Earlier this year, Louis Theroux’s show on Netflix, “Inside the Manosphere,” delved into the rising influence of the ultra-masculine network, spearheaded by figures such as self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate, in the US and the UK. However, for the BBC World Service documentary “Manosphere Messiahs,” investigative reporter Jacqui Wakefield dedicated a year to studying the impact of manosphere heavyweights El Temach (Luis Castilleja) in Mexico, boasting over 7.3 million TikTok followers and 2 million on Instagram, and Andrew Kibe in Kenya, with 464,000 Instagram followers and 530 million TikTok views.
According to Wakefield, content creators in developing nations are inspired by the success of individuals like Andrew Tate and HS TikkyTokky, aspiring to attain the fame, wealth, and influence associated with them.
The same manosphere jargon popularized by Andrew Tate, who is currently facing serious allegations, is being echoed by influencers like former DJ Kibe. Jacqui highlights the ambiguity surrounding whether influencers like Kibe genuinely believe their rhetoric or are simply seeking to amass followers.
Following interviews with impacted women, Wakefield underscores the significant negative repercussions. For instance, Kenyan student Joy reveals that female student union candidates required a male student alongside them for election success, indicating a deteriorating situation.
Wakefield notes that Kibe’s followers perceive women as less competent and unworthy of leadership roles, showcasing a detrimental mindset perpetuated by manosphere ideals.
Dr. Awino Okech, a Feminist Studies professor at SOAS University, sheds light on the social challenges faced by men and boys attracted to figures like Kibe. She emphasizes that these individuals often have genuine mental health struggles and lack the resources for a fulfilling life, leading them to blame women for societal issues.
In Mexico, El Temach disseminates testosterone-fueled content promoting self-improvement to his 11 million followers, including rhetoric disparaging liberal women. His sister Alex expresses astonishment at his transformation and suggests that he emulates Andrew Tate without a clear understanding of feminism.
One victim, Fernanda, recounts how manosphere teachings turned her former boyfriend, whom she met during medical school, into a controlling and aggressive individual, citing El Temach’s influence.
Ultimately, Wakefield concludes that social media has become a global platform breeding misogyny on an unprecedented scale, with its reach expanding rapidly.
“Manosphere Messiahs” can be accessed on BBC Sounds.