Louis Theroux declares what he really thinks of the ‘manosphere’
Ahead of the release of his new documentary on the subject, Louis Theroux said the rise of the online “manosphere” reflects a troubling mix of misogyny, racism and self-constructed online identities.
Louis Theroux says the rise of the online “manosphere” reflects a troubling mix of misogyny, racism and self-constructed online identities.
The documentarian, 55, made the comments while discussing his new feature-length Netflix documentary Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere, which examines the influencers shaping young men’s views about masculinity.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session ahead of the documentary’s release, Louis addressed criticism about whether the programme risks amplifying the views of those featured.
According to the Radio Times, he said he objects to the suggestion his documentary simply platforms toxic voices.
Louis added: “You could have someone on a podcast and say, ‘Just tell me what you think for an hour’.
“Or you can put them in a documentary and work really hard to give it a sense of context, of proportion, and push back with appropriate questions, which is obviously what I think we do.”
Louis said the film attempts to show the nature of the online content produced by figures within the movement.
He added: “So I think it's appropriate for the film to feature moments judiciously in which they express the version of what they really believe.”
Louis added examining such material was necessary for viewers to understand the nature of the online communities involved.
His 90-minute Manosphere film sees him travel to meet several prominent online figures associated with the movement, including Harrison Sullivan, known online as HS Tikky Tokky, Myron Gaines, Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy – known as Sneako – Justin Waller and Ed Matthews.
The documentary follows Louis as he immerses himself in their content “ecosystem”, exploring how social media personalities are reshaping conversations around masculinity and reviving ideas associated with the men’s rights movement.
The project marks Louis’ first feature-length documentary for Netflix and comes almost a year after his previous television film.
Louis said his interest in the “manosphere” developed during the Covid pandemic lockdowns, when increased online activity among young people brought the topic to his attention.
He said: “As a father of three boys, (it) was something I was aware of.”
Louis added: “Like a lot of parents in lockdown, I saw my kids' social media content, and Andrew Tate was a name that came up, and I think it felt like this subject just combined a lot of things that I'm interested in.
“I've been joking that it's like the final boss of subjects in my career.”
He added: “And it combines obviously homophobic, misogynistic, racist content, also kind of adult content, adjacent and cult-like mentality and media self-presentation.”
Louis said: “So basically, it just seemed like the most obvious and best choice to make a film.”
