In recent years, Hollywood has become synonymous with not just glitz and glamour but also with various conspiracy theories revolving around the occult. The occult refers to hidden or esoteric knowledge and practices that are usually associated with supernatural or mystical powers. While Hollywood has always been known for its fascination with mysticism, the concept of the Hollywood occult takes this fascination to new heights. One major aspect of the Hollywood occult is the alleged secret societies and cults that exist within the entertainment industry. These secret societies are said to engage in occult practices and rituals to gain power and influence. One such example is the rumored existence of the Illuminati, a powerful secret society believed to control world events and manipulate the masses.

Satanism, ritual cults and Hollywood: debunking ‘satanic panic’ conspiracy theories

Bethan Juliet Oake receives funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) via the White Rose College of the Arts & Humanities (WRoCAH).

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University of Leeds provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation UK.

Earlier this year the non-binary singer-songwriter, Sam Smith, performed their song Unholy, at the Grammys. Dressed in a red devil-horned top hat and latex costume, the performance drew upon popular occult and gothic aesthetics. And it attracted a huge amount of criticism for the supposed promotion of satanic imagery.

Conspiracy theorists alleged that the performance was, in fact, a real, satanic ritual orchestrated by an elite cult of Hollywood satanists. Its supposed aim? To morally subvert society by brainwashing and indoctrinating young people.

Only a few months prior, a similar mass online panic had taken hold in the form of the Balenciaga scandal – with conspiracy theorists claiming that the fashion brand was secretly engaging in child trafficking and satanic ritual abuse.

This was after photographs for its latest campaign featured children holding teddy bear bags that appeared to be dressed in bondage fetish-wear.

These are just the latest in a string of satanic conspiracy theories, from the 2014 Hampstead hoax, which involved false allegations of a satanic paedophile ring operating out of a north London school, to the rise of the now infamous QAnon movement, where supporters believe that Satan-worshipping elites are trying to take over society.

One such example is the rumored existence of the Illuminati, a powerful secret society believed to control world events and manipulate the masses. According to conspiracy theories, many famous Hollywood celebrities are said to be part of the Illuminati and use their fame and fortune to further their occult agendas. Another aspect of the Hollywood occult is the alleged use of occult symbolism in films, music videos, and celebrity imagery.

Satanism scares

In the UK and further afield, there’s a long history of claims that secret, Satan-worshipping cults exist that ritualistically abuse and sacrifice children. Emerging in the form of moral panics known as “satanism scares”, it’s possible to trace these rumours and myths back to second-century Rome. Yet they really rose to prominence during the Middle Ages.

This satanic mythology has often been used as a way to demonise Jewish communities. In particular, they’ve often involved false allegations that Jewish people use the blood of non-Jewish – usually Christian – children for ritual purposes.

The European witch-hunts which happened during the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries also incorporated claims of devil-worship and child sacrifice.

While accusations of satanic abuse have repeatedly been found to be unsubstantiated and allegations debunked, these rumours and conspiracy theories can cause very real harm.

False satanic abuse allegations have resulted in harassment, death threats and online attacks. In one instance a child was kidnapped after a group falsely believed they were the victim of satanic ritual abuse. And there have even been death sentences (later overturned), in the case one 1990s murder trial in the US.

Indeed, satanism scares can be considered a form of witch-hunt. In the 1980s and 1990s there was a mass satanism scare in the US and UK which became known as the “satanic panic”.

This episode saw many people falsely accused, arrested and at times convicted of satanic abuse. To this day, courts are still working through exonerating those falsely accused.

In one case, a US couple spent 21 years in prison after being found guilty of satanic ritual abuse. Their conviction was eventually overturned due to the faulty witness testimony.

The most famous case was the McMartin preschool trial, which is still the longest-running and most expensive trial in US history. It followed false allegations that hundreds of children had been sexually abused and involved in satanic rituals at a California preschool. It led to fears that children and wider society were under attack from satanic forces.

The satanic panic gained momentum from religious TV channels, public authorities and perhaps most prominently from tabloid media. In both the US and the UK it built upon preexisting societal moral panics relating to cults and child abuse, as well as drawing upon existing homophobic narratives.

Symbols like the all-seeing eye, pentagrams, and inverted crosses are believed to be hidden messages to the viewers or a way for celebrities to showcase their allegiance to the occult. These symbols and their supposed meanings have sparked countless debates and theories, with some claiming that they are simply artistic choices, while others see them as deliberate efforts to promote occult ideologies. Furthermore, Hollywood's fascination with dark and occult themes in movies and TV shows further contributes to the notion of the Hollywood occult. From horror films to supernatural thrillers, these genres often explore the realms of the occult, witchcraft, and magic. This choice of subject matter has led many to believe that there is a concerted effort to desensitize the public to such practices and make them more acceptable. However, it is important to note that many of these claims and conspiracy theories surrounding the Hollywood occult are largely speculative and lack concrete evidence. While some celebrities may be interested in mysticism and spirituality, it does not necessarily mean they are part of secret societies or actively promoting occult ideologies. Moreover, the use of occult symbolism in media can often be attributed to artistic choices or simply capitalizing on popular cultural tropes rather than a hidden agenda. In conclusion, the Hollywood occult is a complex and controversial topic that intertwines notions of secret societies, symbolism, and the entertainment industry. While there may be some truth to certain aspects, it is vital to approach these claims with skepticism and critical thinking. Exploring the mysteries and allure of the occult in Hollywood will continue to captivate public imagination, prompting ongoing discussions and debates..

Reviews for "Star Power and the Occult: Hollywood Celebrities and Their Hidden Practices"

- John - 2 stars - Hollywood occult was a complete disappointment for me. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters lacked depth and development. The attempts at horror and suspense fell flat, and the whole occult theme felt forced and inauthentic. Overall, I found it to be a dull and unoriginal film that failed to deliver any thrills or entertainment.

- Sarah - 1 star - I can't believe I wasted my time watching Hollywood occult. The acting was terrible, the dialogue was cringeworthy, and the special effects were laughable. It felt like a low-budget B-movie trying too hard to be scary but ended up being just ridiculous. I would not recommend this film to anyone looking for a good horror experience.

- Mark - 2 stars - Hollywood occult had so much potential, but it ultimately fell short. The story lacked cohesion, jumping from one random scene to another without any clear connection. The pacing was slow, and the film failed to build any suspense or tension. The supposed scares were predictable and cliché, making the whole experience feel tiresome and uninspired. I was left disappointed and unimpressed.

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