Life After Polygamy: Escaping the FLDS Cult
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 31 авг 2016
- The FLDS broke away from mainstream Mormonism in order to continue the practice of polygamy. They established the community of Short Creek along the Utah/Arizona border to follow their beliefs in isolation. In 2011, their prophet Warren Jeffs was sentenced to life in prison (plus 20 years) for sexual abuse of two of his child brides, ages 12 and 15.
VICE travels to Short Creek to meet with some of the young women who escaped from the cult, who have recently to returned to the town to try to rebuild a new life there.
WATCH NEXT:
Polygamist Mafia: Escaping the Kingston Clan: bit.ly/2bBrxYH
Click here to subscribe to VICE: bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE
Check out our full video catalog: bit.ly/VICE-Videos
Videos, daily editorial and more: vice.com
More videos from the VICE network: www. vicevideo
Like VICE on Facebook: vice
Follow VICE on Twitter: / vice
Read our Tumblr: / vicemag
Follow us on Instagram: / vice
Check out our Pinterest: / vicemag
Download VICE on iOS: apple.co/28Vgmqz
Download VICE on Android: bit.ly/28S8Et0 
Развлечения
"Being raped and used up doesn't sound too bad"
If you drive young women to even fathom such a thought, calling you a "criminal" is a laughable understatement.
I kept replaying that part because I thought I didn't hear it correctly..
Soo sad... :'(
It really doesn't sound to bad to millions who are used and ruined like this on a regular basis because it pays regularly, and better than most normal jobs. Or is a requirement of living and situation for hundreds of millions.
Taken in context it was the price she was willing to risk to escape. At least that is how I understood it.
You maybe able to see that. When you are raised in that you know how it can be so much worse.
You have to see context, Michael. These children can barely read and write, they are taken out of school as soon as their mothers need help with the rest of the kids or the boys can hold a shovel. They do not have TV, no media. She didn't know better and it didn't sound so bad an alternative as what she was facing. No rights and no life.
That poor girl who was segregated from everyone, used as a slave, and left to cry alone. I just want to give her a huge hug and let her know her life has value.
Brielle and Gloria are both incredible people. I know Gloria quite well, she’s one of my coworkers.
She’s doing great! She’s been in a relationship with one of my good friends for 3 years now. They just bought a house together!
me too
HUGE hug
That’s tragic that they segregated her just because she was “fat“ in their eyes
I live a few hours away from these compounds. I've traveled to St George on vacation before, stopping at thrift stores for some extra clothes. Every time I've gone, there's a cluster of young girls wearing these dresses and long braids following a woman in the same uniform with no life in her eyes. My heart shatters in a million pieces when they look me in the eye. I hope the survivors live to see the day this cult comes crashing down.
My grandma used to tell me not to talk to those girls (I live in Utah too) because they would be beat if someone talked to them, and they weren't aloud to say anything back, and that the only way they could escape is if they found help and were willing to talk, because alot of the girls are so beaten and brainwashed that they won't say anything, they won't testify even if you got them out of that situation. The women in the video are honestly so brave it's beyond my comprehension.
WTF? And how is this legal?
You’re so cool because you live near them
I’ve lived in st George for a year. There weren’t many FLDS but let me tell you the mainstream Mormons aren’t that much better. There are so many rules and so much shame toward everyone who doesn’t follow their rules. They think they are better than everyone else but in fact they are just some weirdos who don’t know how to survive real world
@@hizzm1 I can almost guarantee you're from an FLDS family. Have a lot of Barlow's in Cedar and St George
No PTSD does not discriminate, my best friend has PTSD from when she was almost raped. Trauma is trauma
I've got it too from my family abuse. Not a lot of adults believe it tho
I have medical PTSD. Any person from any background can end up with it :/
I have it from giving birth to my son. It qas cery traumatic
You can unfortunately get some form of PTSD from many kind of traumatic experience.
Lots of girls coming out of flds homes have cptsd, it's very common in victims of child abuse/neglect.
How sad it was when the girls' mother pointed out that her heavier daughter was not "chosen." It was even sadder to see how the cult demonized her and kept others shunning her, while taking advantage of her kind and hardworking nature. This just adds fuel to the assertion that this polygamy institution is just about some crusty old geezers seeking to meet their sexual desires by abusing children and young women.
Right?! It was especially terrifying because as more time went on Jeff Warren started eliminating even more fruits and vegetables. It really got me thinking that we are what we digest. The lack of proper sustenance obviously further oppressed all these victims, including physically and mentally, and was all a part of the prophets plan. Terrifying to think about it all.
@@jendee1260 'Warren Jeffs'
Betsy Collins for her part, Michelle has build a wall of flesh around her body as a protective barrier. And I respect it frankly
@@LetsBeClear87 She was treated like garbage, but I would rather clean house all day every day than deal with what some of the "thin" little girls dealt with... except being shunned may be the worst thing to happen to any of us. If Michelle ever sees this I hope she knows I admire her strength. (P.S. I'm not the same Michelle, and therefor am not talking to myself)
Betsy Collins that’s pathetic and I’m actually Jesus Christ
Sorry but that's not okay. Honestly CPS and police should be allowed to patrol those compounds and make sure abuse and child marriage isn't happening
I agree. I think our country takes “ religious freedom” too far.
Certainly. The fact that communities like this are allowed to completely bypass the law to neglect and abuse their members is revolting and goes far beyond 'freedom of religion'
@@llc1976 Which shows how "religion" and "politics" isn't separated. Churches should be charged taxes if they want any say
CPS are just as evil as this cult
Utah is crazy because of a ridiculous adultesant in the 1800s that took advantage of some morons and created a religion. Mr
Smith was actually a very young man when he came up with the notion of creating a fantastical tell to gain wealth as you can clearly see when you look into his original creation of his silly story. The fact the people still believe in this man is evidence enough of man's unquenchable thirst to indulge in ignorance when it benefits them.
I had a classmate who was told to marry at 14(illegal, she was to move in and legally marry at 18, the law here) or get out. So our lunch lady got a new daughter, pressed charges, and ended up legally adopting her eventually. She had a foster license and ended up adopting her after only a year, it was super emotional. But her family disowned her for refusing to marry a 54 year old man with 4 wives.
This is Colorado too, not even Utah. We have pockets here and it’s crazy.
Your lunch lady is an amazing person!
Idk why women don't just stand up to these sicko men. A knife in the dark
@@Opal5674 It’s hard especially when you’re in that kind of community from very young
@@Opal5674 easier said than done
@@angelofdeath275 but to protect my child from being assaulted and s3xually abused I think I'd find it easy enough but I know there would be consequences
When 90% of the people in your town have two last names, that might throw up some red flags.
why?
@@rickmorales9867 incest, that's why
Emmm having just one last name in not normal in every country... Most people on south America have two last names and have nothing to be with incest, actually having just one last name or the same last name twice is bad here, means u don't have a father or your parents are family members (in old times, people don't give two fucks anymore but still) u just found a way to insult most people in almost all countries in south america.
@@minakarenina9583 it's not about one person having two last names. (i know that's normal and has nothing to do with incest) But there only being 2 last names in general in a town. Meaning that there are only 2 families in one town: probably happening because of incest. That's not a good thing.
@@amysshizzle u would have a hard time in Korea and China then... There are a couple of last names that are 70% of the population.
This was his 65th wife ... The fuck
lol fair play I can't get one.
+JWSoul Plastic surgery?
I know right his standards fell after 34.
sorry I couldn't help myself, I'm glad she got out.
+IamDennis .Ok Yeah it's bad. I haven't watched it all but I cared for a woman who was forced into a cult. She wrote a book on it that was published.
What your number?
It takes incredible strength to escape a cult...I admire these young girls & their fortitude to live their own lives.
I second that, well done girls for calling out the hypocrisy and the oppresion
I just want to add my boyfriend is currently in a cult, as soon as he is able he will escape and leave the live behind as well. So not just the girls are strong so are the men or sons who have the courage to do it.
Leni Mikaelson wish you guys well. Sometimes all a person needs, is someone waiting on the other side.
thank you, he will leave everything behind inlcuding his clothes and stuff. So I already bought alot of things he will need, he will try to leave this summer if all goes according to plan :)
How did it go?
Why do I get the feeling her handwriting is perfect because it was required?
Randy H even reading your comment triggers me hahaha I hate this warren jeff to the core
I'm honestly surprised that they even teach the girls how to read and write.
spelling obviously wasnt required as they spelt 'for sale' as 'for sail'
They usually can't read beyond a 10 year olds level
But she only has education of a 4th grader
They have an odd speech pattern. Mumbled and unusually wide variations in volume
Ala Rara - absolutely! I noticed that too.
Im from Utah that's our accent especially in the south, or even just rural parts in the north, there's is a bit more though
We say mountain "mounin)
@@hippityhoppityilikemypriva4467 well, get a dictionary and learn some annunciation.. 😁
It's how the're raised just like most ppl have an accent
toney sinatra Been to Australia? You would be horrified
Vice: smashing out 15 minute youtube vids which could easily be award-winning feature docs...
It would have been great if this was full-length.
sometimes they have the full length ones on HBO
Absolutely true. I love vice
yeah Smoking weed with a Melon was really a classic.
Vice is either low effort shit or amazing documentaries.
plus 20 years? Sexual assault deserves a life sentence. The scars left behind last a lifetime- so should his punishment.
itssnicoladsa It is a life sentence. Often juries will add extra years to a life sentence, or even multiple life sentences, just in case their first life sentence is overturned on appeal.
it's life plus 20 years. he is first eligible for parole in 2038. He'll be dead by then
You want his punishment lessened to just life? It’s life PLUS twenty years. Blind ass.
just replying to this so that Mr Krabs see his own comment and hopefully at some point in the next few years realises how much of a terrible person he is
no shit sherlock
The way she says it “my sister-wife” makes my skin crawl.
Right, and to think it’s promoted on TLC. I can’t bring myself to watch sister wives...yuck.
Did y’all catch the sign “chickens for sail”. Lawd have mercy.
I'm fckn dead! Lmao I laughed out loud LITERALLY.
they don't teach them to read properly, there was a video where an 18 year old was reading at a first grade level
*Look I said I wasn’t gonna laugh watching this but this fuckin sent me 😂☠️*
😂😂😂
😀😀😀😀well they never learn
This video should be used to teach why consent is so important, as well as the difference between consent and submission.
K. Nakanishi submission can be consensual. Choose your words carefully.
Seluleko Taylor and you need consent either way it goes...
UndeterminedName
Which is exactly what I just said.
Submission can be consensual.
submission to having sex, vs submission to being somewhat controlled consensually with what happens exactly during sex
tell that to, well, anyone but a rapist i guess?
"There was actually one parent who named their boys North, South, East and West"
Was that parent Kanye?
Aahbozz West West would be a good name
😂😂
She was talking about me when she said Denim Levi
One is named North
@@punkinre...8740
Bless you. I hope you're out and doing well, son?
My sister's ex husband was a son of Warren Jeffs. It gave me chills to see their last names were all Steed.
Levi, Mosiah, Ammon or Helaman, I assume?
I went to college in Idaho for 3 years. A lot of people don’t know that Idaho has a relatively large Mormon population, and even though there are no “FLDS” in Idaho, some of the practices are still there. I dated a guy whose mom was into that polyamorous/open relationship type shit, and he was like that, as well. Being from Philadelphia, shit like that to us is considered problematic, not to mention having so many sexual partners isn’t safe. One of the reasons we broke up was because of this. He kept trying to talk me into swapping partners. He literally said to me “it’s just sex, what’s the big deal?”. He wound up cheating on me with the ex of his friend, and they all had a threesome. Oh, it gets better: I moved on from that, and some months later, I started casually talking to another guy. He was older than my ex, didn’t grow up in the same town as my ex, just the total opposite, no connection. HE WAS THE SAME WAY! He too tried getting me to do threesomes (with other men). By this point, I was in my last year of college, I just finished, didn’t date at all, and moved back East, where I met my husband. All this religious freedom nonsense? It’s just nonsense. People can do wtf they wanna do, but when you start hiding behind religion to justify your sexual habits, not to mention, dragging small children into the shit, that’s when something needs to be done. It’s ironic how these ultra religious communities have some of the most strangest sexual habits, that they hide behind religion.
Polyamory is cool but what's not cool is sexual disrespect
actually, there's ALOT of polygamy in Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and more. Iv'e driven by the compounds, seen them run shops, and more.
I’m really sorry to know you went through this. I went to Idaho as well, but never saw something like this, that sucks.
I just want to mention that polyamory and polygamy are two very different things. Polygamy means that one man is allowed to take multiple wifes, while said wifes do not have the right to do so. Polyamory means the ability to romantically love more than one person. A polyamorous relationship means that all partners consent to this form of lifestyle and have rules that apply to each of the partners in the same way - this also includes safer sex in most polyam relationships. Now the important thing is: when one person forces the other into a lifestyle they don't want, if the person doesn't follow the rules and/or cheats, if the person demands other rules for themselves than for their partner, that is called "unethical" polyamory or, in more fitting words, abuse. I am very sorry for what happened to you.
But for me it is crucial to say that ethical (!) polyamory in itself is really cool and free concept for people that want to live that way and not at all bad or weird.
I live in Idaho, you see these people in rural towns. I went to a hot springs in Buhl and like 6 women came in with one guy and like 15 kids, they got in with their dresses on. There was a guy scuba diving with little children swimming everywhere, I will never go back. Some hills have eyes stuff right there.
I've worked with people who have suffered just about every type of abuse there is and I genuinely believe spiritual abuse to be equally as damaging to a person as both sexual and physical abuse.
Its essentially brain washing them with fear of divine punishment if they don't do what they're told to do. Its sick that it is still in existence in the 21st century.
Yeah my step mom was part of some weird extention of the Jehovah witnesses and when she didnt want to be apart of it. Her own dad turned against her and is currently in prison for trying to kill her.
That's why I'm atheist, screw spirituality
Exactly. That's why i'm celibate, screw sexuality. That's why i'm abstract, screw physicality.
+cosmic infinity then life becomes meaningless to me at least I'm nihilistic btw
These women are so brave to try to reclaim their old home. I also have C-PTSD and I can barely look at my old home without shaking.
Naomi PR what's the c? I have secondary ptsd to my brother's . He was in Iraq
complex*
Naomi PR I'm so sorry 😕 I hope you're getting the help you need. Xoxo 💗🌈🌞
secondary ptsd to your brother's ptsd from iraq? wtf.........
Naomi PR seems a little sketchy to me to buy property from a place you were trying so hard to leave!
Note all the male family members complicit in this abuse and sex trafficking: brothers & fathers.
What a disgust.
Hardly, they abandon a lot of young men and teen boys on the streets because they are seen as competition.
I think it's awesome that these women bought the house back. They are erasing Jeffs' memory by creating a new life there. Me, personally? I would have left and not looked back, but I get it.
interesting that she counted a dead relative as "out"
Amy C Hornsby Well, she's not wrong. Still so sad people die not getting the chance to live a really life.
She could have been “out” before she died?
Don't quote me on this, but if I'm not mistaken, they don't keep pictures of the dead nor o they honor Because it's considered to be "worshipping" the dead.
@Amy C Hornsby, the list she read was the women who were still "in". She didn't count the one who died as out; the ones "out" were the underlined names on the left
Sounds to me like for some of these victims, death really is the only way out. Just hope she gets the peace in death that she didn't get in life.
that slide was sick
Micah Glenz slick
Micah Glenz yeah man it'd be cool to build one of your own
Micah Glenz glad I’m not the one who thought that..😂
Ikr? I would love to go down that slide
I was thinking that too 😄😄!!
WHEN WILL THE FBI SHUT THIS DOWN
they cant, religious freedom is a right :(
ya that’s the worst part... freedom of religion is a right. i wrote a paper on the flds, and i remember a Governor in Arizona tried to break down the FLDS in the 50s or 60s, but all it did was give them more power since they twisted it to focus on how the government was trying to separate children from their parents (obviously in an attempt to save them from their less than prosperous lives). it’s going to be really difficult to find a way to shut them down :(
@@RobertWelles well it’s mind control not religious freedom. Most people don’t speak out. US law does not allow this. But legally the FLSD uses mind control to prevent prosecution.
Does anyone else want more info on “Andrea” who died? They passed over that part lol
WalkingCane yes
Apparently she died from pre eclampsia (I hope I spelt that right) when she was 15/16 years old. May she rest in peace 🙏❤️
My name is andrea watching this at 3am just a lil scared
@@onyinyesarah1226 that's so sad I had that when my daughter its very scary
@@abireynolds4299 Her death was preventable on so many levels. These people should be charged with murder for the way they treat these girls.
Please keep making these. The world needs to know about these monsters, and the brave survivors who won't be kept down
Sofia Garcia It’s sad that they’ve put such a bad look on the town where my family grew up. (I’m not apart of this group)
There is a show called escaping from polygamy. It also talks about it also how sickness it is
Brittany Hughbanks ya and it’s bulshit as hell sooo set up
Religion is horrible
This is slavery....
Tara Bee I think the fuck not. Because of learning how to work I got a job in construction right after high school at 16
@@bluescoobysnack9791 then your just as fucking digusting as them!
@@Emeri666 ???
Tara Bee so true!
This is not slavery...
I’ve been noticing that members of the flds/order and Kingston clan have very distinct accents
Aubrey Parker the way they say crick
They have no schooling barely & they are inbred but considering both the accents not bad.
Its just a rural Utah accent. My grandpa who's a normal Mormon speaks the same way.
And he still has full control over the entire community, from behind bars.. so awful
These women are so brave.
Hugh Mungus
+Planetjumper W lmfaooooo
+
and fat
no one wants them any more.
I'm disgusted that people like him exist in this world. Why can't the innocent, stay innocent? Children under the age of 14 are being married off to 60 years old and puppies are neglected and left on the streets. Are there no boundaries anymore? I don't understand why these things exist.
'anymore'. this has been going on for a long time throughout human history. if anything it's reduced over time, and continues to do so.
N S If only we could treat each other equally but that's not always the case. People are consumed by greed and power and they justify their actions by inflating their egos. It truly disgusting. Even if we could give these people the death sentence, many more will emerge from it.
I think the source of the problem is in the ego, yes, but secondly in the fundamentalist religious ideas being passed down through generations. The ideas need to be broken and seen for what it really is by those indoctrinated by it. Awareness can do that, and some critical thinking.
galaxytasty who would leave a puppy on the street 😱
True its disgusting, I grew up in this town (not part of the FLDS) and i'm honestly surprised that some of these people didn't sue the US government for allowing this widespread polygamy, domestic abuse, and pedophilia to go on for so many years, the FLDS owned the police station and had a group of FLDS cops that we use to call "The God Squad" and they use to pull up to me and question me and all that shit when i was walking cause they could see i was an outsider and not wearing their fucking 17th century victorian garb lmfao, this town is the reason im not a religious person
Every child deserves a parent, but not every parent deserves a child.
Suzette, the girls’ mother was on the show escaping polygamy. She tried getting in touch with her two daughters Susie and Rosie who were inducted into the United order. They refuse to speak to their mother and escaped siblings to this very day. It is so sad for this woman to be shunned by her children all because of a false prophet 😞
A Handmaid's Tale IRL
omg ur right!! i never thought of that! So many similarities!
I came to look for this comment 💯
The Handmaid's Tale has obviously taken inspiration from many religious cults.
That what story is about?
@@elavke5441 The story is post apocalyptic fiction. The story is about a middle aged happily married woman with a little daughter having to run because the government is taken over by a militaristic hyper religious group. She is caught and is trained to become a handmaid. Govt takes away all the women's rights slowly. This is all amid a pandemic which causes people to have low fertility rates. The higher ranking officials in the govt are assigned handmaids, who work the same way slaves in the old biblical times did, i.e. give birth to their master's kids (like Jacob's weird family).
I loved the book and what is scary is that it is very realistic for some people who already live in fear and have given into that way of life. 10/10 will read again for the horror and thought provoking value it has.
this man who did this to these girls should rot away long slow time.... forever
I can understand why she wants the house back - she wants to reclaim her past and the house is symbolic to freeing herself.
All of these stories are absolutely heartbreaking. So very tragic!! I pray all of them get the help they need and deserve. I also pray they can have a bright and good future!! Thank you for sharing your stories with the world, you're all very brave!!
"This is what the Lord wanted".
Yeah right, any man would say that to justify their personal gains, especially sexual exploitation.
I don't know about ANY man, but it's a disturbingly common theme in these groups and this region in general. There's a lot of good people in and around these communities too, but the founders are scum.
How do they know what the Lord wanted? So sad to see manipulation, coercion, on young ones that just have no experience, little education, little contact with outside people
ALL religions treat the minds of children precisely like Dr. Larry Nassar treated the bodies of young gymnasts; and yet while society completely condemns the latter (as surely it should), it often still embraces entirely the former. When children are brainwashed into believing in things such as burning bushes, or talking snakes, or flying horses, and things having a magical power that defy all logic and reason, then there is virtually nothing they cannot be persuaded to believe in. "We're living in the End Times," said no one who has ever been right. Cognitive dissonance is a QAnon, science-denying, anti-vaxxer finding more supporting "evidence" on a hand-held invention that contains over ten billion transistors. - j q t -
mice and roaches :/ almost 45 children living in one home? I can't even.
C diff central
This is still happening extensively in Utah - the state can't do much about it. It is difficult to prosecute if all the participants in the group defend it and refuse to speak out about what is going on.
Women get rapped and drugged every day in California the porn industry is the same as Mormons a bunch of men taking advantage of teen girls for easy money
"there was even a parent who named their kids north, south, east, and west"
Kanye: 👀📝
i fell asleep watching Trixie and Katya from drag race and woke up to this in a state of confusion!
David Cammaerts this comment is amazing
When you run out of unnhh
love that relatable😂
Ahhh I love them so much 😭
The crossover we didn't expect lol
I grew up in an abusive home, where just the sound of the garage door opening and knowing that my dad was home, caused every single muscle in my body to tense! And his parents were the same if not worse, and when my daughter was almost 3, I cut my grandparents out of my life! And after I did that, one of my aunts called me and said that she wishes that she was that brave! Then, after about 1 year after my mom passed away, I was finally able to cut him out of mine and my family's life! I had wanted to do it A LOT sooner, but I loved my mom too much, and I knew it would hurt her in more ways than one! Several people have said that my actions were very brave, but I just see them as doing whatever it takes to protect my family, and that there was nothing they could do to hurt me! But it didn't stop them from trying! Like taking me out of the 'will', etc! And all its done is just showing their true colors that they tried to hide from my entire life, and how narcissistic they are- and when I didn't change my mind, it just ticked them off even more! All I've got to say is- "Checkmate"!
Natalie Staheli You go girl!
Natalie Staheli ❤️❤️❤️
I am kind of in the same situation. I hate my dad. Hes an asshole. Im just dealing with him coz of my mom. I left home 10 years ago and in these years I almost forgot what my dad actually was like. Only visited them for a week or so. But last year when i bought a house they came to stay with me and it got extended to 6 months somehow. This was when i remembered what my father actually was like. We argued scremed fought every week! I just wanted to get rid of him every second. He ruins the atmosphere. Hes such a negative energy. Not reliable at all. A complete jerk good for nothing. Thank god they are back home. My mom is the sweetest angel. And i feel extremely sorry for her. Shes suffered her whole life because of this man. And that's why I hate men and i dont think i would marry
Nice job, takes alot of willpower to remove yourself from a situation like that
Are you my and my husband twin???? Exact same parents
Gloria is such an intelligent, well spoken young woman. It takes real fortitude to abandon an institution that has done everything in its power to strip your ability to think for yourself from you.
Gloria is an incredibly transparent person. She is one of my colleagues. This was filled a few years ago, but this document doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of how amazing she truly is. Let alone, scratch the surface of this community.
My heart breaks for you, Michelle. You are worthy of so much more love, affection, and warmth than what you were conditioned to believe. I hope you find the love of your life that will treat you like the Goddess you are. ❤️
Not spoken to because she was heavy, I can only imagine how bad that feels.
Smart for her...then she doesn't get the wrath of that religion!
I've been in Hildale, met people who are FLDS, so I just want to say to these girls and boys who manage to leave or escape the FLDS - you're amazing people.
hearing their stories never gets old, I was about 9 or 10 when the trials were on going. I live in AZ so everyone was consumed by them. I was so curious as to why the girls were dressed like pilgrims. I have so much love & hope for all who have been apart of the FLDS. I found out that they've recently opened a health center in short-creek to reach those who need medical treatment. I hope more & more soon become free. Things are sure changing up there. Nothing like it was when I was a kid.
I grew up in the regular Mormon church and thought it was bad. Really it’s no different than any conservative Christian church. But the FLDS are absolutely nuts, cult is barely scratching the surface of them. Leaving the Mormon church was hard enough, any faith that most of your family and community follows is hard to leave. It’s nothing compared to what the brave souls had to do to escape the FLDS cult though, I can still visit with and enjoy my parents, these ladies have lost nearly everything.
What do you mean regular Mormon?
Polygamy was a norm in Utah until recently, that's where the division between flds and lds is.
No comservatve Christian advocate for polygamy, Read the Bible.
@@jenex5608 I lived in Utah, it hasn’t been the norm for like 100 years. lol
@@jenex5608 yea utah wasn't allowed to become a state until the mormons stopped polygamy, which was in 1896 i believe. Mormons dont advocate for polygamy, this cult is batshit crazy but tbh most mormons are actually pretty kind, there are exceptions ofc
Well.. The LDS church(mormons) is still a cult, without or with polygamy. They are not christians. Jesus is the lord and not the devils brother (smh)! Don't compare this church to other churches who only believe in the bible.
I completely agree
That sad laugh the two sisters shared...I feel that. It's disbelief at the state of affairs, it's bewilderment at the cruelty of others, it's the confusion of having people you thought you knew and who loved you completely reject you. It hurts but you laugh at yourself because you can't understand why you're still upset about it, because fuck them....but it still hurts.
Kirsty de Paor girl go on somewhere with this poem
This cult is no different from scientology which is also NOT a religion
Carrie Bizz Scientology is just a dumb cult. They are dangerous.
It is a religion- a religious cult. Christianity is not a religion. It becomes a problem as a religion; it is a faith.
I got interviewed by Scientology lmao XDD
All religions are cults.
All religion is a cult. Not all forms are as strict but it is all mind control and to obey using scare tactics on your human needs.
The whole thing made me sad but the ending made me cry not in a good way. I felt like hugging my family. I'm really sorry for those people, love and light will guide a way and to heal. What a great video 👍
Another amazing, beautiful, powerful people that you so eloquently bring to my heart.
Thank you
"Because she's heavy" That made me chuckle.
We all knew why she didn't get in, the only time being fat protects you.
For me it was the joke at 9:35: there was this parent who named there kids North, East, South and West....
NORTH WEST whuhahahahahhahaha kayne and kim whahahaha
Hugh Mungus
"Hugh Mungus" xD too funny
+Zam W
Hugh...
Mungus.
:P Never fails to put a smile on my face
that giant slide though...
Mr. Reynolds that’s what I’m talking about! That was so cool!
I know !
If you made it out. Don't go back ever. Just keep going, out of Utah completely. Far far away!
I feel warren got off too easy. He should have gotten thr death penalty. I'm kinda shocked nobody's killed him in jail yet.
Nooo, death penalty is stupid. Criminals should suffer for years in prison for what they did. Death is just an easy way out. They don't suffer that way.
@@drewmiller5942 I agree. They should suffer like they did to those children
@@drewmiller5942 and use us hard working taxpayers money?Nahh
When Utah wanted to become a state, the Mormons had to abolish polygamy within the religion because of it being illegal under federal law. The people who weren't happy about this left the church and created their own communities. Some remained in Utah/Arizona, the others went to Juarez, Mexico where they have their own compound.
if i were the mexicans i'd have said OUT!
Yes it California it league for men to make porn makes no sense. Porn is prostitution
what the fuck is up with that town.
Hiding under the guise of "Religion" so they can get away with child abuse and slave labor. Fucking sickening.
Conran Thomas yeah but we do everything we can to stop human rights violations from religions and cults TODAY. Just because one does it, doesn't make it acceptable.
XCI5ION Utah is fucked
Tristin Williams I live in Utah and I even agree it's fucked lol
XCI5ION the town was created by the splinter group
I live in southern Utah, and work with a girl that is FLDS. Although I don’t share the same views as her when it comes to religion, she’s such a kind soul and one of my closest friends now. I’ve learned so much from her stories, and we’ve grown so close to each other and help each other out despite our differences
She's probably "kind" because she's so emotionally abused by the need to KEEP SWEET.
I have so much respect for these girls who have escaped. That must take so much strength to do, to run from what you know. I hope other girls and women can escape, and I hope those that have are doing as well as they can be - it really is awful that cults like this are allowed to run.
@ 4:20 is that the sweetest friggin slide ever ? I would've worn the back pockets off my blue jeans if I had a slide like that when I was a youngster
I think I still would
4/20!!!!!!
smiley37greg SAME! I wanted to comment about how much I loved the slide
smiley37greg I did think I'd love to go on that slide then I saw your comment lol
Yeah u saw that the slide was yuuuuge
honestly, I think these girls should be commended on how eloquently they convey their tragic stories. I am constantly astonished by people who have gone through such traumatic events, and rise above and share their experiences. Very inspiring.
Brigham Young is a misnomer.The correct spelling is Bringem' Young.
This was an EXCELLENT DOCUMENTARY! I thank you.
escaping polygamy is a great show, cults are so interesting yet scary.
I've been loving that show
they are a fascinating detail about human evolution. It seems that in order for us to get better we always tend to divide ourselves, seclude, and create this false image of Us vs them..
I really like that show and have a ton of respect for the people on it, but it feels really contrived and artificial. I wish it was more documentary style like this video than regular reality TV.
There's also a show called Breaking the Faith that you should check out
is it on netflix?
Why would she want to buy Warren Jeff's house? If I lived in a place that caused me heartache and fear I'd just stay away. Far away as possible.
Taura Helms - to take back her power.
Taura Helms What they said ^^ and they may not have any other choice.
what Anne Marie said, and also maybe to be a stronghold/beacon to those who are still apart of the cult in the area? she said she had no where to run to, and it took all day for her to get to someone outside of the cult's house. maybe by being in proximity, she hopes to give those who want to leave more options.
I would want to buy back the place too, were I in her situation. I would want to transform it into something that would generate pride, health, and happiness. Something successful. A help center or a place to live and help others. It would do wonders to heal oneself. To show you have the power to change anything negative into something constructive and powerful. It would no longer hold the power of such painful memories and associations. But ones of good.
I would totally leave that place and start over far away with new memories
they are all so traumatised, or genetically disadvantaged by this man that they just seem like their light has burned out.. so sad
This is sad and heartbreaking 😭
“One parent named her boys North, South, East, and West. And Denim Levi” haha 😆
That Escaping Polygamy tv show is about the FLDS and three young women who escaped and are helping others to escape, it's pretty good and I wonder if it's inspiring more people in this community to talk and break free from the order. As one of them puts it in the intro for the show "They say its all about religion, but its all about sex."
Capgungoesbang the order AKA Kingston clan don’t consider themselves part of FLDS which is run by Warren Jeffs. The Kingston’s broke off decades ago. They differ in areas like assimilation. They look like any modern young people. But they do inbreed
@@dash-x modern people do not inbreed.
It is about sex. Anyone who leaves these sick men thumbs up. What ever happened to the town hall hanging for men like this.
It's a patriarchy designed around this creep having lots of kids that's not Christian enough we like monogamy and stuff with our sex contracts this is sick weird incest stuff those poor girls are all victims
Sydney Charter sorry my comment was a bit ago. So the FLDS is an offshoot of the Latter Day Saints or Mormon colloquially. The order “leaders” consider themselves individual religion, they have massive businesses all over the country like waste removal contracts with the govt and much like flds use child labor illegally.
Now theologically they are Mormon, yes.
Hopefully this helps clear up my statement.
I was living in El Dorado, TX whe the FBI showed up to one of their compounds. The sickest part about it was that the FBI turned those kids BACK OVER to the sickos. Ill never forget that. The whole town was shocked. Im really glad you were able to get away from this. I know you're still having battles...but hang in there.
Holy duck.
I live in the county the children were brought to for "safe" housing before they were returned. My area was shocked also, when they were returned.
I lived in Utah for a year. On the weekends I would ride around the mountains. Once, at a gas station a van stopped at the pump next to mine. Out came a sea of kids, three women came out and one man.
The women just interacted with the children.
I took a quick look at the whole scenario playing out in front of me while I was doing mental math of what was going on and then noticed the man was giving me a look.
I was like. "I'm not going to take your women away asshole"
Skyerzen yeah me and some friends of mine ran into a similar situation while at Zion National Park. We stopped at a gas station that was run by these people and as we were fueling up these women and girls in those pastel prairie dresses were kinda hanging out in this doorway to a warehouse watching us
@@samr.896 I've lived in Utah for a few years now and it is funny, they like to stare more than any people I have ever encountered. The communities I've been near are less freaky about outsiders so if you can narrow it down to 1 or two alone they'll return a smile or a nod but if it's a gang, forget it. County road, gas station, wherever, they'll lock onto you like military radar until you;re over the horizon. I've run into 14, 15 year old boys driving a van full of his siblings up to the corner store. then he has to pump gas and monitor the other kids to make sure they don't get contaminated all while trying not to freak out and wonder how many people are looking at him. Hard to watch.
j carry yeah this crew was just sitting there watching us. I think the gas station was owned by these folks because we had to go in to and talk to them before they’d let us pump gas. So the owner of the car goes in there while me and the other guy stayed in the car. Other friend comes back and says “yeah there were like 5 of em in there. I come in there like hey I need to pump some gas.” And they just looked at him. Finally after about five minutes of staring they were like “yeah just give us your license and we’ll let you pump.” Friend says nah and they argue back and forth and finally gives him his keys runs out pumps the gas runs back in grabs his keys and we tore outta there
@@samr.896 Wow. that's a lot of weird in one spot. So much unnecessary weird. I've had only normal to mildly odd interactions but I was mainly dealing with the ones that were a little mainstream. The most awkward thing I had was at this one walmart. Multiple times I was near-ish a mother/daughter clone team. Different ones each time, but I'd walk in right behind or be near a 40yo and a 14yo and they'd just take turns looking at me any time time I was visible until I left the store. Not suspicious, not expecting anything, just looking like they were thinking about asking me a question. 3 different times. 8 feet away, 300 feet, didn't matter. Out of all the people in there. I'm not that good looking. So hard to pretend not to notice. To be fair they'd probably never seen a chubby guy or a franco-american before, so they're probably still talking about me too.
@@jcarry5214 I am reading this in Corona Lockdown in Europe and it made me smile. What does this now say about me. 🤔😳😜
First of all it's a cult not a religion, secondary when you are raised in a community that brains wash you every single day of your life it takes time to realize what is truly going on.
Don't judge these people it's hard for them to start a new life and experience so many new things that they have lost through the years.
It is a religious cult, like Jehova Witness. Christian cult. Not part of mainstream Christianity.
the "FLDS" is but not the "LDS"
No.. in fact it was.. That was mormon religion in the traditon of Brigham "Bring 'em" Young.. why tell something else? just because there are so much of them in denial?
@Paula Kouravelou
First of all, *all religions* are cults. Second all religions brainwash their victims.
I don't think anyone is blaming these girls of anything...
Of course Utah
What I'm saying!!
Of course. I detest small towns and small town people. No brains
short creek is Arizona
You guys are being quite ignorant. There are 3 million people in Utah and 80% of them live on the Wasatch Front. And as Dennis mentioned Short Creek is just as much in Arizona as it is in Utah.
+Supreme Clientele
Fun fact about both Small Towns and Utah. Philo Farnsworth invented the TV. He was from Beaver, a small town in Utah, (where you can get fiber optic internet actually).
Gingerbread Fetus The polygamists live in Arizona because Utah came down hard. I said somewhere else as a teen we used to see the flds near Brigham the few remaining almost never come out but most left.
There are so many screwed up people out there... My heart goes out to those that are misled, innocent, too young, misguided, hurt, scared, abused, broken and lost. God bless you all.
Putting aside the abusive nature of that sort of polygamy. How did these communities deal with the young men who had no women left to get into a relationship with? With these church elders having so many young wives in seemingly small communities, it means that there would be a big number of young men without any prospects of finding a GF or wife of their own. How long had this been going on there?
Vice.....I dont know if you will find this relevant although it is, but i live near Bountiful BC Canada where an offshoot of this polygamist group lives and has lived since the 50's. You may recognize the name Winston Blackmore. Well this group had harsh problems after Jeffs was convicted and jailed as they are all connected and related and they travel cross border constantly. The group here fractured when Jeffs was convicted as the leader winston broke with Jeffs and wanted everyone else to do the same. They didnt. Winston even had a senior wife or two leave him and go back to Utah over this. They are still fractured to this day. WELL, three of them are in our court system right now for trafficking under aged girls across the border for sex and illegal marriage. They just played the tape of Jeffs having sex with that young girl yesterday and it did not sit well with the court... as it shouldnt. She was raped. I thought you might find the fracture interesting. I dont think this story should fade.
Interesting, although it's not surprising that people who grew up in that sect would have some dysfunctions. It usually takes a few generations before all trauma is healed in a dysfunctional family. It's still good that they are at least out of Warren's grasp though.
I've been watching Winston blackmore..very interesting critter.
2 times I have heard recording of Jeff having sex with a minor. Who is taping this?
I want to punch everyone that was mean to Michelle. I want to be friends with Michelle, she seems wonderful
Grew up in BC near bountiful. I’m sure what they went through there was similar. So heartbreaking. I am in awe at the strength it must take to leave the community
Im so sorry this happened to you! I hope you find recovery. Its never too late!
Has Vice done a story on the lost boys of the FLDS? My heart goes out to these women, but there is not much coverage of what happens when there are too many boys and not enough girls.
Michelle Michelle Luckily, not that I'm aware of, they don't kill them if that's what you're worried about. But, generally, they are pushed out of the community and their families are told they are dead to them. At times, the boys are driven to a large community (Las Vegas being the closest and having the best buffets) and literally left on a street corner. Like I said, it's horrible what these women go through and my heart hurts for them. But because birth rates are around 50% along gender lines, these boys, and sometimes adult men with families of their own, are forced out with no means or skills to support themselves.
One of the men pushed out because he was disliked by Jeffs was with the lady who finally started to bring charges against him.
They were pushed out aggressively, even more so after pigshit Jeffs was imprisoned. His version of cleaning house, a retributory action designed to punish and cement his power base. Hundreds of men and boys cast out so a select handful of men can have 60 wives. Nothing even close to the hideousness the girls faced, but there you have it. Btw? Jeffs also raped young boys, just not at the rate he raped young girls. Don't know about the other male perverts, but Jeffs definitely did.
A Lost One there’s a full documentary done by The Why on the lost boys.
They don’t drive them to Vegas and drop them off 😂😂 where do people get their information
the human mind if not educated is easily made to believe anything stay in school
atleast its monitored by parents and global organizations
Hugh Mungus
Very true
very true
Is still easy to make believe anything the media and tv do the job to keep you sheeps asleep and really school 😒 school is one of the main problems with society man worthless information waste of time in school the goal seem to be the more you remember the better grade you get on your test so your intelligence is measured by a letter grade
This was amazing and I pray for each one of these women because they are brave and deserve happiness.
10:59 Chickens for sail?
No thanks, chickens are just useless as sails.
u would think the children could bring a law suit against our government for not protecting them against all of the abuse it's not like they don't know what is going on
they made official church comply
The government does not have to take care of fat people who have done nothing to help society.
Quantum Freak you don’t do anything to society either keyboard warrior lol
@@hwykiddd Oh shut it. The problem is that the USA has many laws protecting certain practices under the guise of religious freedom. This includes taking kids out of school or child marriages. Yes, it is legal to marry a minor in the US.
@@Ikajo with parental consent.
Why I left Utah. This video explains everything.
is it rly that bad?
Kleingirl
hahaha bro. It will definitely make anyone outside to not believe teh tele.
+wwNetMentality damn...Utahs fucked
you left because of 15k in some corner of utah. You know there are Millions of Mormons and just a few of these nuts who aren't even Mormons. You must have been just camping.
Maticus what are you like a debt collector or some shit tf? I thought my comments were a little off to understand, but what you going on about.
i organize the Colorado City Music Festival in Hildale Utah. April 22nd will be the 3rd annual. This town is changing sooo much!
Really good but needs more context - not sure if this is a snippet of something longer.
I'm so incredibly proud of you! It's any amazingly BRAVE situation to be able to get out of that hell. Keep your head up.
It's like something from the frickn Silent Hill films
don't over exagerate
My condolences go to all the families whose daughters have been victimized by the sick cult. They rip daughters and sisters from their homes and tear that family apart just to add one more person to their already large family. I have experienced this first hand and truly wish I hadn’t. Somehow, they really do manage to convince young girls that there is something good about Mormonism. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Someone I know was asked by a man to mail a letter for him at the post office yesterday, because he couldn't go in the post office with no mask.It was addressed to Warren Jeffs. My friend said he thought there was a cheque inside, because it was very thin.
😳😭
OMG hope they are all out, and doing ok now! :( would love to hear from them! hope is all good!
VICE meets three young women who explain why they left Warren Jeffs's Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and talk about the struggle to build a new life.
Almost as bad as islam
really how many people did they kill this week?
+Joe Redtree ill never forget the day flds suicide bombed that catholic school.
How about how many people did they kidnap yesterday?
"VICE travels to Short Creek to meet with some of the young women who escaped from the cult, who have recently to returned to the town to try to rebuild a new life there."
Might want to fix that sentence structuring in the description.
It’s been 6 years since this was made. I hope everyone interviewed is doing okay now.
Briell was able to get the house she shows here. She and others founded the Short Creek Dream Center which provides shelter for those seeking to escape the FLDS.
My love and support goes out to you for breaking away. I wish you the best🙏🙏🙏