The BBC World Service has released a new documentary, Manosphere Messiahs, investigating the global spread of the manosphere and the social media algorithms driving young men towards extreme views on gender and relationships. The investigation, led by BBC Global Disinformation reporter Jacqui Wakefield, focuses on two influential figures: El Temach in Mexico and Andrew Kibe in Kenya, who have millions of followers.
In Mexico, El Temach has a combined following of more than 11 million and generates income through paid YouTube live chats, live events, and paid livestreamed “baptisms”. The BBC estimates he made up to $1.5 million USD from social media views alone. His sister, Alex, told the BBC she fell out with him over his views, tracing his trajectory to Western manosphere figures like Andrew Tate. She said her brother changed after returning from Los Angeles, where his acting career failed, and that he experiments with content based on what works best with the algorithm.
In Kenya, Andrew Kibe has built a following by selling books, merchandise, and his own cryptocurrency. He told the BBC that “anybody who is really my fan” should send him money, while an associate referred to his fans as “customers”. Dr. Awino Okech, a gender expert, noted that Kibe uses local narratives to feed into ongoing insecurities in society.
The documentary includes testimonies from women affected by these influencers. Fernanda, a medical professional in Mexico, said her former partner, a follower of El Temach, subjected her to physical aggression and forced her to watch his videos. In Kenya, student Viraah observed changes in a male classmate influenced by Kibe, noting he “has some hatred” and struggles to associate with women.
The BBC confronted Kibe on contradictions between his lifestyle and the advice he sells. When asked if he lived by his own ‘commandments’, Kibe replied: “I am a God, I can be anything I want to be.” El Temach’s team rejected allegations as “unfounded”. The documentary airs as international debate continues over online safety and the influence of social media algorithms.
