How my brother went from liberal Hollywood actor to manosphere ‘messiah’
How my brother went from liberal Hollywood actor to manosphere 'messiah'
How my brother went from liberal - Caution: This narrative includes language some may find offensive. Ten years ago, Luis Castilleja was a free-spirited creative, chasing opportunities as an actor in Hollywood and embracing the vibrant, progressive culture of Los Angeles. Today, he is El Temach, a prominent figure in Latin America’s manosphere, whose content—marked by misogynistic rhetoric and hyper-masculine narratives—has amassed over 11 million followers across social media platforms. His sister, Alex, describes the shift as jarring, noting that their relationship has since fractured entirely.
A Shift in Identity and Perspective
Alex, a design engineer from Mexico, recalls her brother’s journey with a mix of pride and bewilderment. Initially, Luis was driven by a passion for performance, studying theatre in Mexico City before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue his dream. However, a romantic breakup and struggles to secure consistent work led him to return home, where he began crafting content aimed at supporting young men. “At first, it was noble—his goal was to empower others to feel confident and capable,” she explains. But over time, the focus evolved, and Luis’s message began to take on a more confrontational tone.
"I don’t like saying El Temach because for me he’s a completely different person. So I’m sister with the human that he was."
The Rise of Manosphere Influencers
A BBC World Service investigation uncovered the rapid growth of manosphere influencers in regions where gender equality has advanced in recent years. By analyzing the reach of 15 such figures—spanning South and East Asia, Latin America, and Africa—researchers found that their audiences have grown by an average of 300% in just three years. This surge, experts suggest, reflects a growing appetite among men for content that positions them as central to societal progress while casting women in a more subordinate role.
Among these influencers is Andrew Kibe, a well-known figure in Kenya who blends male self-empowerment with misogynistic themes. Like El Temach, Kibe has cultivated a large following by attacking single mothers and labeling women as “gold diggers.” Both creators have built substantial incomes through their platforms, despite their differing approaches to storytelling.
Impact on Young Followers
The BBC sought to understand how this content affects its audience by examining the social media activity of two Gen Z followers—one in Kenya and one in Mexico. These individuals shared years of data, including thousands of posts, likes, comments, and shares, offering a glimpse into their transition from casual users to dedicated advocates of manosphere ideologies. Julián, a 19-year-old from Mexico, began his journey on Instagram at 16, initially engaging with content about cars, fitness, and personal growth. His path shifted after encountering El Temach’s videos in his recommended feeds.
"Feminism has made men’s problems invisible," Julián told the BBC, reflecting the sentiment that drives many to embrace manosphere content.
This view aligns with El Temach’s messaging, which frames women as obstacles to male success. Yet, Alex notes that her brother’s transformation was not inevitable. “He used to believe in gender equality,” she says, emphasizing that his current stance is a departure from his past values. The data from Julián and his counterpart in Kenya reveals a pattern: engagement with manosphere content increases as users internalize its narratives, often leading to a reevaluation of their relationships and identities.
From Empowerment to Criticism
El Temach’s content initially aimed to uplift men, but it has since taken on a more rigid, accusatory tone. According to Alex, his posts began to attribute women’s actions to men’s struggles, framing them as the root of societal challenges. “He got this Messiah complex, like he’s the one that has to fix [men’s issues],” she explains. She questions whether her brother’s views are rooted in genuine belief or a strategic effort to maximize his online influence. “He believes some things—and others, he’s just experimenting with what works best for the algorithm,” she says.
El Temach himself admits that he was inspired by Andrew Tate, the British-American figure whose far-right rhetoric has gained global traction. “Tate was super big at that time,” Alex says, adding that her brother saw the success of Tate’s approach and expanded on it. This connection has led to accusations that El Temach’s message is a copycat strategy, tailored to resonate with audiences in Latin America.
Changing the Narrative
Despite his critics, El Temach maintains that his content is not inherently misogynistic. In an interview with the BBC, he disputed the existence of the concept, arguing that his views are a natural evolution of male identity in a modern world. “I’m not anti-woman,” he said, “but I believe men need to take control of their lives.” This stance has drawn both support and backlash, with some viewers praising his clarity and others condemning his rhetoric as harmful.
The BBC’s documentary project aimed to explore this dynamic further, but El Temach’s commitment wavered. After agreeing to film his world tour, which began in the US, he abruptly canceled, stating on YouTube that he had no intention of participating. “BBC and Miss Jacqui from the BBC, we don’t need you to tell us what to think,” he declared, signaling a defiance of traditional media scrutiny.
A Broader Movement
The manosphere’s influence extends beyond El Temach and Kibe, with creators in diverse regions amplifying similar themes. This phenomenon has sparked debate about the role of social media in shaping perceptions of gender. While some argue that these influencers provide a voice for men overlooked by mainstream feminism, others warn of the dangers of oversimplifying complex issues. The BBC’s investigation highlights how these platforms are not only amplifying male grievances but also reshaping cultural narratives in ways that challenge progressive ideals.
As the manosphere continues to grow, its impact on young audiences remains a topic of interest. For Julián and others like him, the journey from casual user to devoted follower underscores the power of digital content to influence personal beliefs. Alex, though critical of her brother’s current trajectory, acknowledges the allure of his message. “There’s something about the algorithm that makes people gravitate toward these ideas,” she says. Yet, she remains uncertain whether her brother’s views are a reflection of his true beliefs or a calculated move to sustain his influence.
Conclusion
The story of Luis Castilleja and El Temach serves as a case study in the evolving landscape of online influence. What began as a pursuit of artistic freedom in Hollywood has transformed into a global movement that challenges traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. As the manosphere gains traction, its creators and followers continue to redefine what it means to be a man in the digital age. Whether this shift is a positive step toward empowerment or a regression into toxic ideologies remains a subject of ongoing discussion.
Listen to the podcast here, and outside the UK, you can watch the film on YouTube. The intersection of personal transformation and public influence raises important questions about the balance between individual expression and societal impact.