Jimmy Savile and the Manosphere: Exploring Online Extremism
It’s been over 30 years since Louis Theroux began his career as a documentarian, and he’s consistently tackled challenging and often disturbing subjects. His latest Netflix film, Inside the Manosphere, released on March 11th, represents what he jokingly calls “the final boss battle” in his career. Theroux describes the manosphere as a convergence of cult-like groups, misogyny, adult content, and often, racism – all taboo areas he’s explored throughout his work.
The Allure and Danger of the Manosphere
Theroux was drawn to the manosphere not only by its pervasiveness but also by the unique challenge of filming subjects who actively film him, turning his presence into content for their channels. The manosphere is a broad term encompassing figures ranging from popular podcasters like Joe Rogan to fitness influencers and cryptocurrency enthusiasts. However, Theroux’s documentary focuses on the extreme fringes, those who deliberately push racist and misogynistic content to attract young viewers.
“The aim isn’t just to push toxic content,” Theroux explains. “That’s the entry point, the way they grab attention. But the real goal is to engage young boys and sell them products – often dubious financial schemes or overpriced online courses. It’s a cynical grift.”
Key Figures and Unreachable Targets
Theroux’s investigation led him to interview several prominent figures within the manosphere, including HSTikkyTokky (Harrison Sullivan), Sneako (Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy), Myron Gaines, and Justin Waller. He previously filmed with Anthime Gionet (Baked Alaska) and Nick Fuentes, offering glimpses into this world. However, one key figure remained elusive: Andrew Tate, the former kickboxer facing serious allegations of rape and human trafficking.
Tate dismissed Theroux’s relevance, sharing a Google Trends graph seemingly demonstrating his greater search interest. Theroux wryly pointed out that, at the time of the exchange, his search interest had actually surpassed Tate’s. Gaines, Sullivan, Tate, Waller, and De Balinthazy did not respond to requests for comment from WIRED.
The Power of Money and Performance
A recurring theme throughout the documentary is the central role of money. Theroux observed that for many influencers, profit is the primary motivator. He recounts a revealing conversation with HSTikkyTokky, who admitted that his success was directly tied to his willingness to embrace controversial content. “It’s highly profitable to be a dick on the internet,” Theroux notes.
However, Theroux also recognizes a performative aspect to much of the manosphere’s extremism. He observes that some figures seem to be playing a role, exaggerating their views for engagement. “There’s definitely an element of pretending to be horrific in order to get people to engage,” he says. “But what makes it more difficult is that there is also horrific stuff happening.”
A Warning for the Digital Age
Inside the Manosphere serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online extremism and the power of algorithms to amplify harmful content. Theroux hopes the documentary will raise awareness among parents, educators, and young people themselves, encouraging critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping online culture. As he concludes, this is a landscape we all need to understand, especially as manosphere talking points increasingly influence those in positions of power.
Further Reading: WIRED’s coverage of geopolitical tensions and the debate surrounding AI and ethical considerations.
