Role of far-right ‘manosphere’ in homophobic attacks on men to be investigated in Victoria
A Victorian parliamentary inquiry will investigate the influence of far-right manosphere figures in homophobic attacks on men lured through fake dating app profiles.
A Victorian parliamentary inquiry is set to delve into the alarming connection between far-right manosphere influencers and a disturbing series of homophobic attacks on men, particularly targeting gay and bisexual individuals. The inquiry follows a motion led by Aiv Puglielli, the spokesperson for the Greens on equality issues, who will seek to scrutinize the scale of these crimes as well as the adequacy of the state's response and support systems for victims. Reports have surfaced since early 2024 detailing incidents where victims were lured via counterfeit dating app profiles before being assaulted, highlighting a concerning trend linked to far-right ideologies.
As of October 2024, police in Victoria have confirmed the arrest of 35 individuals allegedly involved in these heinous acts. The majority of the suspects are reported to be teenagers, aged between 13 and 20, reflecting a worrying trend of youth engagement in violence fueled by extremist ideologies. The Green party's initiative is seen as a crucial step to address the rising instances of this kind of targeted violence and the role that social media might play in enabling it. Furthermore, the inquiry aims to shed light on the effectiveness of existing victim support services amidst growing concerns from the community.
Videos of some attacks have surfaced on social media, showcasing the brutal nature of these crimes while also raising concerns about the normalization and sensationalization of violence enacted by far-right extremists. The possible investigation into this manosphere influence seeks to disrupt the cycle of violence perpetuated through online platforms and calls for society to confront the implications of internet-driven radicalization in shaping violent behaviors among young individuals.