The Rise And Fall Of The Manson Family Cult

How did Charles Manson, the infamous leader of The Manson Family cult, recruit his followers to kill pregnant actress Sharon Tate, and others, for him? Merle and Joyce talk to the youngest surviving ex-member of the infamous cult as they delve into the rise and fall of the Manson Family.
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VIDEO
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EXTERNAL CREDITS
Tara Olayeye

[@lauraisawesification]

Omg when she said her arresting officer took her in as a foster after she got out of the hospital, my heart. I’m so glad she had someone there to show her what true unconditional love and respect is ♥️

[@sheilarough236]

The prosecutor who convicted child murderer, Diane Downs, ended up adopting Downs 2 older surviving children.

[@undrwatropium3724]

Dianne Lake has a book called Member of the family

[@alexagunnell40]

Literally started crying when she said her arresting officer fostered her. There really is some good left in the world

[@argylethedead]

Cults y'all should check out: The Ant Hill Kids, Fundamental Mormonism, The Solar Temple, The Moonies, and Aum Shinrikyo.

[@MerleONeal]

Thank you!!!

[@ko-rp7ge]

That's dope

[@tomleach1428]

Don't forget Christianity! Biggest cult ever

[@undrwatropium3724]

​@@tomleach1428today I learned about creationism and Christian scientists 🤯

[@melissasaint3283]

​​​@@tomleach1428religion and religious beliefs are Indigenous and endemic to humans as a species and at all levels of cultural development. Cults, in the sense we're talking about here, are not automatically the same as religion in general, and they tick different boxes. And they don't actually need to be Deist at all. Two of the most infamous and fatal cults of modern times were not. The further you get into reading about the beliefs of Heaven's Gate, the more clear it becomes that they were not Christian or Deist in any way most people would recognize. Their beliefs sound more like a scifi fantasy novel that incorporates a little Biblical imagery. They believed both "God" and "demons" were highly evolved aliens, and that "Heaven" meant being taken away in a UFO to another physical place. And of course, Jim Jones initially drew people into his "People's Temple" by using Christian language, And the best parts of the far political Left of his day. But he himself was a totally secular Atheist from the start, and someone who mainly used the politics of the farther and farther Left as a means to eventually achieve a Stalin-like level of absolute control in a highly isolated place. He very gradually transitioned the Temple into an Atheist belief system and later a Totalitarian entity, with no God at all except himself as a total king. Even completely secular predatory "marketing" entities like Amway, or far worse NXVIM, can become cults.

[@astrowolvez]

Still so insane to me that people still think he shouldn’t have been arrested because he “never actually killed anyone”.

[@darkshotgun209]

Then they are the biggest idiots in America

[@tomleach1428]

Why? There is no evidence he did anything..alot of hearsay but no physical evidence

[@mashug1731]

True Man , it's like saying mob bosses shouldn't be arrested because they didn't kill anyone but They ordered them to kill.

[@lisabradford8180]

the people who think crazy charlie shouldn't have been arrested are the very types manson recruited for his family, they would have fit in very well with his murderous minions 🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@lisabradford8180]

@@tomleach1428 you would have been perfect as another tex watson for the family.

[@TerraVeritas]

I can't even listen to this... for a start, pick hosts who aren't colossal embarrassments. Self-absorbed and so aloof they have no idea what they are talking about.

[@Flozzle]

Hearing her say about being fostered literally gave me chills. What an amazing turn around for her ❤

[@HorrorHermitofHell]

@23:35 I did the exact same motion when she said her arresting officer adopted her. This person they interviewed is proof people can change, I'm glad she shared her story, thank you Diane.

[@jordanhawk9949]

Joyce's 70s-style orange outfit is killing it! I don't think many people could pull that off, but she makes it look amazing.

[@macwellington]

she’s fat

[@NinjaMatt2201]

Fun fact: the Manson Family mansion was actually owned by a member of the Beach Boys. He invited Charles Manson into his home and helped him to get a record deal and write songs. When things started to go bad, Wilson just straight up abandoned his house to get away from Manson.

[@WhiteWolfBlackStar]

Yes.

[@clintparker]

Fun fact: Manson grew up in my home state of West Virginia, specifically McMechan, 2 to 5 miles north of Moundsville. His mom Kathleen Maddox actually served time in the women's facility at the West Virginia Penitentiary. Charlie Manson wanted to come to the penitentiary and wrote to the warden. The warden responded with four words: "When Hell freezes over." His letter is actually on display at the museum at the West Virginia Penitentiary

[@angeldivaz]

She was 14!! Why are we skipping over him “making love.” To a 14 year old!!

[@mistybickers8806]

I have read several several things and watched all docs on TV and apps I could find since highschool about Manson. I never knew this until now. Wow. That makes him a child molester!

[@meganpatterson2218]

I love this series! what Joyce said about Manson loving being in jail is so true and it's disgusting that people love him, send him things, and put him on merchandise today. I can't wait to see what you guys cover next season!

[@WhiteWolfBlackStar]

John Wayne Gacy used to sell hideous self portraits of himself as a clown. They’re worth big bucks! Personally you couldn’t pay me enough to hand a picture of a clown in my room, but GACY’S clown? Omg NO! The guy who wrote the book THE LAST VICTIM, which was a true story written by a law student who MET GACY to pick his mind, and almost didn’t make it out! What a book! Then I found out he committed suicide a few years back. BECAUSE of that whole ordeal. Like the line in Silence Of The Lambs, you don’t want to let this dude get into your head, Clarice… Yeah, that.

[@jaquesray]

o99p90p9ppppp9pp9009ooooooooo9p9pp900p 9l l b

[@meganpatterson2218]

@@WhiteWolfBlackStar same, i'm not going to have a clown painting in my possession but especially not one painted by a murderer. and about the book, that's just sick. he's a special find of crazy to write a book about how he almost killed someone. jesus christ.

[@desertgrowndank7256]

Only type of people who are gonna join a cult are the same ones who base their personalities on zodiac signs🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@undrwatropium3724]

You don't realize how indoctrination is rooted in guilt and shame perpetuated with fear.

[@lukem118]

“You know what? Manson loved being in jail”... that blew my mind 😳

[@undrwatropium3724]

Whenever he was released from prison in the 60's he begged to stay. They had to release him though

[@sophieemmi7730]

"I want him to rest in terror." same girl

[@poofiebaku3003]

Would love an episode about the Branch Davidians in Waco, TX. That one is controversial because of the way it ended and the way that authorities handled (or mishandled!) that situation. Loved this show!!

[@katyl8487]

HEAVEN'S GATE!!!!! I could not tell you why but I love love love learning about the heaven's gate people. It's such a weird cult, so specific. Please do heaven's gate.

[@seppuku-]

facts that leader is one of the weirdest cult leaders.

[@katyl8487]

@@seppuku- it's gotta be the crazy eyes, he REALLY seems to buy into his own bs

[@Yakkymania]

that’s one of the most interesting cults to me, i’d also love to see them cover it

[@astrowolvez]

I find it interesting that it was a su1cide cult and yet they were free to not take part in it.

[@monie802]

Spahn Ranch used to be a western movie set. So they weren’t camping out in the woods, they were living in left over set buildings. They’ve since been demolished.

[@tonybradley3409]

The Ant Hill Kids Canadian cult. Not well known, it involved horrifying brutality.

[@jj-if6it]

Ew just looked it up and it made me feel sick. At least Manson didn't torture his members, as far as I know

[@gennesispopovici5418]

Would love an episode about the Branch Davidians in Waco, TX. That one is controversial because of the way it ended and the way that authorities handled (or mishandled!) that situation. Loved this show!! 😁

[@ChouAlice]

I'm pretty sure another KZbinr, Wendigoon, has a very detailed video about that one!!

[@Yakkymania]

@@ChouAlice i still need to watch Wendigoon’s video, his content is amazing

[@Tru1Tani]

Wait this was a season finale?! Next season can we have more episodes lol i love yall!

[@gemh4030]

This was a awesome series Joyce and Merle are truly amazing hosts because of their compassion towards the victims or survivors and speak the truth of their own feelings about the topic. Using the Yay or Nope is a good technique because not everyone has the same opinion can't wait for the next series good luck ladies xx PS ideas for cults to cover Notorious Motorcycle Clubs, Illuminati or Freemasons

[@boobuh]

i suggest you guys watch the full video before commenting about how “she recalls it like it was a good time and like a happy memory” she’s telling a story.. and how SHE felt at the time

[@undrwatropium3724]

I don't understand what you mean. She has a book called Member of the family. She didn't kill or hurt anyone. Nor was she there when it happened

[@boobuh]

@@undrwatropium3724 what? when did i mention her killing anyone? i like u replied to the wrong comment boo bc ur the one not making sense here

[@kellyaguilera7284]

I hate people using zodiac signs as an excuse it’s so cringe

[@Daisy30y03]

Omg, when she said DEALING WITH A GUY WITH MOMMY ISSUES PREACH GIRL PREACH IT IS WORSE THEN THE OPPOSITE I DON'T CARE WHAT ANYBODY SAYS My melanin has save me once again, hallelujah 😅🤣🤣

[@sheilarough236]

Terry Melcher, only child of screen legend Doris Day, was the music producer that Manson had a beef with. He’d been living with actress Candice Bergen in the house. I think that they had broken up & both moved out. Roman Polanski was out of the country, filming a movie. Sharon was too far along in her pregnancy to fly out & join him.

[@AlleyCatInks]

OMG WHAT A SEASON!!! I cannot wait for the next season, y’all are awesome! ❤

[@iloveyouamberappel]

Why is everything equated to race and race mentioned so often?

[@infinitemartialist]

THANK YOU! It's like the one big flaw of this show in my mind. It's obviously present with some of these cultist individuals as a motivating factor but they keep making it sound like it's the quiet motivation, or is so common or exclusive to a single race and gender. I mean, at least they qualified it at the end of this episode that maybe they just haven't looked at other cults with leaders of a different race, but still... 😠

[@jj-if6it]

@@infinitemartialist Yeah and I'm sure there's lots of non white cult leaders

[@labyrinthgirl17]

Aum Shinrikyo is a cult I would love for you guys to cover in the next season. Also, fellow Scorpio here and, at least for me, I can say some of us are not evil like Manson.

[@jj-if6it]

star signs are made up...

[@candybitch]

such an interesting series, great job ladies!

[@Peppysgirl]

This is a great series, especially with the care and compassion taken towards the victims. Can't wait for season 2!

[@milesrcruz]

This show is so good! Congrats! Can't wait for the next season!!

[@taniquesloan]

Arrives to the cave "it's kind of aesthetic" 😂

[@thelittlestpika]

I only know surface level stuff about cults so this deep dive series really gets me into the rabbit hole.

[@kristens.3770]

Spahn Ranch used to be a movie set with buildings. They didn't all live under that rock.

[@WhiteWolfBlackStar]

Right. I think there was a whole little town situation out there. Moving them all to that cave, sounds like a narcissist feeling like they’re losing control. So isolate the captive audience more.

[@druid139]

Love the Lüloo 🍋 at the end ! Lol

[@mariemarie2888]

Oh yes I’ve been waiting all week for this one thank you ladies love you two I think yous will be the next big thing ❤

[@davidfinley8777]

Judging for the host use of horoscopes at the beginning not the cult members lol

[@nerdee89]

I love this series so much! Please do Heaven’s Gate next.

[@jadeuneun]

Joyce is hella relatable because her glasses are hella dirty and... same girl same

[@sarahbear19931]

This series is so fascinating. It would be interesting if y'all looked into female cult leaders if there are any🤔

[@meghanphillips3495]

Amy Carlson, Gwen Shamblin, Susan Alamo and Anne Hamilton Byrne are all good examples of female cult leaders.

[@amber-lynne9537]

@@meghanphillips3495 i would even put the Kardashians on that list 😏

[@madssocks8532]

People need to stop blaming Joyce and Merle for making Shane and Ryan leave BuzzFeed. If they personally caused such a hostile work environment that it made Shane and Ryan want to *start their own company*, I'm sure they wouldn't have invited Joyce to be on Puppet History. How about instead of harassing these women, who are just trying to do their jobs, about two of their ex-coworkers decisions y'all go ask Shane and Ryan to quit Watcher and go back to BuzzFeed. Complain to someone who actually had a hand in what you're upset about! That out of the way, I've really been enjoying this series and can't wait for season two!

[@manorui100]

This is sh!t. And also racist. If they're "doing their jobs" there is something seriously wrong with buzzfeed

[@jj-if6it]

is anyone actually saying that?

[@chrissyvega9905]

yeesss season 2! Can you cover Heavens Gate?? I grew up 30 min north from there

[@nicholasshade]

I couldnt sleep. So, I tried looking up Rainbow from The Manson Family. I ended up here.❤❤❤

[@GavinskisTutorials]

You two are really fun and have a good a great banter between you

[@KatelynnBeNice]

I absolutely love this Rise and Fall, amazingly done. Don't take too long for the next season

[@drpri1836]

Didn't expect Merle and Joyce to take over unsolved network.

[@kassykreutzer6972]

Wow I love that she got adopted and feel like a person again

[@redwardranger7034]

We can safely assume Merle is the Ryan of this two

[@stephaniemckeegan5447]

Thank you Joyce and Merle! Amazing video and series! Please investigate Scientology!!

[@MiraMidnighttt]

I love you two and I can't wait for season 2!! :)

[@danbreslin4330]

You should take a look at the heavens Gate cult

[@MarcyGengaaar]

I feel like an episode of this with shane and Ryan tagging along would be peak

[@christiekarnes1341]

Joyce and Merle are such great hosts. I love their compassion and perspective. Please keep this series going!

[@SamaelAzazel131]

Low information NPCs.

[@msjrockqueen2011]

I love Joyce's humor in these videos; these are serious matters that otherwise would make us depressed if not for her remarks.

[@MithrilMagic]

I just want to take a moment to talk about your outfits. Love them! You two look amazing! This series is so great. I am loving the way you are visiting each one of these stories and being objective and informative about each situation. It’s interesting and entertaining. Awesome job!

[@chones01]

Time is a concept created by humans. I’m confused about why people think when you are born determines your personality traits. Don’t put yourself in a box. Just be who you are.

[@espeon871]

This came up once and this is what u came out with??

[@chones01]

@@espeon871 Deepest apologies your highness. I can’t believe I dared comment without asking for your permission. How shall I do my penance? 🖕

[@selfdiscardedkingofruin7291]

It's hard to take things seriously when they talk about astrology which is pseudo science.

[@jenniegreening4697]

The fDLS cult (Warren Jeff's cult) would be a good episode.

[@rca6576]

The house next door to the LaBianca house was Harold True's party house. Not the LaBianca house.

[@shrednes4010]

Joyce and Merle are gonna give Ryan and Shane a run for their money ❤

[@MyBubbleInSpace]

I'd love it if you'd do an episode on Heaven's gate next season!

[@UrrmmWut...]

Omg!!! before I read the description I saw the picture and 💯 percent thought it was Jared leto!!

[@buffytheinternetbullyslayer]

No

[@alexwinchester7204]

They should talk about the Aum Shinrikyo cult that terrorized Japan

[@sneffie]

Aw man last Episode of the season?! This is the best content this channel has had in ages.

[@stephaniem4992]

I really like these women, great video. Well researched, thank you

[@3dsmaxrocks699]

I literally started crying when I took that last dump. A real tear jerker as they say...

[@TheWelchProductions]

Why does this channel still put out content since Ryan and Shane finished the show? It’s called Buzzfeed Unsolved, but I don’t see anymore Buzzfeed Unsolved.

[@jj-if6it]

maybe it should be rebranded to Buzzfeed Creepy or something haha

[@brittanydriscoll8470]

You should look into the Oneida Community next season!

[@jj-if6it]

I feel like all those RIPs on the cave are probably meant for the victims, not Manson

[@elle5799]

Didn't expect to see Joyce here. I'm used to seeing her in Watcher. 😅

[@arbormeow]

Fundamentalist church of later day saints (flds), it's a really sad story and it's still going on so it would be good to raise awareness about it. There's a Netflix documentary about it called 'keep sweet: pray and obey' that I recommend watching.

[@wimvanaerde6249]

Mormons

[@HBKurtzwilde]

I would like to see you cover the Moonies, from their origins to the current Gun Intensive Worship Services. Seriously. Church full of gun-waving cultists. You guys would have a field day.

[@katherinecollins4685]

Interesting video

[@rosa_lin]

Tried to watch this but the commentary is too cringy

[@katniss7774]

You girls are AWESOME! How about heavens gate cult?

[@astrowolvez]

I recently heard about that one and it’s so fascinating to me because the suicide was consensual and people were completely free to not take part, but at the same time being a cult you’re still brainwashed and the founder deliberately chose the leader because he had mental disabilities and could be used.

[@Zeruel132]

Overall it's an interesting idea with good production quality, but the ultimate crux is just that it's too shallow. During the NXIVM video, all I could think was "How could you not have covered any of this?" while not learning anything new compared to a video that's was a few minutes longer but done by a single person. If anything, I feel a sense of "style over substance" with this series. Good luck with the next season.

[@spielerkerl]

Bro! I thought this series was over! Yes🤣

[@zoecramoysan9408]

Joyce's outfits are giving me life

[@silentsigher]

Season finale? Nooooo I love this series, hopefully season 2 will twice as many episodes

[@tristanthomas5006]

Please cover the FLDS run by the Jeffs.

[@queenorange6949]

Libra era! Yes fellow Libra here 🙌

[@MerleONeal]

balance babieee (and crippling indecisiveness)

[@magicgiraffes8883]

This is the woman Sydney Sweeney played in the movie

[@Itsemilyduh]

what movie???

[@kassykreutzer6972]

You 2 are amazing omg

[@Vfromoc]

Valentine Pooh bear 💀

[@Dmed133]

The boss at the end lvl of the small man complex vortex

[@jj-if6it]

Only 3 episodes in a season?

[@TamRiver]

Next season you should look into Credonia Mwerinde and Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God. It’s a wild case out of Uganda.

[@nancytiznado2571]

what do zodiac signs have to do with anything?

[@mjsup1]

Astrology signs have nothing to do with your personality, so keep that stuff to yourself other than that great video.

[@rbl1835]

Please cover The Ant Hill Kids!

[@bee_wyd]

Pleaseee cover the yellow deli (12 tribes) cult. They just opened up a new location near my school 🥴

[@sanchisan6997]

Groovy outfits! Love it.

[@heya320]

keep it up ladies. love you two and I'm sorry everyone keeps comparing you to Shane and Ryan. I'm a pisces/aries cusp, screw the people bitching about astrology.

[@mimizofia]

i LOVE you guys

[@MerleONeal]

we luv you too 🥺

[@annieoakley8949]

Smallll correction...Leno LaBianca was stabbed appropriately 40 times, and Rosemarie was stabbed approximately 25 times. Otherwise fabulous job!!! Newbie here!!

[@HaXaW5150]

A cult for next season. Look into Krishna Venta. Look up Kay's cross,Kay's Hollow and Kaysville Utah. These should help you pin down all the messed up stuff that's went down out there.

[@sacrificialrubber779]

Good series, astrological stuff is completely BS🤷🏻‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@Chuck44442]

...do...Children of God

[@ainsleymcke]

This is an amazing duo cause im a libra and my bff is a gemini