supreme Court of New South Wales |date=26 June 2019 |website=www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au |publisher=NSW Caselaw}}</ref> Fletcher also represented UM members and Benhayon associates, Caroline Raphael and the self-"renowned" Ray Karam in those proceedings in the [[Brisbane District Court]]. That case was dismissed.<ref name="costs">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/um-leader-vs-blogger-final-part-hearing-under-way/3594810/ |title=UM leader should not be punished by costs: Barrister |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=6 December 2018 |work=Northern Star |publisher=News Corp |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=":42"/><ref name=":03"/> The judge referred Fletcher to the NSW Legal Services Commissioner for alleged unsatisfactory professional conduct or professional misconduct.<ref name=":45"/><ref name=":46"/><ref name="lawyers">{{cite news |last=Turner |first=Liana |title='Cult' leader's lawyers may face sanctions |work=Northern Star |publisher=News Corp Australia |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/cult-leaders-lawyer-to-be-referred-to-legal-watchd/3764801/ |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

Esther Rockett was bankrupted and made homeless by legal actions initiated by Benhayon and his two associates Raphael and Karam.<ref name=":45"/><ref name=":34"/> In September 2019, Benhayon and seven other UM members published online retractions and apologies for articles written about Rockett and removed the offending online articles. The apologies were published over three UM websites by authors Simon Asquith, Rachel Hall and Serge Benhayon, and by website administrators Alison Greig, Jonathan Baldwin, Desiree Delaloye, Ray Karam and Isabella Benhayon.<ref name=":08">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/cult-leader-issues-unreserved-apology-to-blogger/3832455/ |title='Cult' leader issues 'unreserved' apology to blogger |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=17 September 2019 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW}}</ref>

=== Failed attempts to have UM critic criminally charged ===
The ABC reported that in 2015, Eric Walsh a UM member and [[South Australian]] (SA) police Sergeant, had coached 30 other UM adherents in attempts to have UM critic Esther Rockett criminally charged by making complaints to the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) and NSW police. The ABC obtained exchanged messages and emails, including 800 and 900 word documents from Walsh directing UM complainants on how to file police reports and pressure a Byron Bay detective. Walsh also sought advice from his SA police colleagues on ways to silence online criticism of UM. Serge Benhayon had encouraged his actions, responding: "This is Gold, Eric... Let's make Esther... 'famous' with the police". The extensive six month bid to have Rockett charged, failed with NSW police and ACORN finding the claims, including inciting violence, were baseless. Walsh is an active UM devotee attending UM retreats and promoting the UM men's group Unfolding Men.<ref name="Sgt_Walsh" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/police-officer-accused-of-targeting-critic-of-harmful-cult/ |title=Police Officer Accused of Targeting Critic of 'Harmful Cult' |last=Holmes |first=Zeb |date=22 August 2019 |website=Sydney Criminal Lawyers}}</ref>

=== UK child protection court case ===

In January 2020, Judge James Meston QC ruled that a mother must make "an immediate and definitive break" from "Universal Medicine... a cult with some potentially harmful and sinister elements" or face losing custody of her daughter. He also found evidence put forward by the father "relating to the harmful and potentially harmful influence and effect of Universal Medicine to be compelling." The ruling, that the mother should "give formal, clear and specific undertakings" to the court that she would disassociate herself and her child "from Universal Medicine and from its specific practices" was appealed by the child's father. In May 2020, three senior judges allowed the appeal, saying the girl "must be distanced entirely from Universal Medicine" and that the mother's involvement with the cult is a "pervasive source of ongoing harm" to the young girl. [[Peter Jackson (judge)|Lord Justice Peter Jackson]], sitting with [[Richard McCombe|Lord Justice McCombe]] and [[Eleanor King (judge)|Lady Justice King]], said: "Shared care can therefore only continue if the mother makes an immediate and definitive break from the organisation. Otherwise Lara (not the child's real name) should move to live with her father full time and have supervised contact with her mother."<ref>{{Cite news |title=Mum told to leave "harmful and sinister cult" or face losing custody of daughter |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mum-told-leave-harmful-sinister-21948582 |last=Kershaw |first=Alison |date=2020-04-29 |website=mirror.co.uk |publisher=MGN Limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502030425/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mum-told-leave-harmful-sinister-21948582 |archive-date=2020-05-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Re S (A Child) [2020] EWCA Civ 568 |url=https://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed210729 |last=Approved Judgment |date=29 April 2020 |website=Family Law Week |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502065422/https://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed210729 |archive-date=2020-05-02}}</ref><ref name="Times May 2020">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=David |date=2020-05-02 |title=Court tells mother to break with Universal Medicine 'cult' |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/mother-told-by-court-of-appeal-to-break-with-universal-medicine-cult-tw55lsrff |work=[[The Times]] |location=UK |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200502034421/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mother-told-by-court-of-appeal-to-break-with-universal-medicine-cult-tw55lsrff |archive-date=2020-05-02 |url-status=live |issn=0140-0460}}</ref>

In July 2020, the mother lost custody of her daughter after failing to make a "full-hearted" break from the cult and its "harmful teachings and beliefs". The court ruled that her involvement with the group was a "source of ongoing harm" to the child.<ref name="irishexaminer">{{cite news |last1=Kershaw |first1=Alison |title=Mother loses custody after failing to make 'full-hearted' break from 'harmful' cult in UK |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-40018688.html |work=Irish Examiner |date=2020-07-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721120022/https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-40018688.html |archive-date=2020-07-21 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Royal Courts of Justice |date=2020-07-15 |title=Re S (Parental Alienation: Cult: Transfer of Primary Care) Case No: ZC19P00137 |url=https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Fam/2020/1940.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200722130037/https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Fam/2020/1940.html |archive-date=2020-07-22 |website=BAILII |publisher=England and Wales High Court (Family Division) Decisions}}</ref>

=== Other privacy and confidentiality issues ===

An ex-patient and [[Health Care Complaints Commission|HCCC]] complainant, who was vilified on Universal Medicine websites said the organisation accuses "everyone else of [[cyberbullying]] while embarking on a systematic, online pack hunt". Numerous students of the organisation unknown to the complainant have openly disputed her medical conditions online. Benhayon has defended the group's right to do so.<ref name="DailyTelegraph"/><ref name="TelegraphBullied"/>

The former Queensland mental health commissioner was scathing of Universal Medicine after the UM "Facts Team" breached privacy and published an ex-UM client's full name, image and schizophrenia diagnosis online after he criticised them. Prior to the outing in 2018 the man had been anonymous. The former commissioner Lesley van Schoubroeck said:
:it is "entirely inappropriate for any organisation, particularly one purporting to be a health organisation, to publicly reveal identifying information of anyone's diagnosis, be it mental health or physical health" and "people with schizophrenia suffer stigma and discrimination in the workplace and in the community".<ref name=":5"/>
When interviewed by the ABC the ex-client expressed concern about his future job prospects owing to the privacy breach.<ref name=":5"/>

== Criticism removed from Google searches ==

Universal Medicine uses the services of private investigations firm Phoenix Global for online [[reputation management]].<ref name="TelegraphBullied"/><ref name="ChillingEffects"/><ref name="aus-picaresque">{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/weekend-australian-magazine/gold-coast-developer-tony-smith-and-his-strange-journey/news-story/e63f5d626dcfee147970e4617570d1c3 |title=Gold Coast developer Tony Smith and his strange journey |last=Guilliatt |first=Richard |date=16 April 2016 |work=The Australian |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171017223413/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/weekend-australian-magazine/gold-coast-developer-tony-smith-and-his-strange-journey/news-story/e63f5d626dcfee147970e4617570d1c3 |archive-date=17 October 2017 |url-status=dead |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Benhayon says he has nothing to hide and claims the print media has printed "scurrilous lies" and "that the false allegations are nothing but an orchestrated vindictive attack".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=http://au.news.yahoo.com:80/today-tonight/lifestyle/article/-/14419028/healing-gurus-cult-resort/ |title=Healing guru's 'cult resort' |last=Doorley |first=Neil |date=31 July 2012 |website=Today Tonight - 7 Network |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603014058/http://au.news.yahoo.com/today-tonight/lifestyle/article/-/14419028/healing-gurus-cult-resort/ |archive-date=3 June 2013 |via=Yahoo!7}}
{{cite AV media |title=Universal Medicine Cult |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hTjrQocAXw |publisher=Today Tonight |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref name="ABC1">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2012/07/24/3552125.htm |title=The owner of a controversial north coast health centre says claims that it offers alternative cancer treatments are false |last1=MacKenzie |first1=B |date=25 July 2012 |work=ABC North Coast |last2=Frazier |first2=J |location=NSW Australia}}</ref><ref name=":04">{{Cite news |url=https://www.echo.net.au/2012/07/its-a-smear-campaign-health-group-leader/ |title=It's a smear campaign: health-group leader |last=Feliu |first=Luis |date=26 July 2012 |work=Echonetdaily |location=Byron Bay NSW}}</ref> He and his associates had submitted numerous legal complaints to [[Google]] Australia to remove links to Internet news articles, websites or blogs that might question or criticise UM.<ref name="doubtful"/><ref name=":46"/> Google Australia reportedly acted on complaints about more than 15 independent websites, as well as reports from seven news organisations.<ref name="ChillingEffects"/><ref name="ChillingEffects2">{{cite web |url=https://www.chillingeffects.org/notices/315766# |author=Universal Law via Chilling Effects |date=2013-02-05 |title=Infringement Notification via Websearch Complaint |work=[[Chilling Effects]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150105113148/https://www.chillingeffects.org/notices/315766 |archive-date=2015-01-05}}</ref> According to a report in ''[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|The Daily Telegraph]]'', 36 blogs had been removed. Links to television news reports, ABC radio reports and newspaper articles critical of Universal Medicine had also been removed from Google search results.<ref name="TelegraphBullied"/><ref name="ChillingEffects2"/> According to the affected parties, Google undertook the removals without court orders or notifying publishers.<ref name=":46"/><ref name="doubtful"/>

== Subsidiary and affiliated companies and organisations ==

Universal Medicine comprises a number of companies and organisations based in Australia and the UK.

{{columns-list|colwidth=35em|
* All Rise Say No to Cyber Abuse PRI/LBG/NSC (UK)
* Ballina Men's Circle
* College of Universal Medicine<ref name=":47" /><ref name=":6"/> (Aus registered charity)
* EPA EU/UK (Esoteric Practitioners Association)
* Esoteric Practitioners Association Pty Ltd<ref name=":0"/><ref name=":30"/>
* Esoteric Women's Health Pty Ltd<ref name=":27">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/um-linked-events-could-be-banned-by-council/3575327/ |title=UM-linked events could be banned by council |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=14 November 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
* Evolve College (formerly Australian College of Massage)
* Fabic Pty Ltd<ref name="fabic">{{Cite news |url=https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/lifestyle/universal-medicine-leader-message-promoted-by-gold-coast-behavioural-clinic-fabic-through-tanya-curtis/news-story/81c771ac018c75c618b6733a5b15c205 |title=Gold Coast cult: Universal Medicine leader message promoted by behavioural clinic Fabic through Tanya Curtis |last=Payne |first=Kirstin |date=2019-03-01 |newspaper=Gold Coast Bulletin |publisher=News Corp |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200720011353/https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/lifestyle/universal-medicine-leader-message-promoted-by-gold-coast-behavioural-clinic-fabic-through-tanya-curtis/news-story/81c771ac018c75c618b6733a5b15c205 |archive-date=20 July 2020 |access-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live}}
* {{cite news |title=My Cult Hero |newspaper=Gold Coast Bulletin |url=https://i.postimg.cc/gzXvzSKs/gcb.jpg?dl=1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/cy3G2/4aadbd5a8478f05a48c9d036d41cebf1fe4415bf |archive-date=2019-03-01}}</ref><ref name="NDIS"/>
* Featherlight Productions
* Fiery Investments Pty Ltd, Fiery Impulses Pty Ltd<ref name="SMHherbal"/>
* Foundational Breast Care Ltd
* Gentle Rhythms<ref name="robotics">{{Cite web |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/15m-pledged-100-jobs-promised-but-robotics-firm-fa/3666873/ |title=$1.5m pledged, 100 jobs promised but robotics firm falters |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=8 March 2019 |website=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
* Glorious Music<ref name="TelegraphControl">{{cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/universal-medicines-serge-benhayon-controlled-every-aspect-of-our-lives/news-story/da96ec802b05c36576fbf71874cca24a |title=Universal Medicine's Serge Benhayon controlled every aspect of our lives |last=Hansen |first=Jane |date=22 June 2014 |work=The Daily Telegraph |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701111437/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/universal-medicines-serge-benhayon-controlled-every-aspect-of-our-lives/news-story/da96ec802b05c36576fbf71874cca24a |archive-date=1 July 2016 |url-status=live |location=Sydney}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/children-under-facs-care-were-referred-to-um/3582704/ |title=Complaints about UM made to FACS as early as 2013 |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=22 November 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
* Innermost Beauty
* Kids in Connection<ref name=":23">{{Cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-22/child-protection-agency-linked-to-harmful-cult-activities-nsw/10517954 |title=NSW child protection agency advocated 'harmful cult' activities in girls' care plans |last=Robertson |first=Josh |date=22 November 2018 |work=ABC News |location=Auastralia}}
** {{cite AV media |title=Child protection agency advocated 'harmful cult' activities in care plans |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2Y3YoTefgA |publisher=ABC News |location=Australia |via=YouTube}}</ref>
* Living Medicine<ref name=":28"/>
* Love Camp
* Real Media Real Change Pty Ltd<ref name="MensConference">{{cite news |url=http://www.echo.net.au/2013/11/benhayon-link-to-lennox-conference/ |title=Benhayon link to Lennox conference |last=Dobney |first=Chris |date=15 November 2013 |work=Echonetdaily |location=Byron Bay NSW}}</ref><ref name=":28"/>
* Simple Living Global
* Sound Foundation Community Care<ref name="Private Eye 1359"/><ref name="Serge_Activity"/> (UK registered charity)
* Spherical Living Ltd (UK)<ref name="Private Eye 1359"/><ref name="Serge_Activity"/>
* Teachers are Gold<ref name=":19">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/universal-medicine-harvested-client-info-court-tol/3521474/ |title=Universal Medicine 'harvested' client info, court told |last=McKeith |first=Sam |date=14 September 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
* The Co-Creative
* The Girl to Woman Festival<ref name=":23"/><ref name="scam">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northweststar.com.au/story/5650271/sued-woman-tells-jury-of-healing-scam/ |title=Sued woman tells jury of healing 'scam' |last=AAP - Scheikowski |first=Margaret |date=17 September 2018 |work=The North West Star |publisher=Australian Community Media |location=Qld}}</ref><ref name=":29"/>
* The Girl to Woman Project<ref name=":24">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/lynch-mob-mentality-sees-festival-cancelled/3581642/ |title='Lynch mob mentality' forced cancellation of UM-linked event |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=21 November 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
* Total Health 'From Inside Out' Pty Ltd
* True Movement<ref name=":19"/>
* UM Cold Storage & Warehousing
* Unfolding Men<ref name="Sgt_Walsh">{{Cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-14/universal-medicine-police-officer-led-campaign-against-blogger/11408182 |title='This is gold, Eric': Police officer helped 'dangerous cult' members in campaign against online critic |last=Robertson |first=Josh |date=14 August 2019 |work=ABC News |location=Australia}}
** {{cite AV media |title='This is gold, Eric': Police officer helped 'dangerous cult' members in campaign against critic |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLkHXLe37YU |publisher=ABC News |location=Australia |via=YouTube}}</ref>
* UniMed Brisbane Pty Ltd<ref name="NDIS">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/teacher-in-harmful-cult-gets-ndis-funds/news-story/2cd6b94b90a080482cddf37db62945ea |title=Teacher in 'harmful cult' gets NDIS funds |last=Morton |first=Rick |date=31 October 2018 |website=The Australian |publisher=News Corp |language=en |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181030164249/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/teacher-in-harmful-cult-gets-ndis-funds/news-story/2cd6b94b90a080482cddf37db62945ea |archive-date=30 October 2018 |url-status=dead |access-date=30 October 2018}}</ref>
* UniMed Living<ref name=":8"/>
* UniMed Perth
* UniMed Publishing
* Universal Healing Symbols
* Universal Law<ref name=":38"/><ref name=":39"/><ref name="costs"/>
* Universal Medicine Deutschland, Köln
* Universal Medicine Pty Ltd
* Universal Medicine/The Universal Family (Discretionary) Trust
* Universal Medicine UK Ltd<ref name="Private Eye 1359"/><ref name="scb_ukco">{{Cite news |last=Companies House UK |url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/officers/-R8Rr4wpTaKVYWyWiCxLDYcTNGc/appointments |title=Simone C Benhayon appointments |date=2 January 2019 |access-date=2 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="CompaniesHouseUMUK"/>
* Von Innen Heilen, Psychotherapie & Massagetherapie, Sprötze (Hamburg)
* 'Women in Livingness' Magazine<ref name=":05">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/sex-bomb-benhayon-to-host-womens-workshop/3648930/ |title='Sex bomb' Benhayon to host women's workshop |date=15 February 2019 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.universalmedicine.com.au Universal Medicine website]
* [http://www.cultconsulting.org/cults-mind-control/ Cult Consulting Australia (previously called 'Cult Counselling Australia')]
* [https://youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=kASJzrPl_9Y Vice Media - The "Socially Harmful" Cult that Believes in Aliens & Double Orgasms] (7 April 2021)
* [https://www.ltaspod.com/18 Let's Talk About Sects: Universal Medicine - podcast] / [https://archive.today/20191217024624/https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bkhab-IKfrcLrVJvzrjEF45Pz3hxuJPW/edit Transcript] (16 October 2019)
* [https://youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=DkSQTMHJK4c 7 Network Sunday Night current affairs TV program, Investigation into Universal Medicine] (18 February 2019)
* {{Cite web |url=https://www.dropbox.com/s/g41ecsh605nkg1n/2015-02-13%20-%20ATO%20letter%20to%20CoUM.pdf |title=Revocation of Charity DGR status - Australian Tax Office letter to College of UM |author=Deputy Commissioner of Taxation |date=2015-02-13 |work=Australian Taxation Office |location=NSW |url-status=live |archive-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803225329/https://www.dropbox.com/s/g41ecsh605nkg1n/2015-02-13%20-%20ATO%20letter%20to%20CoUM.pdf |access-date=3 August 2020}}
* {{Cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/universal-medicine-the-burping-cult-wrecking-lives-from-a-somerset-b-amp-b-zkp7dpdgv |title=Universal Medicine: the burping cult wrecking lives from a Somerset B&B |author=Kinchen, Rosie |date=2020-05-10 |work=The Sunday Times |location=London, UK |url-access=limited |archive-date=2020-05-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200510043953/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/universal-medicine-the-burping-cult-wrecking-lives-from-a-somerset-b-amp-b-zkp7dpdgv}}
* Rockett, Esther (24 January 2020) [https://www.justice.nsw.gov.au/justicepolicy/Documents/review-model-defamation-provisions-amendments/esther-rockett-mdap-submission.pdf Submission to Council of Attorneys-General re Universal Medicine] - ''NSW Communities & Justice [https://www.justice.nsw.gov.au/justicepolicy/Pages/lpclrd/lpclrd_consultation/review-model-defamation-provisions.aspx Review of Model Defamation Provisions]'' NSW, Australia

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[[Category:Alternative medicine organizations]]
[[Category:New religious movements established in the 1990s]]
[[Category:Theosophist groups]]
[[Category:Supernatural healing]]