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| nationality = Canadian | nationality = Canadian
| occupation = ]er, ]ger, author, political commentator | occupation = ]er, ]ger, author, political commentator
| education = ]<br />]<br />] (])<br />] (]) | education = {{ubli|]|]|] (])|] (])}}
| movement = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />] | movement = {{ubli|]|]|]|]|]|]}}
| years_active = 2005–present | years_active = 2005–present
| website = {{URL|freedomainradio.com}} | website = {{URL|freedomainradio.com}}
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'''Stefan Basil Molyneux''' ({{IPAc-en|s|t|ə|ˈ|f|æ|n|_|ˈ|m|ɒ|l|ᵻ|nj|uː}}; born September 24, 1966) is an Irish-born Canadian ]<ref name="NBC News">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/notre-dame-cathedral-fire-sparks-islamophobic-theories-social-media-n995091|title=Notre Dame Cathedral fire spurs Islamophobic conspiracy theories on social media|last=Collins|first=Ben|date=April 16, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190416191610/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/notre-dame-cathedral-fire-sparks-islamophobic-theories-social-media-n995091|archive-date=April 16, 2019|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gais |first=Hannah |date=April 17, 2020 |title=Hate Groups and Racist Pundits Spew COVID-19 Misinformation on Social Media Despite Companies' Pledges to Combat It |url=https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2020/04/17/hate-groups-and-racist-pundits-spew-covid-19-misinformation-social-media-despite-companies |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=] |language=en |quote=white nationalist YouTuber and self-proclaimed philosopher Stefan Molyneux |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004212419/https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2020/04/17/hate-groups-and-racist-pundits-spew-covid-19-misinformation-social-media-despite-companies |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-06-30|title=YouTube bans prominent white supremacist channels|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-53230986|access-date=2020-08-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|first1=Y.|last1=Veilleux-Lepage|first2=C.|last2=Daymon|first3=A.|last3=Amarasingam|title=The Christchurch attack report: Key takeaways on Tarrant's radicalization and attack planning.|url=https://scholarlypublications.universiteitleiden.nl/access/item%3A3249901/view|journal=ICCT Perspective|publisher=The Hague: International Centre for Counter-Terrorism|year=2020|access-date=March 16, 2022|archive-date=February 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201234415/https://scholarlypublications.universiteitleiden.nl/access/item:3249901/view|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=30 June 2020 |title=YouTube removes three prominent white supremacist channels |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/youtube-david-duke-richard-spencer-stefan-molyneux-removed-a9593051.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/youtube-david-duke-richard-spencer-stefan-molyneux-removed-a9593051.html |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |newspaper=The Independent}}</ref> ]er and proponent of ], ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=2020-06-29 |title=YouTube bans Stefan Molyneux, David Duke, Richard Spencer, and more for hate speech |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/29/21307303/youtube-bans-molyneux-duke-richard-spencer-conduct-hate-speech |access-date=2020-08-28 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=August 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828020722/https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/29/21307303/youtube-bans-molyneux-duke-richard-spencer-conduct-hate-speech |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pace |first1=Brian A. |last2=Devenot |first2=Neşe |date=10 December 2021 |title=Right-Wing Psychedelia: Case Studies in Cultural Plasticity and Political Pluripotency |journal=Frontiers in Psychology |volume=12 |page=733185 |doi=10.3389/fpsyg.2021.733185 |issn=1664-1078 |pmc=8717779 |pmid=34975622 |doi-access=free}}</ref> ], and the ].{{refn|<ref name="splcprofile">{{Cite web|url=https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/individual/stefan-molyneux|title=Stefan Molyneux|publisher=]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324213909/https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/individual/stefan-molyneux|archive-date=March 24, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cjr.org/analysis/youtube-breaking-news.php|title=How YouTube reactionaries are breaking the news media|last=Beery|first=Zoë|date=February 14, 2019|website=]|publisher=]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215133250/https://www.cjr.org/analysis/youtube-breaking-news.php|archive-date=February 15, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://datasociety.net/output/alternative-influence/|title=Alternative Influence|last=Lewis|first=Rebecca|date=2018-09-18|access-date=2018-09-19|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918202818/https://datasociety.net/output/alternative-influence/|archive-date=2018-09-18|publisher=Data & Society Research Institute|page=37|language=en-US|quote=In his YouTube videos, Molyneux openly promotes scientific racism, advocates for the men's rights movement, critiques initiatives devoted to gender equity, and promotes white supremacist conspiracy theories focused on 'White Genocide' and 'The Great Replacement.'}}</ref><ref name="GuardianRevival">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/02/the-unwelcome-revival-of-race-science|title=The unwelcome revival of 'race science'|last=Evans|first=Gavin|date=March 2, 2018|work=]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220023319/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/02/the-unwelcome-revival-of-race-science|archive-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Online Othering|last=Winter|first=Aaron|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|year=2019|isbn=978-3030126322|editor-last=Lumsden|editor-first=Karen|series=Palgrave Studies in Cybercrime and Cybersecurity|pages=39–63|language=en|chapter=Online Hate: From the Far-Right to the 'Alt-Right' and from the Margins to the Mainstream|doi=10.1007/978-3-030-12633-9_2|s2cid=159264406|lccn=2019930706|url=http://roar.uel.ac.uk/8132/1/AaronWinterOnlineOtheringFinal.pdf|editor2-last=Harmer|editor2-first=Emily|access-date=June 30, 2021|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114061212/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332601405_Online_Hate_From_the_Far-Right_to_the_%27Alt-Right%27_and_from_the_Margins_to_the_Mainstream|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2019-08-11|title=Alt-right blogger Stefan Molyneux says lipstick should be banned in workplace|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/alt-right-blogger-stefan-molyneux-says-lipstick-should-be-banned-in-workplace/4BH34ABJ5UFCRTXN64FQFPE7MM/|access-date=2021-08-31|website=]|language=en-NZ|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831202440/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/alt-right-blogger-stefan-molyneux-says-lipstick-should-be-banned-in-workplace/4BH34ABJ5UFCRTXN64FQFPE7MM/|url-status=live}}</ref>}} He is the founder of the Freedomain Radio website.<ref name="tgamlawsuit" /> As of September 2020, Molyneux has been permanently banned or suspended from ], ], ], and ], all for violating ] policies.<ref name="Vice20191106">{{cite news |last1=Gurley |first1=Lauren Kaori |title=PayPal Bans YouTuber Who Thinks Non-White People Are a Separate Species |url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/pa74v9/paypal-bans-racist-youtuber-who-says-non-white-people-are-a-separate-species |access-date=November 7, 2019 |work=Vice |date=November 6, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805202630/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/pa74v9/paypal-bans-racist-youtuber-who-says-non-white-people-are-a-separate-species |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Nwswk20191105">{{cite news |last1=Crowley |first1=James |title=PayPal to cut off donations to right-wing YouTuber Stefan Molyneux following social media divestment campaign |url=https://www.newsweek.com/alt-right-youtuber-cut-off-paypal-donations-1469936 |work=Newsweek |date=November 5, 2019 |access-date=November 8, 2019 |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103043631/https://www.newsweek.com/alt-right-youtuber-cut-off-paypal-donations-1469936 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="newsletter">{{cite web|title=A prominent far-right commentator has been banned from sending his own newsletter|url=https://www.indy100.com/article/stefan-molyneux-newsletter-mailchimp-ban-far-right-9284346|website=Indy100|date=15 January 2020|access-date=January 22, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630174014/https://www.indy100.com/article/stefan-molyneux-newsletter-mailchimp-ban-far-right-9284346|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Verge2020">{{cite news|last=Alexander|first=Julia|title=YouTube bans Stefan Molyneux, David Duke, Richard Spencer, and more for hate speech|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/29/21307303/youtube-bans-molyneux-duke-richard-spencer-conduct-hate-speech|work=The Verge|date=June 29, 2020|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=August 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828020722/https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/29/21307303/youtube-bans-molyneux-duke-richard-spencer-conduct-hate-speech|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-08|title=Twitter Suspends White Nationalist Stefan Molyneux|url=https://screenrant.com/twitter-suspends-stefan-molyneux/|access-date=2020-07-10|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US|archive-date=July 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710102438/https://screenrant.com/twitter-suspends-stefan-molyneux/|url-status=live}}</ref> '''Stefan Basil Molyneux''' ({{IPAc-en|s|t|ə|ˈ|f|æ|n|_|ˈ|m|ɒ|l|ᵻ|nj|uː}}; born September 24, 1966) is an Irish-born Canadian ]<ref name="NBC News">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/notre-dame-cathedral-fire-sparks-islamophobic-theories-social-media-n995091|title=Notre Dame Cathedral fire spurs Islamophobic conspiracy theories on social media|last=Collins|first=Ben|date=April 16, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190416191610/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/notre-dame-cathedral-fire-sparks-islamophobic-theories-social-media-n995091|archive-date=April 16, 2019|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gais |first=Hannah |date=April 17, 2020 |title=Hate Groups and Racist Pundits Spew COVID-19 Misinformation on Social Media Despite Companies' Pledges to Combat It |url=https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2020/04/17/hate-groups-and-racist-pundits-spew-covid-19-misinformation-social-media-despite-companies |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=] |language=en |quote=white nationalist YouTuber and self-proclaimed philosopher Stefan Molyneux |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004212419/https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2020/04/17/hate-groups-and-racist-pundits-spew-covid-19-misinformation-social-media-despite-companies |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-06-30|title=YouTube bans prominent white supremacist channels|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-53230986|access-date=2020-08-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|first1=Y.|last1=Veilleux-Lepage|first2=C.|last2=Daymon|first3=A.|last3=Amarasingam|title=The Christchurch attack report: Key takeaways on Tarrant's radicalization and attack planning.|url=https://scholarlypublications.universiteitleiden.nl/access/item%3A3249901/view|journal=ICCT Perspective|publisher=The Hague: International Centre for Counter-Terrorism|year=2020|access-date=March 16, 2022|archive-date=February 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201234415/https://scholarlypublications.universiteitleiden.nl/access/item:3249901/view|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=30 June 2020 |title=YouTube removes three prominent white supremacist channels |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/youtube-david-duke-richard-spencer-stefan-molyneux-removed-a9593051.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/youtube-david-duke-richard-spencer-stefan-molyneux-removed-a9593051.html |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |newspaper=The Independent}}</ref> ]er and proponent of ], ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=2020-06-29 |title=YouTube bans Stefan Molyneux, David Duke, Richard Spencer, and more for hate speech |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/29/21307303/youtube-bans-molyneux-duke-richard-spencer-conduct-hate-speech |access-date=2020-08-28 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=August 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828020722/https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/29/21307303/youtube-bans-molyneux-duke-richard-spencer-conduct-hate-speech |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pace |first1=Brian A. |last2=Devenot |first2=Neşe |date=10 December 2021 |title=Right-Wing Psychedelia: Case Studies in Cultural Plasticity and Political Pluripotency |journal=Frontiers in Psychology |volume=12 |page=733185 |doi=10.3389/fpsyg.2021.733185 |issn=1664-1078 |pmc=8717779 |pmid=34975622 |doi-access=free}}</ref> ], and the ].{{refn|<ref name="splcprofile">{{Cite web|url=https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/individual/stefan-molyneux|title=Stefan Molyneux|publisher=]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324213909/https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/individual/stefan-molyneux|archive-date=March 24, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cjr.org/analysis/youtube-breaking-news.php|title=How YouTube reactionaries are breaking the news media|last=Beery|first=Zoë|date=February 14, 2019|website=]|publisher=]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215133250/https://www.cjr.org/analysis/youtube-breaking-news.php|archive-date=February 15, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://datasociety.net/output/alternative-influence/|title=Alternative Influence|last=Lewis|first=Rebecca|date=2018-09-18|access-date=2018-09-19|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918202818/https://datasociety.net/output/alternative-influence/|archive-date=2018-09-18|publisher=Data & Society Research Institute|page=37|language=en-US|quote=In his YouTube videos, Molyneux openly promotes scientific racism, advocates for the men's rights movement, critiques initiatives devoted to gender equity, and promotes white supremacist conspiracy theories focused on 'White Genocide' and 'The Great Replacement.'}}</ref><ref name="GuardianRevival">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/02/the-unwelcome-revival-of-race-science|title=The unwelcome revival of 'race science'|last=Evans|first=Gavin|date=March 2, 2018|work=]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220023319/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/02/the-unwelcome-revival-of-race-science|archive-date=February 20, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Online Othering|last=Winter|first=Aaron|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|year=2019|isbn=978-3030126322|editor-last=Lumsden|editor-first=Karen|series=Palgrave Studies in Cybercrime and Cybersecurity|pages=39–63|language=en|chapter=Online Hate: From the Far-Right to the 'Alt-Right' and from the Margins to the Mainstream|doi=10.1007/978-3-030-12633-9_2|s2cid=159264406|lccn=2019930706|url=http://roar.uel.ac.uk/8132/1/AaronWinterOnlineOtheringFinal.pdf|editor2-last=Harmer|editor2-first=Emily|access-date=June 30, 2021|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114061212/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332601405_Online_Hate_From_the_Far-Right_to_the_%27Alt-Right%27_and_from_the_Margins_to_the_Mainstream|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2019-08-11|title=Alt-right blogger Stefan Molyneux says lipstick should be banned in workplace|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/alt-right-blogger-stefan-molyneux-says-lipstick-should-be-banned-in-workplace/4BH34ABJ5UFCRTXN64FQFPE7MM/|access-date=2021-08-31|website=]|language=en-NZ|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831202440/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/alt-right-blogger-stefan-molyneux-says-lipstick-should-be-banned-in-workplace/4BH34ABJ5UFCRTXN64FQFPE7MM/|url-status=live}}</ref>}} He is the founder of the Freedomain Radio website.<ref name="tgamlawsuit" /> As of September 2020, Molyneux has been permanently banned or suspended from ], ], ], and ], all for violating ] policies.<ref name="Vice20191106">{{cite news |last1=Gurley |first1=Lauren Kaori |title=PayPal Bans YouTuber Who Thinks Non-White People Are a Separate Species |url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/pa74v9/paypal-bans-racist-youtuber-who-says-non-white-people-are-a-separate-species |access-date=November 7, 2019 |work=Vice |date=November 6, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805202630/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/pa74v9/paypal-bans-racist-youtuber-who-says-non-white-people-are-a-separate-species |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Nwswk20191105">{{cite news |last1=Crowley |first1=James |title=PayPal to cut off donations to right-wing YouTuber Stefan Molyneux following social media divestment campaign |url=https://www.newsweek.com/alt-right-youtuber-cut-off-paypal-donations-1469936 |work=Newsweek |date=November 5, 2019 |access-date=November 8, 2019 |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103043631/https://www.newsweek.com/alt-right-youtuber-cut-off-paypal-donations-1469936 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="newsletter">{{cite web|title=A prominent far-right commentator has been banned from sending his own newsletter|url=https://www.indy100.com/article/stefan-molyneux-newsletter-mailchimp-ban-far-right-9284346|website=Indy100|date=15 January 2020|access-date=January 22, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630174014/https://www.indy100.com/article/stefan-molyneux-newsletter-mailchimp-ban-far-right-9284346|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Verge2020">{{cite news|last=Alexander|first=Julia|title=YouTube bans Stefan Molyneux, David Duke, Richard Spencer, and more for hate speech|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/29/21307303/youtube-bans-molyneux-duke-richard-spencer-conduct-hate-speech|work=The Verge|date=June 29, 2020|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=August 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828020722/https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/29/21307303/youtube-bans-molyneux-duke-richard-spencer-conduct-hate-speech|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-08|title=Twitter Suspends White Nationalist Stefan Molyneux|url=https://screenrant.com/twitter-suspends-stefan-molyneux/|access-date=2020-07-10|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US|archive-date=July 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710102438/https://screenrant.com/twitter-suspends-stefan-molyneux/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Molyneux is described as a leading figure of the ] movement by '']'' and '']'', and as ] by '']''.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/06/08/technology/youtube-radical.html|title=The Making of a YouTube Radical|last=Roose|first=Kevin|date=2019-06-08|work=]|access-date=2019-06-08|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190609010120/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/06/08/technology/youtube-radical.html|archive-date=2019-06-09|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="Politico17">{{cite news |last=Schreckinger |first=Ben |date=April 7, 2017 |title=Trump's Troll Army Isn't Ready for War in Syria |url=https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/04/trump-alt-right-syria-war-214998 |newspaper=] |access-date=August 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810143416/http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/04/trump-alt-right-syria-war-214998 |archive-date=2017-08-10 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Washp17">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opinions/wp/2017/03/10/canadas-obsession-with-american-politics-is-nothing-to-apologize-for/|title=Canada's obsession with American politics is nothing to apologize for|last=McCullough|first=J. J.|date=March 10, 2017|newspaper=]|access-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816022122/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opinions/wp/2017/03/10/canadas-obsession-with-american-politics-is-nothing-to-apologize-for/|archive-date=2017-08-16|url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/11/30/politics/kfile-steve-king-molyneux-podcast/index.html|title=Rep. Steve King appeared on podcast frequented by white nationalists|last1=McDermott|first1=Nathan|date=November 30, 2018|access-date=2018-12-02|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202052135/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/11/30/politics/kfile-steve-king-molyneux-podcast/index.html|archive-date=2018-12-02|publisher=]|last2=Kaczynski|first2=Andrew|last3=Massie|first3=Chris}}</ref> Tom Clements in '']'' describes Molyneux as "an ] philosopher with a perverse fixation on race and ]."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/alt-right-white-nationalist-richard-spencer-jonathan-bowden-nick-griffin-bnp-a9091376.html|title=I fell down the rabbit hole of alt-right propaganda and this is what I learned|last=Clements|first=Tom|date=4 September 2019|work=]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924155158/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/alt-right-white-nationalist-richard-spencer-jonathan-bowden-nick-griffin-bnp-a9091376.html|archive-date=24 September 2019}}</ref> Molyneux describes himself as a philosopher and an ].<ref name=":3" /> Molyneux is described as a leading figure of the ] movement by '']'' and '']'', and as ] by '']''.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/06/08/technology/youtube-radical.html|title=The Making of a YouTube Radical|last=Roose|first=Kevin|date=2019-06-08|work=]|access-date=2019-06-08|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190609010120/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/06/08/technology/youtube-radical.html|archive-date=2019-06-09|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="Politico17">{{cite news |last=Schreckinger |first=Ben |date=April 7, 2017 |title=Trump's Troll Army Isn't Ready for War in Syria |url=https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/04/trump-alt-right-syria-war-214998 |newspaper=] |access-date=August 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810143416/http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/04/trump-alt-right-syria-war-214998 |archive-date=2017-08-10 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Washp17">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opinions/wp/2017/03/10/canadas-obsession-with-american-politics-is-nothing-to-apologize-for/|title=Canada's obsession with American politics is nothing to apologize for|last=McCullough|first=J. J.|date=March 10, 2017|newspaper=]|access-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816022122/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opinions/wp/2017/03/10/canadas-obsession-with-american-politics-is-nothing-to-apologize-for/|archive-date=2017-08-16|url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/11/30/politics/kfile-steve-king-molyneux-podcast/index.html|title=Rep. Steve King appeared on podcast frequented by white nationalists|last1=McDermott|first1=Nathan|date=November 30, 2018|access-date=2018-12-02|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202052135/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/11/30/politics/kfile-steve-king-molyneux-podcast/index.html|archive-date=2018-12-02|publisher=]|last2=Kaczynski|first2=Andrew|last3=Massie|first3=Chris}}</ref> Tom Clements in '']'' describes Molyneux as "an ] philosopher with a perverse fixation on ]".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/alt-right-white-nationalist-richard-spencer-jonathan-bowden-nick-griffin-bnp-a9091376.html|title=I fell down the rabbit hole of alt-right propaganda and this is what I learned|last=Clements|first=Tom|date=4 September 2019|work=]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924155158/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/alt-right-white-nationalist-richard-spencer-jonathan-bowden-nick-griffin-bnp-a9091376.html|archive-date=24 September 2019}}</ref> Molyneux describes himself as a philosopher and an ].<ref name=":3" />


Multiple sources describe the Freedomain<!--boldface per WP:R#PLA--> internet community as a ], referring to the ] techniques Molyneux has used as its leader.<ref name="Times-2009">{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-mother-and-son-torn-apart-by-web-cult-that-destroys-families-w8klkzndf50|title=The mother and son torn apart by web 'cult' that destroys families|last=Whipple|first=Tom|date=January 10, 2009|work=]|location=London|access-date=October 19, 2019|url-access=subscription|archive-date=August 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807112204/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-mother-and-son-torn-apart-by-web-cult-that-destroys-families-w8klkzndf50|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Globe-2008" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name="Vice20170811">{{cite news|last=Lamoureux|first=Mack|url=https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/wjj85y/youtube-has-become-a-breeding-ground-for-digital-cults|title=How Cults Use YouTube for Recruitment|work=Vice|date=August 11, 2017|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703124306/https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/wjj85y/youtube-has-become-a-breeding-ground-for-digital-cults|url-status=live}}</ref> Multiple sources describe the Freedomain<!--boldface per WP:R#PLA--> internet community as a ], referring to the ] techniques Molyneux has used as its leader.<ref name="Times-2009">{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-mother-and-son-torn-apart-by-web-cult-that-destroys-families-w8klkzndf50|title=The mother and son torn apart by web 'cult' that destroys families|last=Whipple|first=Tom|date=January 10, 2009|work=]|location=London|access-date=October 19, 2019|url-access=subscription|archive-date=August 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807112204/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-mother-and-son-torn-apart-by-web-cult-that-destroys-families-w8klkzndf50|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Globe-2008" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name="Vice20170811">{{cite news|last=Lamoureux|first=Mack|url=https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/wjj85y/youtube-has-become-a-breeding-ground-for-digital-cults|title=How Cults Use YouTube for Recruitment|work=Vice|date=August 11, 2017|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703124306/https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/wjj85y/youtube-has-become-a-breeding-ground-for-digital-cults|url-status=live}}</ref>


Molyneux previously worked in the ], wrote nine articles for ] ]'s personal website, and made appearances on ], ], and ]. Molyneux previously worked in the ], wrote nine articles for ] ]'s personal website, and made appearances on ], '']'', and ].


== Background == == Background ==
Molyneux was born in Ireland and mostly raised in London before moving to Canada at age 11.<ref name=Mississauga-2003 /> He attended ] at ] in Toronto, acting at Theatre Glendon<ref name=Star-23Feb1988 /> and being a member of the Debating Society.<ref name=ProTem-8Feb1988 /> He then attended the ] in Montreal.<ref name=Mississauga-2003 /><ref name=Burg-Star /> In 1991, at age 25, Molyneux received a ] degree in history from ]. He received an ] degree in history from the ] in 1993.<ref name=Globe-2008 /><ref name=Burg-Star /> Molyneux was born in Ireland and mostly raised in London before moving to Canada at age 11.<ref name=Mississauga-2003 />
He attended ] at ] in Toronto, acting at Theatre Glendon<ref name=Star-23Feb1988 /> and being a member of the Debating Society.<ref name=ProTem-8Feb1988 /> He then attended the ] in Montreal.<ref name=Mississauga-2003 /><ref name=Burg-Star /> In 1991, at age 25, Molyneux received a ] degree in history from ]. He received an ] degree in history from the ] in 1993.<ref name=Globe-2008 /><ref name=Burg-Star />


== Career == == Career ==
In early 1995, Molyneux and his brother Hugh founded Caribou Systems Corporation, a Toronto-based provider of environmental database software. The company was sold in 2000.<ref name="Burg-Star"/><ref name="2002-01-28_Blue292"/> In early 1995, Molyneux and his brother Hugh founded Caribou Systems Corporation, a Toronto-based provider of environmental database software. The company was sold in 2000.<ref name="Burg-Star"/><ref name="2002-01-28_Blue292"/>


Molyneux began a podcast called ''Freedomain Radio'' (FDR) in 2004. Over the next 13 years, he created over 1,000 podcasts and videos. Meanwhile, Molyneux wrote nine articles for the personal website of ] in 2005 and was a narrator in 2011 and 2012 for the ] think tank, which Rockwell founded.<ref name="splcprofile" /> In 2010, Molyneux appeared on the ] program ''On the Edge'' hosted by ], and first participated on ]' ] show the following year. In that year and 2012, he appeared on the ] program ''Adam vs. the Man'', hosted by the libertarian ].<ref name="splcprofile" /> Molyneux began a podcast called ''Freedomain Radio'' (FDR) in 2004. Over the next 13 years, he created over 1,000 podcasts and videos. Meanwhile, Molyneux wrote nine articles for the personal website of ] in 2005 and was a narrator in 2011 and 2012 for the ] think tank, which Rockwell founded.<ref name="splcprofile" /> In 2010, Molyneux appeared on the ] program ''On the Edge'' hosted by ], and first participated on ]' ] show the following year. In that year and 2012, he made regular appearances on the ] program ''Adam vs. the Man'', hosted by the libertarian ].<ref name="splcprofile" />


In 2014, Molyneux, who has spoken out ] ], used the ] to take down several videos from a YouTube channel that mocked Molyneux's actions and statements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Masnick |first=Mike |date=2014-08-22 |title='Anarcho-Capitalist' Stefan Molyneux, Who Doesn't Support Copyright, Abuses DMCA To Silence Critic |url=https://www.techdirt.com/2014/08/22/anarcho-capitalist-stefan-molyneux-who-doesnt-support-copyright-abuses-dmca-to-silence-critic/ |access-date=2022-05-06 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=May 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506021418/https://www.techdirt.com/2014/08/22/anarcho-capitalist-stefan-molyneux-who-doesnt-support-copyright-abuses-dmca-to-silence-critic/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2014, Molyneux, who has spoken out ] ], used the ] to take down several videos from a YouTube channel that mocked Molyneux's actions and statements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Masnick |first=Mike |date=2014-08-22 |title='Anarcho-Capitalist' Stefan Molyneux, Who Doesn't Support Copyright, Abuses DMCA To Silence Critic |url=https://www.techdirt.com/2014/08/22/anarcho-capitalist-stefan-molyneux-who-doesnt-support-copyright-abuses-dmca-to-silence-critic/ |access-date=2022-05-06 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=May 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506021418/https://www.techdirt.com/2014/08/22/anarcho-capitalist-stefan-molyneux-who-doesnt-support-copyright-abuses-dmca-to-silence-critic/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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In July 2018, Molyneux and Canadian political activist ] toured the Australian cities of ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kinsella |first1=Luke |title=What I learnt about the far right from Lauren Southern |url=https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/true-stories/what-i-learnt-about-the-far-right-from-lauren-southern/news-story/0443ce7a7a09dc8431776f469b34ae0d |access-date=31 July 2018 |publisher=] |date=31 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731062217/https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/true-stories/what-i-learnt-about-the-far-right-from-lauren-southern/news-story/0443ce7a7a09dc8431776f469b34ae0d |archive-date=2018-07-31 |url-status=live }}</ref> Molyneux disparaged pre-colonisation ] culture, calling it "very violent", and downplayed massacres perpetrated against Aboriginals, saying that the European takeover of Australia had been less violent than other such takeovers, and that the settlers "were trying to stop infanticide and mass rape".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Douglas |title=Far-right Canadian duo's vile rampage against Aboriginal culture at Sydney event |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2017/07/30/far-right-canadian-duos-vile-rampage-against-aboriginal-culture-sydney-event |access-date=31 July 2018 |publisher=], ] |date=30 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730230015/https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2017/07/30/far-right-canadian-duos-vile-rampage-against-aboriginal-culture-sydney-event |archive-date=2018-07-30 |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2018, Molyneux and Canadian political activist ] toured the Australian cities of ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kinsella |first1=Luke |title=What I learnt about the far right from Lauren Southern |url=https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/true-stories/what-i-learnt-about-the-far-right-from-lauren-southern/news-story/0443ce7a7a09dc8431776f469b34ae0d |access-date=31 July 2018 |publisher=] |date=31 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731062217/https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/true-stories/what-i-learnt-about-the-far-right-from-lauren-southern/news-story/0443ce7a7a09dc8431776f469b34ae0d |archive-date=2018-07-31 |url-status=live }}</ref> Molyneux disparaged pre-colonisation ] culture, calling it "very violent", and downplayed massacres perpetrated against Aboriginals, saying that the European takeover of Australia had been less violent than other such takeovers, and that the settlers "were trying to stop infanticide and mass rape".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Douglas |title=Far-right Canadian duo's vile rampage against Aboriginal culture at Sydney event |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2017/07/30/far-right-canadian-duos-vile-rampage-against-aboriginal-culture-sydney-event |access-date=31 July 2018 |publisher=], ] |date=30 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730230015/https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2017/07/30/far-right-canadian-duos-vile-rampage-against-aboriginal-culture-sydney-event |archive-date=2018-07-30 |url-status=live }}</ref>


] speaking at the free speech protest in defence of Southern and Molyneux, Auckland 2018<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-07-2018/what-did-the-free-speech-protestors-actually-have-to-say/|title=What did the Free Speech protestors actually have to say?|first=Alex|last=Braae|date=14 July 2018|access-date=April 4, 2021|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214050326/https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-07-2018/what-did-the-free-speech-protestors-actually-have-to-say/|url-status=live}}</ref>]]In July 2018, Molyneux applied for a travel visa to visit New Zealand for a speaking tour with Southern. Immigration Minister ] described their views as "repugnant", but said they met immigration character requirements and cleared their entry.<ref name="Satherley">{{cite news|last1=Satherley|first1=Dan|title=Protests outside Lauren Southern speaking gig in Melbourne|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2018/07/protests-outside-lauren-southern-speaking-gig-in-melbourne.html|access-date=13 April 2021|publisher=]|date=21 July 2018|archive-date=July 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721022214/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2018/07/protests-outside-lauren-southern-speaking-gig-in-melbourne.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The pair had not secured a venue, as ] had cancelled their initial booking, citing health and safety concerns.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fonseka|first1=Dileepa|title=Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux have 'visas in hand' and will come to NZ, organiser says|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105625016/Lauren-Southern-and-Stefan-Molyneux-have-visas-in-hand-and-will-come-to-NZ-organiser-says|access-date=13 April 2021|agency=Stuff|publisher=Auckland Now|date=20 July 2018|archive-date=July 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720052106/https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105625016/Lauren-Southern-and-Stefan-Molyneux-have-visas-in-hand-and-will-come-to-NZ-organiser-says|url-status=live}}</ref> The pair briefly cancelled and then resumed the tour over difficulties with the venue.<ref>{{cite news |title=Right-wing Canadian speakers' visit canned, legal action on back burner |last1=Niall |first1=Todd |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105744525/rightwing-canadian-speakers-visit-canned-legal-action-on-back-burner |date=25 July 2018 |access-date=13 April 2021 |archive-date=December 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222064657/https://i.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105744525/rightwing-canadian-speakers-visit-canned-legal-action-on-back-burner |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Canadian far-right speakers Lauren Southern, Stefan Molyneux coming to New Zealand after securing Auckland speaking venue|url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/canadian-far-right-speakers-lauren-southern-stefan-molyneux-coming-new-zealand-after-securing-auckland-speaking-venue|access-date=13 April 2021|publisher=]|date=26 July 2018|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726170119/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/canadian-far-right-speakers-lauren-southern-stefan-molyneux-coming-new-zealand-after-securing-auckland-speaking-venue|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Todd|first1=Niall|title=Canadian Right-wing speakers' Auckland tour is on, with a new venue|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105780606/canadian-rightwing-speakers-auckland-tour-is-on-with-a-new-venue|access-date=13 April 2021|agency=Stuff|publisher=AucklandNow|date=26 July 2018|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726130035/https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105780606/canadian-rightwing-speakers-auckland-tour-is-on-with-a-new-venue|url-status=live}}</ref> The subsequent booking of a private venue was revoked by its owners.<ref name="The_minute_I_heard_who_it_was_I_cancelled">{{cite news |last1=Truebridge |first1=Nick |first2=Niall |last2=Todd |title=Auckland's Powerstation owner apologises for booking controversial speakers |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/106002242/aucklands-powerstation-owner-apologises-for-booking-controversial-speakers |access-date=13 April 2021 |work=] |date=3 August 2018 |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720091533/https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/106002242/aucklands-powerstation-owner-apologises-for-booking-controversial-speakers |url-status=live }}</ref> In retaliation, their venue was vandalised.<ref name=vandalised>{{cite news |title=Powerstation vandalised after cancelling Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux event |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/08/powerstation-vandalised-after-cancelling-lauren-southern-and-stefan-molyneux-event.html |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=6 August 2018 |archive-date=August 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806013827/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/08/powerstation-vandalised-after-cancelling-lauren-southern-and-stefan-molyneux-event.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The failure to find a venue was celebrated by around 1,000 protestors, who said the planned event had nothing to do with freedom of speech. Prime Minister ] said New Zealand is "hostile" to the views of the speakers and, "I think you'll see from the reaction they've had from New Zealanders that their views are not those that are shared by this country, and I'm quite proud of that".<ref name="NZ_Hostile_to_Southern">{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |last2=Macdonald |first2=Laura |title=NZ 'hostile' to views of Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux - Jacinda Arden |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/08/nz-hostile-to-views-of-lauren-southern-and-stefan-molyneux-jacinda-arden.html |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=4 August 2018 |archive-date=August 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804095057/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/08/nz-hostile-to-views-of-lauren-southern-and-stefan-molyneux-jacinda-arden.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ] speaking at the free speech protest in defence of Southern and Molyneux, Auckland 2018<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-07-2018/what-did-the-free-speech-protestors-actually-have-to-say/|title=What did the Free Speech protestors actually have to say?|first=Alex|last=Braae|date=14 July 2018|access-date=April 4, 2021|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214050326/https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-07-2018/what-did-the-free-speech-protestors-actually-have-to-say/|url-status=live}}</ref>]]In July 2018, Molyneux applied for a travel visa to visit New Zealand for a speaking tour with Southern. Immigration Minister ] described their views as "repugnant", but said they met immigration character requirements and cleared their entry.<ref name="Satherley">{{cite news|last1=Satherley|first1=Dan|title=Protests outside Lauren Southern speaking gig in Melbourne|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2018/07/protests-outside-lauren-southern-speaking-gig-in-melbourne.html|access-date=13 April 2021|publisher=]|date=21 July 2018|archive-date=July 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721022214/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2018/07/protests-outside-lauren-southern-speaking-gig-in-melbourne.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The pair had not secured a venue, as ] had cancelled their initial booking, citing health and safety concerns.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fonseka|first1=Dileepa|title=Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux have 'visas in hand' and will come to NZ, organiser says|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105625016/Lauren-Southern-and-Stefan-Molyneux-have-visas-in-hand-and-will-come-to-NZ-organiser-says|access-date=13 April 2021|agency=Stuff|publisher=Auckland Now|date=20 July 2018|archive-date=July 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720052106/https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105625016/Lauren-Southern-and-Stefan-Molyneux-have-visas-in-hand-and-will-come-to-NZ-organiser-says|url-status=live}}</ref> The pair briefly cancelled and then resumed the tour over difficulties with the venue.<ref>{{cite news |title=Right-wing Canadian speakers' visit canned, legal action on back burner |last1=Niall |first1=Todd |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105744525/rightwing-canadian-speakers-visit-canned-legal-action-on-back-burner |date=25 July 2018 |access-date=13 April 2021 |archive-date=December 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222064657/https://i.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105744525/rightwing-canadian-speakers-visit-canned-legal-action-on-back-burner |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Canadian far-right speakers Lauren Southern, Stefan Molyneux coming to New Zealand after securing Auckland speaking venue|url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/canadian-far-right-speakers-lauren-southern-stefan-molyneux-coming-new-zealand-after-securing-auckland-speaking-venue|access-date=13 April 2021|publisher=]|date=26 July 2018|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726170119/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/canadian-far-right-speakers-lauren-southern-stefan-molyneux-coming-new-zealand-after-securing-auckland-speaking-venue|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Todd|first1=Niall|title=Canadian Right-wing speakers' Auckland tour is on, with a new venue|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105780606/canadian-rightwing-speakers-auckland-tour-is-on-with-a-new-venue|access-date=13 April 2021|agency=Stuff|publisher=AucklandNow|date=26 July 2018|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726130035/https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105780606/canadian-rightwing-speakers-auckland-tour-is-on-with-a-new-venue|url-status=live}}</ref> The subsequent booking of a private venue was revoked by its owners.<ref name="The_minute_I_heard_who_it_was_I_cancelled">{{cite news |last1=Truebridge |first1=Nick |first2=Niall |last2=Todd |title=Auckland's Powerstation owner apologises for booking controversial speakers |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/106002242/aucklands-powerstation-owner-apologises-for-booking-controversial-speakers |access-date=13 April 2021 |work=] |date=3 August 2018 |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720091533/https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/106002242/aucklands-powerstation-owner-apologises-for-booking-controversial-speakers |url-status=live }}</ref> In retaliation, their venue was vandalised.<ref name=vandalised>{{cite news |title=Powerstation vandalised after cancelling Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux event |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/08/powerstation-vandalised-after-cancelling-lauren-southern-and-stefan-molyneux-event.html |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=6 August 2018 |archive-date=August 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806013827/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/08/powerstation-vandalised-after-cancelling-lauren-southern-and-stefan-molyneux-event.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The failure to find a venue was celebrated by around 1,000 protestors, who said the planned event had nothing to do with freedom of speech. Prime Minister ] said New Zealand is "hostile" to the views of the speakers and, "I think you'll see from the reaction they've had from New Zealanders that their views are not those that are shared by this country, and I'm quite proud of that".<ref name="NZ_Hostile_to_Southern">{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |last2=Macdonald |first2=Laura |title=NZ 'hostile' to views of Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux - Jacinda Arden |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/08/nz-hostile-to-views-of-lauren-southern-and-stefan-molyneux-jacinda-arden.html |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=4 August 2018 |archive-date=August 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804095057/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/08/nz-hostile-to-views-of-lauren-southern-and-stefan-molyneux-jacinda-arden.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


In August 2018, the ], ], tweeted that Council venues should not be used to "stir up ethnic or religious tensions", and that "we've got no obligation at all" to provide a venue for hate speech.<ref name=radionz>{{cite news |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/362284/alt-right-speakers-stefan-molyneux-and-lauren-southern-anger-nz-muslims|title=Alt-right speakers Stefan Molyneux and Lauren Southern anger NZ Muslims |publisher=] |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=2018-07-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720114052/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/362284/alt-right-speakers-stefan-molyneux-and-lauren-southern-anger-nz-muslims |archive-date=2018-07-20 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Controversial Canadian speaker denied visa as Auckland agency cancels booking|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105302179/controversial-canadian-speaker-denied-visa-as-auckland-agency-cancels-booking|work=Stuff|date=6 July 2018|access-date=13 April 2021|archive-date=September 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929194530/https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105302179/controversial-canadian-speaker-denied-visa-as-auckland-agency-cancels-booking|url-status=live}}</ref> For agreeing with the cancellation, ] co-leader ] received death threats.<ref name="Degrading_Messages_of_a_Sexual_Nature_from_Lauren_Southern_fans">{{cite news |title=Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson receives death threats |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/07/green-party-co-leader-marama-davidson-receives-death-threats.html |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=8 July 2018 |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718084005/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/07/green-party-co-leader-marama-davidson-receives-death-threats.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2018, the ], ], tweeted that Council venues should not be used to "stir up ethnic or religious tensions", and that "we've got no obligation at all" to provide a venue for hate speech.<ref name=radionz>{{cite news |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/362284/alt-right-speakers-stefan-molyneux-and-lauren-southern-anger-nz-muslims|title=Alt-right speakers Stefan Molyneux and Lauren Southern anger NZ Muslims |publisher=] |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=2018-07-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720114052/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/362284/alt-right-speakers-stefan-molyneux-and-lauren-southern-anger-nz-muslims |archive-date=2018-07-20 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Controversial Canadian speaker denied visa as Auckland agency cancels booking|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105302179/controversial-canadian-speaker-denied-visa-as-auckland-agency-cancels-booking|work=Stuff|date=6 July 2018|access-date=13 April 2021|archive-date=September 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929194530/https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105302179/controversial-canadian-speaker-denied-visa-as-auckland-agency-cancels-booking|url-status=live}}</ref> For agreeing with the cancellation, ] co-leader ] received death threats.<ref name="Degrading_Messages_of_a_Sexual_Nature_from_Lauren_Southern_fans">{{cite news |title=Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson receives death threats |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/07/green-party-co-leader-marama-davidson-receives-death-threats.html |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=8 July 2018 |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718084005/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/07/green-party-co-leader-marama-davidson-receives-death-threats.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


Tāmaki Anti Fascist Action spokesperson Sina Brown-Davis said her group feared "dehumanising depictions of indigenous people" in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Theunissen |first1=Matthew |title=Most read: Fear controversial far-right pair's speech will incite racism: 'They were mocking Aboriginal culture' |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/most-read-fear-controversial-far-right-pair-s-speech-incite-racism-they-were-mocking-aboriginal-culture |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=2 August 2018 |archive-date=August 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804075703/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/most-read-fear-controversial-far-right-pair-s-speech-incite-racism-they-were-mocking-aboriginal-culture |url-status=dead }}</ref> Molyneux had said that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at "the lowest rung of civilisation".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Douglas |title=Far-right Canadian duo's vile rampage against Aboriginal culture at Sydney event |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2017/07/30/far-right-canadian-duos-vile-rampage-against-aboriginal-culture-sydney-event |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=30 July 2018 |archive-date=July 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730230015/https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2017/07/30/far-right-canadian-duos-vile-rampage-against-aboriginal-culture-sydney-event |url-status=live }}</ref> Tāmaki Anti Fascist Action spokesperson Sina Brown-Davis said her group feared "dehumanising depictions of indigenous people" in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Theunissen |first1=Matthew |title=Most read: Fear controversial far-right pair's speech will incite racism: 'They were mocking Aboriginal culture' |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/most-read-fear-controversial-far-right-pair-s-speech-incite-racism-they-were-mocking-aboriginal-culture |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=2 August 2018 |archive-date=August 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804075703/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/most-read-fear-controversial-far-right-pair-s-speech-incite-racism-they-were-mocking-aboriginal-culture |url-status=dead }}</ref> Molyneux had said that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at "the lowest rung of civilisation".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Douglas |title=Far-right Canadian duo's vile rampage against Aboriginal culture at Sydney event |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2017/07/30/far-right-canadian-duos-vile-rampage-against-aboriginal-culture-sydney-event |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=30 July 2018 |archive-date=July 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730230015/https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2017/07/30/far-right-canadian-duos-vile-rampage-against-aboriginal-culture-sydney-event |url-status=live }}</ref>


] co-leader ] added, "] does not stand for your messages of racism, hatred and especially white supremacy".<ref name="Right_Of_Stalin">{{cite news |title="Hope NZ enjoys shariah" - Alt-right speakers' agent responds to having their Auckland event at The Powerstation cancelled last-minute |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/hope-nz-enjoys-shariah-alt-right-speakers-agent-responds-having-their-auckland-event-powerstation-cancelled-last-minute |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=4 August 2018 |archive-date=August 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805021631/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/hope-nz-enjoys-shariah-alt-right-speakers-agent-responds-having-their-auckland-event-powerstation-cancelled-last-minute |url-status=live }}</ref> Justice Minister ] said the speakers "clearly have misled people" in trying to secure the venue.<ref name=misled>{{cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?objectid=12101189 |title=Andrew Little happy 'insidious' alt-right pair leaving the country as bomb threat claim emerges |work=] |first=David |last=Fisher |date=4 August 2018 |access-date=13 April 2021 |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807032802/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?objectid=12101189 |url-status=dead }}</ref> TV personality Te Hamua Nikora said the pair were against multiculturalism, unlike New Zealand.<ref name="How_to_travel_the_world_for_free">{{cite news |title=Watch: Canadian far-right speakers blame threats of violence amounting to 'straight up terrorism' for Auckland event cancellation |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/watch-canadian-far-right-speakers-blame-threats-violence-amounting-straight-up-terrorism-auckland-event-cancellation |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=3 August 2018 |archive-date=August 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803094222/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/watch-canadian-far-right-speakers-blame-threats-violence-amounting-straight-up-terrorism-auckland-event-cancellation |url-status=live }}</ref> The minimum ticket price for the cancelled Auckland event was $99.<ref name="tickets_min_99_NZD">{{cite news |title=Auckland venue cancels controversial far-right Canadian pair's speaking event |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/auckland-venue-cancels-controversial-far-right-canadian-pairs-speaking-event |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=3 August 2018 |archive-date=January 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114203849/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/auckland-venue-cancels-controversial-far-right-canadian-pairs-speaking-event |url-status=live }}</ref> ] co-leader ] added, "] does not stand for your messages of racism, hatred and especially white supremacy".<ref name="Right_Of_Stalin">{{cite news |title="Hope NZ enjoys shariah" - Alt-right speakers' agent responds to having their Auckland event at The Powerstation cancelled last-minute |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/hope-nz-enjoys-shariah-alt-right-speakers-agent-responds-having-their-auckland-event-powerstation-cancelled-last-minute |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=4 August 2018 |archive-date=August 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805021631/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/hope-nz-enjoys-shariah-alt-right-speakers-agent-responds-having-their-auckland-event-powerstation-cancelled-last-minute |url-status=live }}</ref> Justice Minister ] said the speakers "clearly have misled people" in trying to secure the venue.<ref name=misled>{{cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?objectid=12101189 |title=Andrew Little happy 'insidious' alt-right pair leaving the country as bomb threat claim emerges |work=] |first=David |last=Fisher |date=4 August 2018 |access-date=13 April 2021 |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807032802/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?objectid=12101189 |url-status=dead }}</ref> TV personality Te Hamua Nikora said the pair were against multiculturalism, unlike New Zealand.<ref name="How_to_travel_the_world_for_free">{{cite news |title=Watch: Canadian far-right speakers blame threats of violence amounting to 'straight up terrorism' for Auckland event cancellation |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/watch-canadian-far-right-speakers-blame-threats-violence-amounting-straight-up-terrorism-auckland-event-cancellation |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=3 August 2018 |archive-date=August 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803094222/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/watch-canadian-far-right-speakers-blame-threats-violence-amounting-straight-up-terrorism-auckland-event-cancellation |url-status=live }}</ref> The minimum ticket price for the cancelled Auckland event was $99.<ref name="tickets_min_99_NZD">{{cite news |title=Auckland venue cancels controversial far-right Canadian pair's speaking event |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/auckland-venue-cancels-controversial-far-right-canadian-pairs-speaking-event |access-date=13 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=3 August 2018 |archive-date=January 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114203849/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/auckland-venue-cancels-controversial-far-right-canadian-pairs-speaking-event |url-status=live }}</ref>


Molyneux has frequently hosted ]s on his podcast, such as ] (founder of the white-nationalist website ]), and ] (founder of the white-nationalist magazine '']'').<ref name=":2"/> Molyneux has frequently hosted ]s on his podcast, such as ] (founder of the white-nationalist website ]), and ] (founder of the white-nationalist magazine '']'').<ref name=":2"/>


In November 2019, ] suspended Molyneux's account. He had previously received donations via the service. PayPal's actions came after activist group ] campaigned for him to be removed, citing Molyneux's bigoted attitudes including his promotion of ] conspiracy theories concerning the media.<ref name="Vice20191106"/><ref name="Nwswk20191105"/> In January 2020, Molyneux released a video in which he asked his followers for money and complained that he would not be able to find regular employment.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rutledge|first=Daniel|date=14 January 2020|title=Stefan Molyneux mocked over desperate plea that he'll struggle to find a job|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2020/01/stefan-molyneux-mocked-over-desperate-plea-that-he-ll-struggle-to-find-a-job.html|access-date=2020-06-30|website=Newshub|archive-date=February 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226062030/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2020/01/stefan-molyneux-mocked-over-desperate-plea-that-he-ll-struggle-to-find-a-job.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, email marketing platform ] suspended Molyneux's account, which he used to send out his newsletter.<ref name="newsletter"/> In November 2019, ] suspended Molyneux's account. He had previously received donations via the service. PayPal's actions came after activist group ] campaigned for him to be removed, citing Molyneux's bigoted attitudes including his promotion of ] conspiracy theories concerning the media.<ref name="Vice20191106"/><ref name="Nwswk20191105"/> In January 2020, Molyneux released a video in which he asked his followers for money and complained that he would not be able to find regular employment.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rutledge|first=Daniel|date=14 January 2020|title=Stefan Molyneux mocked over desperate plea that he'll struggle to find a job|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2020/01/stefan-molyneux-mocked-over-desperate-plea-that-he-ll-struggle-to-find-a-job.html|access-date=2020-06-30|website=] |archive-date=February 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226062030/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2020/01/stefan-molyneux-mocked-over-desperate-plea-that-he-ll-struggle-to-find-a-job.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, email marketing platform ] suspended Molyneux's account, which he used to send out his newsletter.<ref name="newsletter"/>


Molyneux's YouTube channel was banned on June 29, 2020, alongside white supremacists ] and ], for violating the YouTube policies against ] enacted in 2019. By the time it was closed, Molyneux's channel had 900,000 subscribers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sommer|first=Will|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/youtube-boots-white-supremacist-richard-spencer-far-right-personality-stefan-molyneux-for-spewing-hate?ref=scroll|title=YouTube Boots White Supremacist Richard Spencer, Far-Right Personality Stefan Molyneux for Spewing Hate|work=The Daily Beast|date=June 29, 2020|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802123913/https://www.thedailybeast.com/youtube-boots-white-supremacist-richard-spencer-far-right-personality-stefan-molyneux-for-spewing-hate?ref=scroll|url-status=live}}</ref> Molyneux said it was a "systemic, coordinated effort" in which YouTube had "just suspended the largest philosophy conversation the world has ever known".<ref name="Verge2020"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenspan |first1=Rachel E. |title=YouTube bans white supremacist channels including those of Richard Spencer, David Duke, and Stefan Molyneux |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/youtube-bans-stefan-molyneux-hate-speech-david-duke-richard-spencer-2020-6 |work=Business Insider |date=June 29, 2020 |access-date=June 29, 2020 |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071156/https://www.businessinsider.com/youtube-bans-stefan-molyneux-hate-speech-david-duke-richard-spencer-2020-6 |url-status=live }}</ref> Molyneux funds his efforts through listener support.<ref name="Horsager-TheTrustEdge">{{cite book |last=Horsager |first=David |date=October 2012 |title=The Trust Edge: How top leaders gain faster results, deeper relationships, and a stronger bottom line |publisher=] |location=New York |pages=25–26 |oclc=820783989 |isbn=978-1-4767-1137-9}}</ref> Molyneux's Twitter account was ] on July 8, 2020, for violating Twitter's policies.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-08|title=Twitter Suspends White Nationalist Stefan Molyneux|url=https://screenrant.com/twitter-suspends-stefan-molyneux/|access-date=2020-07-10|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US|archive-date=July 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710102438/https://screenrant.com/twitter-suspends-stefan-molyneux/|url-status=live}}</ref> By January 2023, after ], his account was reinstated.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kovac |first=Adam |date=2023-01-06 |title=Here are the prominent antisemites who have been reinstated on Twitter (that we know of) |url=https://forward.com/news/530910/twitter-antisemites-reinstatements-list-elon-musk-david-icke-andrew-anglin-e-michael-jones-baked-alaska-kanye-west/ |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=The Forward |language=en |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603191456/https://forward.com/news/530910/twitter-antisemites-reinstatements-list-elon-musk-david-icke-andrew-anglin-e-michael-jones-baked-alaska-kanye-west/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Molyneux's YouTube channel was banned on June 29, 2020, alongside white supremacists ] and ], for violating the YouTube policies against ] enacted in 2019. By the time it was closed, Molyneux's channel had 900,000 subscribers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sommer|first=Will|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/youtube-boots-white-supremacist-richard-spencer-far-right-personality-stefan-molyneux-for-spewing-hate?ref=scroll|title=YouTube Boots White Supremacist Richard Spencer, Far-Right Personality Stefan Molyneux for Spewing Hate|work=The Daily Beast|date=June 29, 2020|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802123913/https://www.thedailybeast.com/youtube-boots-white-supremacist-richard-spencer-far-right-personality-stefan-molyneux-for-spewing-hate?ref=scroll|url-status=live}}</ref> Molyneux said it was a "systemic, coordinated effort" in which YouTube had "just suspended the largest philosophy conversation the world has ever known".<ref name="Verge2020"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenspan |first1=Rachel E. |title=YouTube bans white supremacist channels including those of Richard Spencer, David Duke, and Stefan Molyneux |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/youtube-bans-stefan-molyneux-hate-speech-david-duke-richard-spencer-2020-6 |work=Business Insider |date=June 29, 2020 |access-date=June 29, 2020 |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071156/https://www.businessinsider.com/youtube-bans-stefan-molyneux-hate-speech-david-duke-richard-spencer-2020-6 |url-status=live }}</ref> Molyneux funds his efforts through listener support.<ref name="Horsager-TheTrustEdge">{{cite book |last=Horsager |first=David |date=October 2012 |title=The Trust Edge: How top leaders gain faster results, deeper relationships, and a stronger bottom line |publisher=] |location=New York |pages=25–26 |oclc=820783989 |isbn=978-1-4767-1137-9}}</ref> Molyneux's Twitter account was ] on July 8, 2020, for violating Twitter's policies.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-08|title=Twitter Suspends White Nationalist Stefan Molyneux|url=https://screenrant.com/twitter-suspends-stefan-molyneux/|access-date=2020-07-10|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US|archive-date=July 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710102438/https://screenrant.com/twitter-suspends-stefan-molyneux/|url-status=live}}</ref> By January 2023, after ], his account was reinstated.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kovac |first=Adam |date=2023-01-06 |title=Here are the prominent antisemites who have been reinstated on Twitter (that we know of) |url=https://forward.com/news/530910/twitter-antisemites-reinstatements-list-elon-musk-david-icke-andrew-anglin-e-michael-jones-baked-alaska-kanye-west/ |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=The Forward |language=en |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603191456/https://forward.com/news/530910/twitter-antisemites-reinstatements-list-elon-musk-david-icke-andrew-anglin-e-michael-jones-baked-alaska-kanye-west/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


In December 2020, New Zealand's ] revealed the ] of the ] had donated $138.89 ] to Molyneux's podcast Freedomain Radio. The report also found that the terrorist's "thinking was affected by what was said in far-right online communities and other far-right material he found on the internet", some of which included Molyneux's content.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gower |first1=Patrick |title=Christchurch terror attack gunman donated to far-right YouTuber Stefan Molyneux |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/12/christchurch-terror-attack-gunman-donated-to-far-right-youtuber-stefan-molyneux.html |access-date=17 April 2021 |publisher=Newshub |date=8 December 2020 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417082414/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/12/christchurch-terror-attack-gunman-donated-to-far-right-youtuber-stefan-molyneux.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=3. World travel – 15 April 2014 to 17 August 2017 |url=https://christchurchattack.royalcommission.nz/the-report/firearms-licensing/the-regulation-of-semi-automatic-firearms/ |website=Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain on 15 March 2019 |access-date=17 April 2021 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417082415/https://christchurchattack.royalcommission.nz/the-report/firearms-licensing/the-regulation-of-semi-automatic-firearms/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2020, New Zealand's ] revealed the ] of the ] had donated $138.89 ] to Molyneux's podcast Freedomain Radio. The report also found that the terrorist's "thinking was affected by what was said in far-right online communities and other far-right material he found on the internet", some of which included Molyneux's content.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gower |first1=Patrick |title=Christchurch terror attack gunman donated to far-right YouTuber Stefan Molyneux |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/12/christchurch-terror-attack-gunman-donated-to-far-right-youtuber-stefan-molyneux.html |access-date=17 April 2021 |publisher=] |date=8 December 2020 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417082414/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/12/christchurch-terror-attack-gunman-donated-to-far-right-youtuber-stefan-molyneux.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=3. World travel – 15 April 2014 to 17 August 2017 |url=https://christchurchattack.royalcommission.nz/the-report/firearms-licensing/the-regulation-of-semi-automatic-firearms/ |website=Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain on 15 March 2019 |access-date=17 April 2021 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417082415/https://christchurchattack.royalcommission.nz/the-report/firearms-licensing/the-regulation-of-semi-automatic-firearms/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Views == == Views ==
=== Promotion of white supremacy and conspiracy theories=== === Promotion of white supremacy and conspiracy theories===


Molyneux promotes white supremacist views and conspiracy theories.<ref name="NBC News"/><ref name="GuardianRevival"/><ref name="DandS"/> He is a proponent of the ],<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hankes|first1=Keegan|last2=Janik|first2=Rachel|last3=Hayden|first3=Michael Edison|url=https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2019/04/28/shooting-poway-synagogue-underscores-link-between-internet-radicalization-and-violence|title=Shooting at Poway Synagogue underscores link between internet radicalization and violence|work=Southern Poverty Law Center|date=April 28, 2019|access-date=September 17, 2019|archive-date=August 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812181045/https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2019/04/28/shooting-poway-synagogue-underscores-link-between-internet-radicalization-and-violence|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/362284/alt-right-speakers-stefan-molyneux-and-lauren-southern-anger-nz-muslims|title=Alt-right speakers Stefan Molyneux and Lauren Southern anger NZ Muslims |publisher=] |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=2018-07-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720114052/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/362284/alt-right-speakers-stefan-molyneux-and-lauren-southern-anger-nz-muslims |archive-date=2018-07-20 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/11/02/us/politics/trump-twitter-disinformation.html|title=In Trump's Twitter Feed: Conspiracy-Mongers, Racists and Spies|last1=McIntire|first1=Mike|date=November 2, 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-11-02|last2=Yourish|first2=Karen|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|last3=Buchanan|first3=Larry|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224204406/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/11/02/us/politics/trump-twitter-disinformation.html|url-status=live}}</ref> interviewing several South African advocates of the theory in his podcasts.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ward|first=Justin|url=https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2018/08/23/dangerous-myth-white-genocide-south-africa|title=The dangerous myth of 'white genocide' in South Africa|work=Southern Poverty Law Center|date=August 23, 2018|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711012735/https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2018/08/23/dangerous-myth-white-genocide-south-africa|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, he stated that the film '']'' has a concealed sub-text about the persecution of ] and predicted the "quasi-extinction" of whites "in the not so distant future". He further indicated that "Whites are not allowed to have a history to be proud of, not allowed to have in-group preferences" leading to "the end of a lineage. It's the end of a history. It is the end of culture".<ref>{{cite news|last=Holt|first=Jared|url=https://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/stefan-molyneux-thinks-new-star-wars-film-is-about-the-decline-of-white-people|title=Stefan Molyneux Thinks New Star Wars Film Is About The Decline Of White People|work=Right-Wing Watch|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701231112/https://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/stefan-molyneux-thinks-new-star-wars-film-is-about-the-decline-of-white-people/|url-status=live}}</ref> Molyneux has stated that "blacks are collectively less intelligent."<ref name="splcprofile" /><ref name="Vice20191106" /> Molyneux promotes white supremacist views and conspiracy theories.<ref name="NBC News"/><ref name="GuardianRevival"/><ref name="DandS"/> He is a proponent of the ],<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hankes|first1=Keegan|last2=Janik|first2=Rachel|last3=Hayden|first3=Michael Edison|url=https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2019/04/28/shooting-poway-synagogue-underscores-link-between-internet-radicalization-and-violence|title=Shooting at Poway Synagogue underscores link between internet radicalization and violence|publisher=Southern Poverty Law Center|date=April 28, 2019|access-date=September 17, 2019|archive-date=August 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812181045/https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2019/04/28/shooting-poway-synagogue-underscores-link-between-internet-radicalization-and-violence|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/362284/alt-right-speakers-stefan-molyneux-and-lauren-southern-anger-nz-muslims|title=Alt-right speakers Stefan Molyneux and Lauren Southern anger NZ Muslims |publisher=] |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=2018-07-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720114052/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/362284/alt-right-speakers-stefan-molyneux-and-lauren-southern-anger-nz-muslims |archive-date=2018-07-20 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/11/02/us/politics/trump-twitter-disinformation.html|title=In Trump's Twitter Feed: Conspiracy-Mongers, Racists and Spies|last1=McIntire|first1=Mike|date=November 2, 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-11-02|last2=Yourish|first2=Karen|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|last3=Buchanan|first3=Larry|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224204406/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/11/02/us/politics/trump-twitter-disinformation.html|url-status=live}}</ref> interviewing several South African advocates of the theory in his podcasts.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ward|first=Justin|url=https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2018/08/23/dangerous-myth-white-genocide-south-africa|title=The dangerous myth of 'white genocide' in South Africa|publisher=Southern Poverty Law Center|date=August 23, 2018|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711012735/https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2018/08/23/dangerous-myth-white-genocide-south-africa|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, he stated that the film '']'' has a concealed sub-text about the persecution of ] and predicted the "quasi-extinction" of whites "in the not so distant future". He further indicated that "Whites are not allowed to have a history to be proud of, not allowed to have in-group preferences" leading to "the end of a lineage. It's the end of a history. It is the end of culture".<ref>{{cite news|last=Holt|first=Jared|url=https://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/stefan-molyneux-thinks-new-star-wars-film-is-about-the-decline-of-white-people|title=Stefan Molyneux Thinks New Star Wars Film Is About The Decline Of White People|work=Right-Wing Watch|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701231112/https://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/stefan-molyneux-thinks-new-star-wars-film-is-about-the-decline-of-white-people/|url-status=live}}</ref> Molyneux has stated that "blacks are collectively less intelligent".<ref name="splcprofile" /><ref name="Vice20191106" />


Molyneux describes himself as an ].<ref name=":3" /> According to the ] (SPLC), Molyneux initially used the Freedomain Radio website "to amplify his views on anarcho-capitalist ideology, ], philosophy, anti-statism, pseudo-therapy and anti-feminism." The SPLC also stated that Molyneux's views become more politically extreme and racialized around 2013 or 2014 when his ideology shifted to include far-right and ] thinking.<ref name="splcprofile"/> The SPLC describes him as an "internet commentator and alleged cult leader who amplifies ']', ] and white supremacism to a massive new audience" and that "Stefan Molyneux operates within the racist so-called 'alt-right' and pro-Trump ranks". He gave his support to President ] and ] of the French ], as well as the Dutch politician ], during their election campaigns in 2016 and 2017.<ref name="splcprofile" /> Molyneux describes himself as an ].<ref name=":3" /> According to the ] (SPLC), Molyneux initially used the Freedomain Radio website "to amplify his views on anarcho-capitalist ideology, ], philosophy, anti-statism, pseudo-therapy and anti-feminism." The SPLC also stated that Molyneux's views become more politically extreme and racialized around 2013 or 2014 when his ideology shifted to include far-right and ] thinking.<ref name="splcprofile"/> The SPLC describes him as an "internet commentator and alleged cult leader who amplifies ']', ] and white supremacism to a massive new audience" and that "Stefan Molyneux operates within the racist so-called 'alt-right' and pro-Trump ranks". He gave his support to President ] and ] of the French ], as well as the Dutch politician ], during their election campaigns in 2016 and 2017.<ref name="splcprofile" />


Molyneux has been described as a part of the "]" by '']'', '']'', '']'' magazine, '']'', and ], and has been described as "one of the alt-right's biggest YouTube stars" by '']'' columnist ].<ref name="Politico17"/><ref name="Washp17" /><ref name=Metro17>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Adam |date=August 19, 2017 |title=Heartbroken mother describes how she lost her son to alt-right movement |url=https://metro.co.uk/2017/08/19/heartbroken-mother-pens-open-letter-to-son-she-lost-to-alt-right-movement-6864145/ |newspaper=] |access-date=August 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819164720/http://metro.co.uk/2017/08/19/heartbroken-mother-pens-open-letter-to-son-she-lost-to-alt-right-movement-6864145/ |archive-date=2017-08-19 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kilgore |first=Ed |date=August 14, 2017 |title=Don't Look Now, But Alt-Right Demonstrations Are Scheduled for Nine Cities Next Weekend |url=http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/08/alt-right-demonstrations-scheduled-for-9-cities-next-weekend.html |newspaper=] |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802193201/http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/08/alt-right-demonstrations-scheduled-for-9-cities-next-weekend.html |archive-date=2018-08-02 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kosoff |first=Maya |date=August 9, 2017 |title=The Fired Google Engineer Is Doubling Down |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/08/james-damore-google-silicon-valley-culture-war |newspaper=] |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-date=January 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114203849/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/08/james-damore-google-silicon-valley-culture-war |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=August 9, 2017 |title=Fired Google Engineer Who Wrote Controversial Gender Essay Speaks Out |url=http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/08/09/google-gender-essay-fired-engineer-james-damore-legal-options/ |publisher=]/]|agency=] |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421090934/http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/08/09/google-gender-essay-fired-engineer-james-damore-legal-options/ |archive-date=2018-04-21 |url-status=live }}</ref> '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']'' have characterized Molyneux as far-right.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Tani |first=Maxwell |date=August 23, 2017 |title='UNLIMITED WAR': Breitbart and the far right start to turn on Trump over his Afghanistan decision |url=http://uk.businessinsider.com/far-right-trump-backers-pan-afghanistan-speech-2017-8 |newspaper=] |access-date=August 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826075053/http://uk.businessinsider.com/far-right-trump-backers-pan-afghanistan-speech-2017-8 |archive-date=2017-08-26 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ling |first=Justin |date=January 8, 2018 |title=The Far Right Can't Decide If The Iran Protests Are A Good Thing, Or A George Soros Deep State Coup |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/justinling/the-far-right-cant-decide-if-the-iran-protests-are-a-good |publisher=] |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612184725/https://www.buzzfeed.com/justinling/the-far-right-cant-decide-if-the-iran-protests-are-a-good |archive-date=2018-06-12 |url-status=live }}</ref> Data & Society, a research institute, described Molyneux as "a Canadian talk show host who promotes scientific racism".<ref name="DandS">{{Cite news|url=https://datasociety.net/output/alternative-influence/|title=Alternative Influence|work=Data & Society|access-date=2018-09-19|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918202818/https://datasociety.net/output/alternative-influence/|archive-date=2018-09-18|url-status=live}}</ref> Molyneux has been described as a part of the "]" by '']'', '']'', '']'' magazine, '']'', and ], and has been described as "one of the alt-right's biggest YouTube stars" by '']'' columnist ].<ref name="Politico17"/><ref name="Washp17" /><ref name=Metro17>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Adam |date=August 19, 2017 |title=Heartbroken mother describes how she lost her son to alt-right movement |url=https://metro.co.uk/2017/08/19/heartbroken-mother-pens-open-letter-to-son-she-lost-to-alt-right-movement-6864145/ |newspaper=] |access-date=August 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819164720/http://metro.co.uk/2017/08/19/heartbroken-mother-pens-open-letter-to-son-she-lost-to-alt-right-movement-6864145/ |archive-date=2017-08-19 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kilgore |first=Ed |date=August 14, 2017 |title=Don't Look Now, But Alt-Right Demonstrations Are Scheduled for Nine Cities Next Weekend |url=http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/08/alt-right-demonstrations-scheduled-for-9-cities-next-weekend.html |newspaper=] |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802193201/http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/08/alt-right-demonstrations-scheduled-for-9-cities-next-weekend.html |archive-date=2018-08-02 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kosoff |first=Maya |date=August 9, 2017 |title=The Fired Google Engineer Is Doubling Down |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/08/james-damore-google-silicon-valley-culture-war |newspaper=] |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-date=January 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114203849/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/08/james-damore-google-silicon-valley-culture-war |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=August 9, 2017 |title=Fired Google Engineer Who Wrote Controversial Gender Essay Speaks Out |url=http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/08/09/google-gender-essay-fired-engineer-james-damore-legal-options/ |publisher=]/]|agency=] |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421090934/http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/08/09/google-gender-essay-fired-engineer-james-damore-legal-options/ |archive-date=2018-04-21 |url-status=live }}</ref> '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']'' have characterized Molyneux as far-right.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Tani |first=Maxwell |date=August 23, 2017 |title='UNLIMITED WAR': Breitbart and the far right start to turn on Trump over his Afghanistan decision |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/far-right-trump-backers-pan-afghanistan-speech-2017-8 |newspaper=] |access-date=August 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826075053/http://uk.businessinsider.com/far-right-trump-backers-pan-afghanistan-speech-2017-8 |archive-date=2017-08-26 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ling |first=Justin |date=January 8, 2018 |title=The Far Right Can't Decide If The Iran Protests Are A Good Thing, Or A George Soros Deep State Coup |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/justinling/the-far-right-cant-decide-if-the-iran-protests-are-a-good |work=] |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612184725/https://www.buzzfeed.com/justinling/the-far-right-cant-decide-if-the-iran-protests-are-a-good |archive-date=2018-06-12 |url-status=live }}</ref> Data & Society, a research institute, described Molyneux as "a Canadian talk show host who promotes scientific racism".<ref name="DandS">{{Cite news|url=https://datasociety.net/output/alternative-influence/|title=Alternative Influence|work=Data & Society|access-date=2018-09-19|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918202818/https://datasociety.net/output/alternative-influence/|archive-date=2018-09-18|url-status=live}}</ref>


According to ''The New York Times'', Molyneux is fixated with "race realism".<ref name=":3" /> He has hosted white supremacists such as ] on his show. Molyneux has blamed "rap culture" for unarmed black men getting shot by police.<ref name=":3" /> In a possibly unbroadcast interview for ] with ], recorded in Warsaw, Poland, in November 2018, Molyneux said: "I've always been skeptical of the ideas of white nationalism However, I am an empiricist and I could not help but notice that I could have peaceful, free, easy, civilized and safe discussions in what is essentially an all-white country".<ref>{{cite news|last=Hayden|first=Michael Edison|url=https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2020/08/19/oanns-jack-posobiec-filmed-interview-segment-white-nationalist-stefan-molyneux|title=OANN's Jack Posobiec Filmed an Interview Segment with White Nationalist Stefan Molyneux|work=Southern Poverty Law Center|date=19 August 2020|access-date=30 December 2020|archive-date=December 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227234146/https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2020/08/19/oanns-jack-posobiec-filmed-interview-segment-white-nationalist-stefan-molyneux|url-status=live}}</ref> An hour-long video on these themes was uploaded to YouTube.<ref name="MMA2019">{{cite news|last=López G.|first=Cristina|url=https://www.mediamatters.org/twitter/stefan-molyneux-maga-twitters-favorite-white-nationalist|title=Stefan Molyneux is MAGA Twitter's favorite white nationalist|work=Media Matters for America|date=May 20, 2019|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106032616/https://www.mediamatters.org/twitter/stefan-molyneux-maga-twitters-favorite-white-nationalist|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Holt|first=Jared|url=https://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/stefan-molyneux-says-his-trip-to-poland-sold-him-on-white-nationalism/|title=Stefan Molyneux Says His Trip to Poland Sold Him on White Nationalism|work=Right-Wing Watch|date=December 12, 2018|access-date=January 3, 2021|archive-date=January 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101144218/https://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/stefan-molyneux-says-his-trip-to-poland-sold-him-on-white-nationalism/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ''The New York Times'', Molyneux is fixated with "race realism".<ref name=":3" /> He has hosted white supremacists such as ] on his show. Molyneux has blamed "rap culture" for unarmed black men getting shot by police.<ref name=":3" /> In a possibly unbroadcast interview for ] with ], recorded in Warsaw, Poland, in November 2018, Molyneux said: "I've always been skeptical of the ideas of white nationalism ... However, I am an empiricist and I could not help but notice that I could have peaceful, free, easy, civilized and safe discussions in what is essentially an all-white country".<ref>{{cite news|last=Hayden|first=Michael Edison|url=https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2020/08/19/oanns-jack-posobiec-filmed-interview-segment-white-nationalist-stefan-molyneux|title=OANN's Jack Posobiec Filmed an Interview Segment with White Nationalist Stefan Molyneux|publisher=Southern Poverty Law Center|date=19 August 2020|access-date=30 December 2020|archive-date=December 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227234146/https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2020/08/19/oanns-jack-posobiec-filmed-interview-segment-white-nationalist-stefan-molyneux|url-status=live}}</ref> An hour-long video on these themes was uploaded to YouTube.<ref name="MMA2019">{{cite news|last=López G.|first=Cristina|url=https://www.mediamatters.org/twitter/stefan-molyneux-maga-twitters-favorite-white-nationalist|title=Stefan Molyneux is MAGA Twitter's favorite white nationalist|work=Media Matters for America|date=May 20, 2019|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106032616/https://www.mediamatters.org/twitter/stefan-molyneux-maga-twitters-favorite-white-nationalist|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Holt|first=Jared|url=https://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/stefan-molyneux-says-his-trip-to-poland-sold-him-on-white-nationalism/|title=Stefan Molyneux Says His Trip to Poland Sold Him on White Nationalism|work=Right-Wing Watch|date=December 12, 2018|access-date=January 3, 2021|archive-date=January 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101144218/https://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/stefan-molyneux-says-his-trip-to-poland-sold-him-on-white-nationalism/|url-status=live}}</ref>


'']'' of London describes Molyneux as a provocateur who "has been allowed to promote a racist, transphobic, misogynistic and Islamophobic agenda on various platforms but has started to see his revenue diminish," while including a tweet by Molyneux in which he asserts that he is not a "white nationalist" in response to being banned from a popular platform.<ref name="newsletter" /> '']'' of London describes Molyneux as a provocateur who "has been allowed to promote a racist, transphobic, misogynistic and Islamophobic agenda on various platforms but has started to see his revenue diminish", while including a tweet by Molyneux in which he asserts that he is not a "white nationalist" in response to being banned from a popular platform.<ref name="newsletter" />


Molyneux has called ] a "]".<ref name=":3" /> Molyneux has called ] a "]".<ref name=":3" />


=== Men's rights activism === === Men's rights activism ===
Molyneux has described himself as a ].<ref name=":3" /> He was a panelist at a 2014 Detroit conference held by the men's rights movement and ] organization, ]. According to Jessica Roy of '']'' magazine, Molyneux argued that violence in the world is the result of how women treat their children, and that: "If we could just get people to be nice to their babies for five years straight, that would be it for war, drug abuse, addiction, promiscuity, sexually transmitted diseases, ... Almost all would be completely eliminated, because they all arise from dysfunctional early childhood experiences, which are all run by women".<ref name="men">{{cite news |last=Roy |first=Jessica |date=July 2, 2014 |title=What I Learned as a Woman at a Men's-Rights Conference |url=http://time.com/2949435/what-i-learned-as-a-woman-at-a-mens-rights-conference/ |newspaper=] |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608215558/http://time.com/2949435/what-i-learned-as-a-woman-at-a-mens-rights-conference/ |archive-date=2018-06-08 |url-status=live }}</ref> Molyneux believes feminism is a form of ],<ref name=":3" /> and has the aim of "reducing white Christian birth rates".<ref name="MMA2019" /> He also believes that progressive ] are holding back young men.<ref name=":3" /> Molyneux has described himself as a ].<ref name=":3" /> He was a panelist at a 2014 Detroit conference held by the men's rights movement and ] organization, ]. According to Jessica Roy of '']'' magazine, Molyneux argued that violence in the world is the result of how women treat their children, and that: "If we could just get people to be nice to their babies for five years straight, that would be it for war, drug abuse, addiction, promiscuity, sexually transmitted diseases, ... Almost all would be completely eliminated, because they all arise from dysfunctional early childhood experiences, which are all run by women".<ref name="men">{{cite magazine |last=Roy |first=Jessica |date=July 2, 2014 |title=What I Learned as a Woman at a Men's-Rights Conference |url=https://time.com/2949435/what-i-learned-as-a-woman-at-a-mens-rights-conference/ |magazine=] |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608215558/http://time.com/2949435/what-i-learned-as-a-woman-at-a-mens-rights-conference/ |archive-date=2018-06-08 |url-status=live }}</ref> Molyneux believes feminism is a form of ],<ref name=":3" /> and has the aim of "reducing white Christian birth rates".<ref name="MMA2019" /> He also believes that progressive ] are holding back young men.<ref name=":3" />


In August 2017, on his YouTube channel, Molyneux interviewed James Damore, the Google employee who was fired after writing the ] memo opposing diversity measures.<ref name="Goo">{{cite news |last=Levin |first=Sam |date=August 9, 2017 |title=Fired Google memo writer gives first big interviews to rightwing YouTubers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/aug/09/james-damore-google-memo-youtube-interviews |newspaper=] |access-date=August 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826052737/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/aug/09/james-damore-google-memo-youtube-interviews |archive-date=2017-08-26 |url-status=live }}</ref> Molyneux agreed with Damore's memo, and said the main reason Damore had drawn heavy criticism was because he is a white man.<ref>{{cite news|last=Schmidt|first=Samantha|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/08/10/im-not-a-sexist-fired-google-engineer-stands-behind-controversial-memo/|title='I'm not a sexist': Fired Google engineer stands behind controversial memo|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=August 10, 2017|access-date=January 3, 2021|archive-date=August 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812024004/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/08/10/im-not-a-sexist-fired-google-engineer-stands-behind-controversial-memo/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2017, on his YouTube channel, Molyneux interviewed James Damore, the Google employee who was fired after writing the "]" memo opposing diversity measures.<ref name="Goo">{{cite news |last=Levin |first=Sam |date=August 9, 2017 |title=Fired Google memo writer gives first big interviews to rightwing YouTubers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/aug/09/james-damore-google-memo-youtube-interviews |newspaper=] |access-date=August 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826052737/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/aug/09/james-damore-google-memo-youtube-interviews |archive-date=2017-08-26 |url-status=live }}</ref> Molyneux agreed with Damore's memo, and said the main reason Damore had drawn heavy criticism was because he is a white man.<ref>{{cite news|last=Schmidt|first=Samantha|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/08/10/im-not-a-sexist-fired-google-engineer-stands-behind-controversial-memo/|title='I'm not a sexist': Fired Google engineer stands behind controversial memo|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=August 10, 2017|access-date=January 3, 2021|archive-date=August 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812024004/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/08/10/im-not-a-sexist-fired-google-engineer-stands-behind-controversial-memo/|url-status=live}}</ref>


In August 2019, Molyneux advocated for lipstick to be banned in workplaces, saying "Do you know that female lipstick simulates sexual arousal? Can you imagine a man showing up for a business meeting with a giant artificial boner straining at his pants? Yet lipstick is perfectly acceptable in the business world."<ref name=":1" /> In August 2019, Molyneux advocated for lipstick to be banned in workplaces, saying "Do you know that female lipstick simulates sexual arousal? Can you imagine a man showing up for a business meeting with a giant artificial boner straining at his pants? Yet lipstick is perfectly acceptable in the business world."<ref name=":1" />


=== Family-of-origin relationships === === Family-of-origin relationships ===
Molyneux refers to the family that people are born into as their "family-of-origin", or "FOO". He suggests that family-of-origin relationships may sometimes be detrimental, and individuals who are unsatisfied with their childhood relationships would benefit from severing such involuntary relationships as adults, or "deFOO".<ref name=Guardian-2008>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/nov/15/family-relationships-fdr-defoo-cult |title=You will never see me again |newspaper=] |access-date=January 7, 2009 |first=Kate |last=Hilpern |date=November 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223212938/http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/nov/15/family-relationships-fdr-defoo-cult |archive-date=2013-12-23 |url-status=live }}</ref> He views all adult relationships as being voluntary and discretionary rather than a duty. Molyneux has said: Molyneux refers to the family that people are born into as their "family-of-origin", or "FOO". He suggests that family-of-origin relationships may sometimes be detrimental, and individuals who are unsatisfied with their childhood relationships would benefit from severing such involuntary relationships as adults, or "deFOO".<ref name=Guardian-2008>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/nov/15/family-relationships-fdr-defoo-cult |title=You will never see me again |newspaper=] |access-date=January 7, 2009 |first=Kate |last=Hilpern |date=November 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223212938/http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/nov/15/family-relationships-fdr-defoo-cult |archive-date=2013-12-23 |url-status=live }}</ref> He views all adult relationships as being voluntary and discretionary rather than a duty. Molyneux has said:

{{quote|text=Deep down I do not believe that there are any really good parents out there – the same way that I do not believe there were any really good doctors in the 10th century.<ref name="Guardian-2008" />}} {{quote|text=Deep down I do not believe that there are any really good parents out there – the same way that I do not believe there were any really good doctors in the 10th century.<ref name="Guardian-2008" />}}


A disciplinary panel at the ] spoke critically of "deFOOing" after a professional investigation into Molyneux's wife,<ref name="tgamlawsuit" /><ref name="tgamreprimand">{{cite news |last=Rodan |first=Galit |date=November 1, 2012 |title=Therapist who told podcast listeners to shun their families reprimanded |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/therapist-who-told-podcast-listeners-to-shun-their-families-reprimanded/article4846791/ |newspaper=] |access-date=November 26, 2019 |archive-date=June 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612095711/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/therapist-who-told-podcast-listeners-to-shun-their-families-reprimanded/article4846791/ |url-status=live }}</ref> saying that by the standards of the College, it "may be appropriate to recommend family separation in cases of abuse" only after a suitable evaluation of patient history to "ascertain whether the advice warranted in the circumstances".<ref>{{cite court |litigants=In the matter of The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, S.O. 1991, Chapter 18 and the Psychology Act, 1991, S.O. 1991, Chapter 38; and in the matter of Ms. Christina Papadopoulos, Psychological Associate; and in the matter of a hearing before a panel of the Discipline Committee of the College of Psychologists of Ontario concerning allegations of professional misconduct against Christina Papadopoulos, Psychological Associate as set out in the Amended Notice of Hearing dated May 17, 2012 |date=October 31, 2012 <!-- Note: The public register is dated differently to the hearing. --> |court=] |url=https://members.cpo.on.ca/public_register/investigation_detail/124}}</ref> According to a 2008 article in '']'', both Molyneux and his wife have dissociated from their biological families.<ref name=Guardian-2008 /> A disciplinary panel at the ] spoke critically of "deFOOing" after a professional investigation into Molyneux's wife,<ref name="tgamlawsuit" /><ref name="tgamreprimand">{{cite news |last=Rodan |first=Galit |date=November 1, 2012 |title=Therapist who told podcast listeners to shun their families reprimanded |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/therapist-who-told-podcast-listeners-to-shun-their-families-reprimanded/article4846791/ |newspaper=] |access-date=November 26, 2019 |archive-date=June 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612095711/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/therapist-who-told-podcast-listeners-to-shun-their-families-reprimanded/article4846791/ |url-status=live }}</ref> saying that by the standards of the College, it "may be appropriate to recommend family separation in cases of abuse" only after a suitable evaluation of patient history to "ascertain whether the advice warranted in the circumstances".<ref>{{cite court |litigants=In the matter of The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, S.O. 1991, Chapter 18 and the Psychology Act, 1991, S.O. 1991, Chapter 38; and in the matter of Ms. Christina Papadopoulos, Psychological Associate; and in the matter of a hearing before a panel of the Discipline Committee of the College of Psychologists of Ontario concerning allegations of professional misconduct against Christina Papadopoulos, Psychological Associate as set out in the Amended Notice of Hearing dated May 17, 2012 |date=October 31, 2012 <!-- Note: The public register is dated differently to the hearing. --> |court=] |url=https://members.cpo.on.ca/public_register/investigation_detail/124}}</ref> According to a 2008 article in '']'', both Molyneux and his wife have dissociated from their biological families.<ref name=Guardian-2008 />


Molyneux and "deFOOing" were subjects of an investigative documentary by ] in the United Kingdom, which aired on August 20, 2015.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wyatt |first=Daisy |date=August 20, 2015 |title=Trapped in a Cult? – TV review: Disappointing Channel 5 shock-doc fails to come up to scratch |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/trapped-in-a-cult-tv-review-disappointing-channel-5-shock-doc-fails-to-come-up-to-scratch-10464473.html |newspaper=] |access-date=November 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118201100/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/trapped-in-a-cult-tv-review-disappointing-channel-5-shock-doc-fails-to-come-up-to-scratch-10464473.html |archive-date=2015-11-18 |url-status=live }}</ref> The same subjects were also featured on the February 18, 2016, episode of the documentary series '']''. The episode calls ''Freedomain Radio'' a cult.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sho.com/dark-net/season/1/episode/5/trapped |title= Dark Net – Season 1, Episode 5 |website= Showtime |access-date= 12 June 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170808093351/http://www.sho.com/dark-net/season/1/episode/5/trapped |archive-date= 2017-08-08 |url-status= live }}</ref> Molyneux and "deFOOing" were subjects of an investigative documentary by ] in the United Kingdom, which aired on August 20, 2015.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wyatt |first=Daisy |date=August 20, 2015 |title=Trapped in a Cult? – TV review: Disappointing Channel 5 shock-doc fails to come up to scratch |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/trapped-in-a-cult-tv-review-disappointing-channel-5-shock-doc-fails-to-come-up-to-scratch-10464473.html |newspaper=] |access-date=November 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118201100/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/trapped-in-a-cult-tv-review-disappointing-channel-5-shock-doc-fails-to-come-up-to-scratch-10464473.html |archive-date=2015-11-18 |url-status=live }}</ref> The same subjects were also featured on the February 18, 2016, episode of the documentary series '']''. The episode calls Freedomain Radio a cult.<ref>{{cite episode |url=http://www.sho.com/dark-net/season/1/episode/5/trapped |title=Trapped |series=Dark Net |series-no=1 |number=5 |station=Showtime |date=February 18, 2016 |access-date=12 June 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170808093351/http://www.sho.com/dark-net/season/1/episode/5/trapped |archive-date= 2017-08-08 |url-status= dead }}</ref>


== Reception == == Reception ==
American ] philosopher ] wrote of Molyneux's 2007 book ''Universally Preferable Behavior: A Rational Proof for Secular Ethics'' that, "Because of his facile intelligence, he thinks that he has a talent for philosophical argument and need not undertake the hard labor of learning how such arguments are constructed. Unfortunately for him and his book, he is mistaken." and "He fails, and fails miserably. His arguments are often preposterously bad."<ref name="philosophy1">{{cite web |author=David Gordon |date=7 April 2012 |title=The Molyneux Problem |url=https://mises.org/library/molyneux-problem |website=Mises.org |access-date=July 9, 2020 |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809212522/https://mises.org/library/molyneux-problem |url-status=live }}</ref> American ] philosopher ] wrote of Molyneux's 2007 book ''Universally Preferable Behavior: A Rational Proof for Secular Ethics'' that, "Because of his facile intelligence, he thinks that he has a talent for philosophical argument and need not undertake the hard labor of learning how such arguments are constructed. Unfortunately for him and his book, he is mistaken" and "He fails, and fails miserably. His arguments are often preposterously bad."<ref name="philosophy1">{{cite web |first=David |last=Gordon |date=7 April 2012 |title=The Molyneux Problem |url=https://mises.org/library/molyneux-problem |website=Mises.org |access-date=July 9, 2020 |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809212522/https://mises.org/library/molyneux-problem |url-status=live }}</ref>


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Irish-Canadian white nationalist podcaster Not to be confused with Stephen Molyneux.

Stefan Molyneux
Molyneux in February 2014
BornStefan Basil Molyneux
(1966-09-24) September 24, 1966 (age 58)
Athlone, Ireland
NationalityCanadian
Education
Occupation(s)Podcaster, blogger, author, political commentator
Years active2005–present
Movement
SpouseChristina Papadopoulos
Molyneux's voice On the negatives of government force
Websitefreedomainradio.com
Part of a series on
Anarcho-capitalism
Origins
Concepts
People
Works
Issues
Related topics

Stefan Basil Molyneux (/stəˈfæn ˈmɒlɪnjuː/; born September 24, 1966) is an Irish-born Canadian white nationalist podcaster and proponent of conspiracy theories, white supremacy, scientific racism, and the men's rights movement. He is the founder of the Freedomain Radio website. As of September 2020, Molyneux has been permanently banned or suspended from PayPal, Mailchimp, YouTube, and SoundCloud, all for violating hate speech policies.

Molyneux is described as a leading figure of the alt-right movement by Politico and The Washington Post, and as far-right by The New York Times. Tom Clements in The Independent describes Molyneux as "an alt-lite philosopher with a perverse fixation on race and IQ". Molyneux describes himself as a philosopher and an anarcho-capitalist.

Multiple sources describe the Freedomain internet community as a cult, referring to the indoctrination techniques Molyneux has used as its leader.

Molyneux previously worked in the software industry, wrote nine articles for libertarian Lew Rockwell's personal website, and made appearances on Press TV, InfoWars, and RT.

Background

Molyneux was born in Ireland and mostly raised in London before moving to Canada at age 11.

He attended Glendon College at York University in Toronto, acting at Theatre Glendon and being a member of the Debating Society. He then attended the National Theatre School of Canada in Montreal. In 1991, at age 25, Molyneux received a B.A. degree in history from McGill University. He received an M.A. degree in history from the University of Toronto in 1993.

Career

In early 1995, Molyneux and his brother Hugh founded Caribou Systems Corporation, a Toronto-based provider of environmental database software. The company was sold in 2000.

Molyneux began a podcast called Freedomain Radio (FDR) in 2004. Over the next 13 years, he created over 1,000 podcasts and videos. Meanwhile, Molyneux wrote nine articles for the personal website of Lew Rockwell in 2005 and was a narrator in 2011 and 2012 for the Mises Institute think tank, which Rockwell founded. In 2010, Molyneux appeared on the Press TV program On the Edge hosted by Max Keiser, and first participated on Alex Jones' InfoWars show the following year. In that year and 2012, he made regular appearances on the RT program Adam vs. the Man, hosted by the libertarian Adam Kokesh.

In 2014, Molyneux, who has spoken out against copyright, used the DMCA to take down several videos from a YouTube channel that mocked Molyneux's actions and statements.

In July 2018, Molyneux and Canadian political activist Lauren Southern toured the Australian cities of Sydney and Melbourne. Molyneux disparaged pre-colonisation Australian Aboriginal culture, calling it "very violent", and downplayed massacres perpetrated against Aboriginals, saying that the European takeover of Australia had been less violent than other such takeovers, and that the settlers "were trying to stop infanticide and mass rape".

Libertarian politician Stephen Berry speaking at the free speech protest in defence of Southern and Molyneux, Auckland 2018

In July 2018, Molyneux applied for a travel visa to visit New Zealand for a speaking tour with Southern. Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway described their views as "repugnant", but said they met immigration character requirements and cleared their entry. The pair had not secured a venue, as Auckland Council had cancelled their initial booking, citing health and safety concerns. The pair briefly cancelled and then resumed the tour over difficulties with the venue. The subsequent booking of a private venue was revoked by its owners. In retaliation, their venue was vandalised. The failure to find a venue was celebrated by around 1,000 protestors, who said the planned event had nothing to do with freedom of speech. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand is "hostile" to the views of the speakers and, "I think you'll see from the reaction they've had from New Zealanders that their views are not those that are shared by this country, and I'm quite proud of that".

In August 2018, the Mayor of Auckland, Phil Goff, tweeted that Council venues should not be used to "stir up ethnic or religious tensions", and that "we've got no obligation at all" to provide a venue for hate speech. For agreeing with the cancellation, Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson received death threats.

Tāmaki Anti Fascist Action spokesperson Sina Brown-Davis said her group feared "dehumanising depictions of indigenous people" in New Zealand. Molyneux had said that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at "the lowest rung of civilisation".

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson added, "Aotearoa does not stand for your messages of racism, hatred and especially white supremacy". Justice Minister Andrew Little said the speakers "clearly have misled people" in trying to secure the venue. TV personality Te Hamua Nikora said the pair were against multiculturalism, unlike New Zealand. The minimum ticket price for the cancelled Auckland event was $99.

Molyneux has frequently hosted white supremacists on his podcast, such as Peter Brimelow (founder of the white-nationalist website VDARE), and Jared Taylor (founder of the white-nationalist magazine American Renaissance).

In November 2019, PayPal suspended Molyneux's account. He had previously received donations via the service. PayPal's actions came after activist group Sleeping Giants campaigned for him to be removed, citing Molyneux's bigoted attitudes including his promotion of antisemitic conspiracy theories concerning the media. In January 2020, Molyneux released a video in which he asked his followers for money and complained that he would not be able to find regular employment. Later that month, email marketing platform Mailchimp suspended Molyneux's account, which he used to send out his newsletter.

Molyneux's YouTube channel was banned on June 29, 2020, alongside white supremacists David Duke and Richard Spencer, for violating the YouTube policies against hate speech enacted in 2019. By the time it was closed, Molyneux's channel had 900,000 subscribers. Molyneux said it was a "systemic, coordinated effort" in which YouTube had "just suspended the largest philosophy conversation the world has ever known". Molyneux funds his efforts through listener support. Molyneux's Twitter account was permanently suspended on July 8, 2020, for violating Twitter's policies. By January 2023, after Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, his account was reinstated.

In December 2020, New Zealand's Royal Commission of Inquiry report revealed the perpetrator of the Christchurch mosque shootings had donated $138.89 AUD to Molyneux's podcast Freedomain Radio. The report also found that the terrorist's "thinking was affected by what was said in far-right online communities and other far-right material he found on the internet", some of which included Molyneux's content.

Views

Promotion of white supremacy and conspiracy theories

Molyneux promotes white supremacist views and conspiracy theories. He is a proponent of the white genocide conspiracy theory, interviewing several South African advocates of the theory in his podcasts. In 2017, he stated that the film Star Wars: The Last Jedi has a concealed sub-text about the persecution of white people and predicted the "quasi-extinction" of whites "in the not so distant future". He further indicated that "Whites are not allowed to have a history to be proud of, not allowed to have in-group preferences" leading to "the end of a lineage. It's the end of a history. It is the end of culture". Molyneux has stated that "blacks are collectively less intelligent".

Molyneux describes himself as an anarcho-capitalist. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Molyneux initially used the Freedomain Radio website "to amplify his views on anarcho-capitalist ideology, atheism, philosophy, anti-statism, pseudo-therapy and anti-feminism." The SPLC also stated that Molyneux's views become more politically extreme and racialized around 2013 or 2014 when his ideology shifted to include far-right and ethno-nationalist thinking. The SPLC describes him as an "internet commentator and alleged cult leader who amplifies 'scientific racism', eugenics and white supremacism to a massive new audience" and that "Stefan Molyneux operates within the racist so-called 'alt-right' and pro-Trump ranks". He gave his support to President Donald Trump and Marine Le Pen of the French National Rally, as well as the Dutch politician Geert Wilders, during their election campaigns in 2016 and 2017.

Molyneux has been described as a part of the "alt-right" by Politico, Metro, New York magazine, Vanity Fair, and CBS News, and has been described as "one of the alt-right's biggest YouTube stars" by Washington Post columnist J.J. McCullough. Business Insider, CNN, The New York Times, and BuzzFeed News have characterized Molyneux as far-right. Data & Society, a research institute, described Molyneux as "a Canadian talk show host who promotes scientific racism".

According to The New York Times, Molyneux is fixated with "race realism". He has hosted white supremacists such as Jared Taylor on his show. Molyneux has blamed "rap culture" for unarmed black men getting shot by police. In a possibly unbroadcast interview for OANN with Jack Posobiec, recorded in Warsaw, Poland, in November 2018, Molyneux said: "I've always been skeptical of the ideas of white nationalism ... However, I am an empiricist and I could not help but notice that I could have peaceful, free, easy, civilized and safe discussions in what is essentially an all-white country". An hour-long video on these themes was uploaded to YouTube.

The Independent of London describes Molyneux as a provocateur who "has been allowed to promote a racist, transphobic, misogynistic and Islamophobic agenda on various platforms but has started to see his revenue diminish", while including a tweet by Molyneux in which he asserts that he is not a "white nationalist" in response to being banned from a popular platform.

Molyneux has called global warming a "hoax".

Men's rights activism

Molyneux has described himself as a men's rights activist. He was a panelist at a 2014 Detroit conference held by the men's rights movement and manosphere organization, A Voice for Men. According to Jessica Roy of Time magazine, Molyneux argued that violence in the world is the result of how women treat their children, and that: "If we could just get people to be nice to their babies for five years straight, that would be it for war, drug abuse, addiction, promiscuity, sexually transmitted diseases, ... Almost all would be completely eliminated, because they all arise from dysfunctional early childhood experiences, which are all run by women". Molyneux believes feminism is a form of socialism, and has the aim of "reducing white Christian birth rates". He also believes that progressive gender politics are holding back young men.

In August 2017, on his YouTube channel, Molyneux interviewed James Damore, the Google employee who was fired after writing the "Google's Ideological Echo Chamber" memo opposing diversity measures. Molyneux agreed with Damore's memo, and said the main reason Damore had drawn heavy criticism was because he is a white man.

In August 2019, Molyneux advocated for lipstick to be banned in workplaces, saying "Do you know that female lipstick simulates sexual arousal? Can you imagine a man showing up for a business meeting with a giant artificial boner straining at his pants? Yet lipstick is perfectly acceptable in the business world."

Family-of-origin relationships

Molyneux refers to the family that people are born into as their "family-of-origin", or "FOO". He suggests that family-of-origin relationships may sometimes be detrimental, and individuals who are unsatisfied with their childhood relationships would benefit from severing such involuntary relationships as adults, or "deFOO". He views all adult relationships as being voluntary and discretionary rather than a duty. Molyneux has said:

Deep down I do not believe that there are any really good parents out there – the same way that I do not believe there were any really good doctors in the 10th century.

A disciplinary panel at the College of Psychologists of Ontario spoke critically of "deFOOing" after a professional investigation into Molyneux's wife, saying that by the standards of the College, it "may be appropriate to recommend family separation in cases of abuse" only after a suitable evaluation of patient history to "ascertain whether the advice warranted in the circumstances". According to a 2008 article in The Guardian, both Molyneux and his wife have dissociated from their biological families.

Molyneux and "deFOOing" were subjects of an investigative documentary by Channel 5 in the United Kingdom, which aired on August 20, 2015. The same subjects were also featured on the February 18, 2016, episode of the documentary series Dark Net. The episode calls Freedomain Radio a cult.

Reception

American libertarian philosopher David Gordon wrote of Molyneux's 2007 book Universally Preferable Behavior: A Rational Proof for Secular Ethics that, "Because of his facile intelligence, he thinks that he has a talent for philosophical argument and need not undertake the hard labor of learning how such arguments are constructed. Unfortunately for him and his book, he is mistaken" and "He fails, and fails miserably. His arguments are often preposterously bad."

Cult accusations

According to Steven Hassan, a mental health counselor with experience on cults, "Partly what's going on with the people on the Internet who are indoctrinated, they spend lots of hours on the computer. Videos can have them up all night for several nights in a row. Molyneux knows how to talk like he knows what he's talking about, despite very little academic research. He cites this and cites that, and presents it as the whole truth. It dismantles people's sense of self and replaces it with his sense of confidence about how to fix the world".

In 2009, Tu Thanh Ha wrote that Molyneux was called the leader of a "therapy cult" after Tom Bell, a Freedomain Radio community member, severed contact with his family. The Times of London reported that Bell, a teenager at the time, left a note stating he no longer wanted contact with his parents and siblings and left home referring to Molyneux's concept of "deFOOing".

It was reported, by Molyneux's estimation, that of the estimated 50,000 users of the website, about 20 (0.04%) FDR members had disassociated from their families-of-origin, and that many parents chose not to speak to the media in an effort to avoid alienating their children further. The British Cult Information Centre (CIC) has described Freedomain Radio as a cult. A representative of the CIC said they were following FDR, and said that one sign of cults was that they cut people off from their families. Molyneux responded by saying, "If I advised a wife to leave an abusive husband, there would not be articles about how I am a cult leader".

Personal life

Molyneux resides in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. His wife, Christina Papadopoulos, is a psychological associate.

See also

References

  1. ^ Ha, Tu Thanh (December 19, 2014). "Controversial podcaster listened in on therapist wife and clients: lawsuit". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on July 20, 2019. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
  2. ^ Collins, Ben (April 16, 2019). "Notre Dame Cathedral fire spurs Islamophobic conspiracy theories on social media". NBC News. Archived from the original on April 16, 2019.
  3. Gais, Hannah (April 17, 2020). "Hate Groups and Racist Pundits Spew COVID-19 Misinformation on Social Media Despite Companies' Pledges to Combat It". Southern Poverty Law Center. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved October 2, 2022. white nationalist YouTuber and self-proclaimed philosopher Stefan Molyneux
  4. "YouTube bans prominent white supremacist channels". BBC News. June 30, 2020. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  5. Veilleux-Lepage, Y.; Daymon, C.; Amarasingam, A. (2020). "The Christchurch attack report: Key takeaways on Tarrant's radicalization and attack planning". ICCT Perspective. The Hague: International Centre for Counter-Terrorism. Archived from the original on February 1, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  6. "YouTube removes three prominent white supremacist channels". The Independent. June 30, 2020. Archived from the original on May 24, 2022.
  7. Alexander, Julia (June 29, 2020). "YouTube bans Stefan Molyneux, David Duke, Richard Spencer, and more for hate speech". The Verge. Archived from the original on August 28, 2020. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  8. Pace, Brian A.; Devenot, Neşe (December 10, 2021). "Right-Wing Psychedelia: Case Studies in Cultural Plasticity and Political Pluripotency". Frontiers in Psychology. 12: 733185. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.733185. ISSN 1664-1078. PMC 8717779. PMID 34975622.
  9. ^ "Stefan Molyneux". Southern Poverty Law Center. Archived from the original on March 24, 2019.
  10. Beery, Zoë (February 14, 2019). "How YouTube reactionaries are breaking the news media". Columbia Journalism Review. Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Archived from the original on February 15, 2019.
  11. Lewis, Rebecca (September 18, 2018). "Alternative Influence". Data & Society Research Institute. p. 37. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018. In his YouTube videos, Molyneux openly promotes scientific racism, advocates for the men's rights movement, critiques initiatives devoted to gender equity, and promotes white supremacist conspiracy theories focused on 'White Genocide' and 'The Great Replacement.'
  12. ^ Evans, Gavin (March 2, 2018). "The unwelcome revival of 'race science'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on February 20, 2019.
  13. Winter, Aaron (2019). "Online Hate: From the Far-Right to the 'Alt-Right' and from the Margins to the Mainstream". In Lumsden, Karen; Harmer, Emily (eds.). Online Othering (PDF). Palgrave Studies in Cybercrime and Cybersecurity. Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 39–63. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-12633-9_2. ISBN 978-3030126322. LCCN 2019930706. S2CID 159264406. Archived from the original on January 14, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  14. ^ "Alt-right blogger Stefan Molyneux says lipstick should be banned in workplace". The New Zealand Herald. August 11, 2019. Archived from the original on August 31, 2021. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
  15. ^ Gurley, Lauren Kaori (November 6, 2019). "PayPal Bans YouTuber Who Thinks Non-White People Are a Separate Species". Vice. Archived from the original on August 5, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
  16. ^ Crowley, James (November 5, 2019). "PayPal to cut off donations to right-wing YouTuber Stefan Molyneux following social media divestment campaign". Newsweek. Archived from the original on January 3, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2019.
  17. ^ "A prominent far-right commentator has been banned from sending his own newsletter". Indy100. January 15, 2020. Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  18. ^ Alexander, Julia (June 29, 2020). "YouTube bans Stefan Molyneux, David Duke, Richard Spencer, and more for hate speech". The Verge. Archived from the original on August 28, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
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  20. ^ Roose, Kevin (June 8, 2019). "The Making of a YouTube Radical". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on June 9, 2019. Retrieved June 8, 2019.
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  22. ^ McCullough, J. J. (March 10, 2017). "Canada's obsession with American politics is nothing to apologize for". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on August 16, 2017. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
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