Women and the White Nationalist Movement

The G-Man Interviews: Acacia Dietz

Former NSM Member Discusses the Roles Females
Play and Her Effort to Deradicalize Current Members

(Produced by Gary Glennell Toms)

Click on the white arrow in the audio box to listen to the podcast.

 

Welcome.

Daughter of a preacher and raised in an ultra-conservative Christian community, Acacia Dietz never thought she would ever become involved in an extremist group. After leaving a dysfunctional, abusive relationship, she became involved with far-right communities through social media. Eventually, she became a member of the National Socialist Movement (NSM) and served as its media manager. Motivated by concerns for women’s safety, she thought she could take refuge and find a purpose in the NSM. However, she quickly began to doubt her choices.

Dietz, pictured with former National Socialist Movement leader Jeff Schoep, now works with Schoep to help people avoid and leave extremist organizations. “Back then, I thought I knew everything. I had no idea how far down the rabbit hole I’d fallen. Things just got darker and darker, and I realized I had to get out,” said Dietz. 

After the 2019 Christchurch massacre in New Zealand, which claimed the lives of over 50 people and injured 40 others, she realized she had to leave the organization. Now, as a managing director with Beyond Barriers, she works to prevent others from becoming involved with extremist groups and racist organizations. Ms. Dietz is also is responsible for the non-profit organization’s marketing, promotions and outreach. She produces and co-hosts the Beyond Barriers Podcast with former NSM founder Jeff Schoep and is a public speaker on extremism and disengagement.

Ms. Dietz can be reached at acacia@beyondbarriersusa.org or info@beyondbarriersusa.org.

Photo credit: Acacia Dietz