In his chilling documentary Inside the Manosphere, released this month, Louis Theroux shines a spotlight on a growing online trend that’s taking hold of young men around the world—an extreme and toxic form of masculinity that promotes misogyny, self-obsession, and a rejection of feminism. Through a deep dive into the “manosphere,” Theroux exposes the influencers who are preying on the insecurities of young boys and exploiting their vulnerabilities for profit.
The documentary quickly shot to the top of Netflix’s trending list, sparking serious concerns about the impact these figures are having on their audiences, particularly vulnerable young men. As Theroux highlights, the danger isn’t just in the toxic messages these influencers are spreading about women, but in how they’re using these messages to profit from their followers. “We should absolutely expose and be aware of anyone who disparages and denigrates women,” Theroux says in the film. “But alongside that, these guys are preying on young men, cultivating insecurities. I think things may get worse before they get better.”
So, who exactly are the manosphere influencers that parents should be aware of? These personalities are not only promoting dangerous and harmful ideologies but are also making significant money by capitalizing on the frustrations and vulnerabilities of young men searching for guidance. Let’s look at some of the most influential figures in this disturbing movement.
Andrew Tate – The Face of the Manosphere Movement
Arguably the most infamous figure in the manosphere is Andrew Tate, a former kickboxing champion and reality TV star who has become the figurehead for this dangerous movement. With a massive following of 11 million people on X (formerly Twitter), Tate has used his platform to proudly label himself as the “world’s first and original truly global misogynist.” His views on women are deeply troubling—he has openly called them “sex workers” and repeatedly voiced his belief that women have no place in society outside of serving men.
Tate’s journey into infamy began after his removal from the UK reality show Big Brother in 2016, following the emergence of disturbing videos that showed him whipping a woman with a belt. Tate defended the incident, claiming it was consensual. However, his public image has since spiraled into extreme misogyny and anti-feminist rhetoric, gaining traction particularly among young men who view his views as a form of empowerment.
His rise has been so significant that the UK government announced a new £20 million scheme to educate young boys about the dangers of misogyny, as part of a strategy to reduce violence against women and girls. This move was prompted by research revealing that four out of ten young men held positive views toward sexist commentators like Tate. As part of this, secondary schools across England are now required to teach students about healthy and respectful relationships.
Beyond his controversial rhetoric, Tate has also made millions from his followers through his subscription-based online platform, The Real World, which teaches alternative income generation techniques such as cryptocurrency trading. The platform charges $99 to $499 a month for access, and despite Tate’s legal troubles—he is currently facing multiple charges including rape, assault, human trafficking, and controlling prostitution—his business is booming, reportedly generating up to $5.65 million a month.
Hamza Ahmed – The Self-Proclaimed ‘Cult Leader’
Another rising star in the manosphere is Hamza Ahmed, a YouTuber and self-help influencer with over 2 million subscribers. At just 28 years old, Ahmed has positioned himself as a mentor for young men seeking “self-improvement.” His YouTube channel is filled with videos boasting titles like “Society Failed MEN”, “How to Win a Street Fight”, and “How Girls REALLY Want You to Talk to Them”.
In his videos, Ahmed claims that Western men—particularly white men from America, Europe, and Australia—are struggling with women because they have come from “feminist cultures with weaker fathers.” His extreme views echo themes of racial and gender division, with Ahmed suggesting that traditional masculinity is under attack.
One of Ahmed’s more controversial beliefs is the promotion of “looksmaxxing,” a practice originating in incel culture where men attempt to improve their physical appearance through both basic grooming and extreme measures such as surgery or extreme dieting. Ahmed even goes as far as to promote these practices on his paid platform, Adonis, where he claims to offer courses to help young men build their influence and cultivate a “cult-like” following. For a subscription fee of $47 to $247 a month, followers can learn how to become successful influencers, with Ahmed promising to teach them how to create content and grow an online audience.
Myron Gaines – The Host of the Controversial ‘Fresh and Fit’ Podcast
One of the most divisive figures in the manosphere is Myron Gaines, the host of the popular but controversial Fresh and Fit Podcast. Alongside his co-host Walter Weekes, Gaines has built an online following by providing what he calls the “TRUTH” to men about women, finances, and fitness. The podcast frequently features debates between the hosts and OnlyFans models, in which Gaines and Weekes attempt to “demolish” the models’ arguments, usually with degrading language and misogynistic insults.
Gaines’ inflammatory rhetoric was on full display in Louis Theroux’s documentary, where Gaines argued that men should have “multiple wives” in relationships while maintaining strict monogamy for their female partners. His openly misogynistic views and problematic behavior, including calling female guests names like “fat fing bh,” have made him a polarizing figure in the manosphere.
In the documentary, Theroux probes Gaines on his controversial views, which led to a tense exchange and later prompted Gaines to call Theroux a “liar” on his podcast. Gaines also used offensive slurs during a response to viewers who disagreed with his views, further cementing his status as a toxic influence on his growing audience.
Adin Ross – The Streamer with a Platform for Hate
Adin Ross, a popular online streamer, rose to fame on Twitch by filming himself playing video games. Over time, Ross built a massive following and became known for his ties to Andrew Tate. Ross has supported Tate throughout his legal troubles and continues to promote his views, calling Tate’s actions “God’s work.” In fact, Ross was reportedly one of the few people allowed to visit Tate while he was in detention in Romania.
However, Ross’ behavior has also sparked controversy. He has faced multiple bans on Twitch for promoting “hateful conduct,” including uncensored racist and anti-Semitic comments from his fans. Since moving to the platform Kick, Ross continues to spread toxic messages and has faced criticism for endorsing hateful ideologies in his streams.
HSTikkyTokky – A Rising Star with a Dark Side
Harrison Sullivan, known online as HSTikkyTokky, has made a name for himself in the manosphere through TikTok, where he promotes an ultra-lavish lifestyle funded by his followers. Sullivan’s narrative of extreme wealth and success has turned him into a sought-after influencer, though investigations have revealed that his supposed wealth may not be as genuine as it seems. He has openly promoted gambling firms and get-rich-quick schemes, using his platform to sell dreams of financial success that are often unattainable.
Sullivan’s disturbing actions took a darker turn in 2024 when he fled the scene of a McLaren car crash after speeding at over 100 mph in Surrey. He later fled the country, avoiding court hearings and continuing to flaunt his wealth. When Theroux confronted him for his disturbing actions, Sullivan revealed just how far he would go to seek clout, even using sexualized videos for attention.
Conclusion: A Dangerous Trend That Needs To Be Addressed
The figures emerging from the manosphere are not just influencing the next generation of men—they’re profiting off their vulnerabilities and insecurities. As Louis Theroux’s documentary highlights, these influencers prey on young boys, offering a false sense of empowerment while spreading deeply toxic ideologies that harm both men and women. It is crucial that parents are aware of these figures and the influence they wield over their children. This dangerous movement is growing, and without intervention, it could have lasting consequences for both the individuals involved and society at large.
