Trending Now: Louis Theroux says ‘medieval’ manosphere spreads ‘poisonous’ views to teenage boys – Fans React

Theroux warned of “medieval” misogyny in online manosphere as he discussed his new Netflix documentary

Broadcaster Louis Theroux has described the views promoted by online “manosphere” influencers as “medieval” while discussing his latest Netflix documentary examining the rise of digital misogyny and its influence on young audiences. The new documentary, Inside The Manosphere, follows Theroux as he immerses himself in online communities dominated by social media personalities who promote male supremacy and sexist attitudes towards women.

It explores how these figures shape the beliefs of young boys and men who increasingly consume information through online creators rather than traditional media. Speaking on the Dish from Waitrose podcast, hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Nick Grimshaw and chef Angela Hartnett, the 55 year old filmmaker reflected on the challenges of making the programme and the culture he encountered while filming.

“It was stressful to make. It’s about the manosphere, if you know the term,” Theroux said. “It’s this culture of misogynistic and toxic influences, men who believe in male supremacy – Andrew Tate’s probably the most famous example.

“Our (documentary) takes place with me in the world of those influencers. I investigate, spend time among them, try to get to know them.” The documentary features interactions with several prominent online figures, including influencer Andrew Tate, internet personality Sneako and Harrison Sullivan, better known online as HSTikkyTokky.

Theroux said these creators command enormous online reach and influence. “These streamers enjoy huge virality and have huge social media followers,” he explained.

During the interview, Theroux described younger generations as increasingly shaped by digital culture, suggesting many now form their understanding of the world through online personalities rather than established public figures.

He referred to young people as “creatures of the internet”, noting that influencers have effectively become modern celebrities for teenage audiences.

“It’s a strange thing to reflect on,” he said.

“For the older generation, they’re like: ‘Who are these troglodytic figures?’ Like these sort of strange, backward-looking, like, retrograde avatars of, a kind of mediaeval mindset. Do you know what I mean?

“Of, like: ‘Oh, women shouldn’t vote. Women are stupid’ – is something they say.

“But actually, for … young teenage boys across Western Europe, across America, that’s, those are their pop stars, in a way.”

Theroux added that making the documentary helped him better understand how misinformation spreads through parasocial relationships, where audiences feel a personal connection to influencers they have never met.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines a parasocial relationship as a bond someone feels with a famous person despite having no real life interaction.

He warned that such relationships allow questionable ideas and false information to gain credibility among followers.

“Whether it’s a conspiracy theory or some patently false piece of fake scientific knowledge or just attitudes that are in themselves, poisonous, antisocial – (influencers) have currency,” he said.

“(This information) is being presented by people who have a huge rapport with their fan bases, this sort of parasocial relationship that they have with their people who listen to them, so they accept all of that.

“I think it’s probably the right reaction to feel disturbed and troubled and at the same time to recognise that, for kids, this is normal content.”

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the manosphere as websites and online discussion groups focused on men’s interests and rights, often associated with opposition to feminism or hostility towards women.

The full interview with Louis Theroux is available on the Dish from Waitrose podcast.