Lauren Southern's Strange Journey from Rebel to Tradwife to Paid Putin Stooge
Sep 11, 2024
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Lauren Southern, a controversial Canadian alt-right influencer, discusses her ties to alleged Russian funding alongside fellow alt-right figure Lauren Chen. They delve into the intricate web of Kremlin-linked media operations, revealing shocking practices and implications for Canadian politics. Jan Wong brings insight into Peter Nygard’s sentencing for sexual assault and examines the troubling rise of domestic terrorism in Canada, providing a gripping narrative that connects personal decisions to broader societal impacts.
The podcast reveals alarming connections between Canadian alt-right influencers and a Russian-funded propaganda network, highlighting foreign interference in media.
The sentencing of Peter Nygard for sexual assault exemplifies ongoing challenges in achieving accountability for powerful individuals involved in predatory behavior.
Deep dives
Peter Nygaard's Sentencing
Peter Nygaard, a fashion industry figure, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for multiple sexual assaults, a decision that many perceive as inadequate given the decades of his predatory behavior. The initial sentence was seen as harsh, but with time served, it effectively equates to around seven years in custody. The courtroom was notably filled during the sentencing, signaling the public’s interest in seeing accountability for Nygaard's actions. This case exemplifies ongoing issues in reporting and prosecuting sexual assault, particularly when powerful individuals attempt to evade responsibility.
Russian Influence in Canadian Media
A Canadian-owned social media entity, Tenet Media, is implicated in a significant Russian influence operation that has raised alarms about foreign interference in Canadian politics. U.S. Justice Department allegations suggest that nearly $10 million was funneled through this company to alt-right influencers to promote pro-Kremlin narratives. Notable figures like Lauren Chen, known for her controversial views, participated in this effort, illustrating how foreign powers seek to exploit media platforms to sway public opinion. The operational secrecy, coupled with the influencers' financial incentives, raises serious questions about the integrity of independent news and commentary.
The Alt-Right Media Ecosystem
The episode highlights the emergence of a media network that engages notable alt-right personalities, including Dave Rubin and Tim Pool, who were reportedly contracted to disseminate Kremlin-backed content. This network appeared to offer lucrative deals, sometimes reaching $400,000 per content installment, drawing many influencers into a web of complicity without clear understanding of the sources of their financing. The discussion underscores the challenges in discerning genuine journalism from propaganda, especially as influencers repackage messages that align with their existing platforms. This financial relationship illustrates a troubling convergence of profit and political agendas that complicates the media landscape.
Rise in Homegrown Terrorism
The podcast discusses an alarming increase in homegrown terrorism incidents in Canada, noting eight plots that have emerged since October 7th alone. These cases, which include arrests for connections to ISIS and other extremist activities, underscore a pervasive threat lurking within the country. The discussion also connects the dots between divisive rhetoric propagated by various factions and the subsequent rise in violent plots, illustrating how foreign influence exacerbates domestic tensions. This situation raises concerns about national security and the effectiveness of current measures to address these emerging threats.
The surprising Canadian connections to an alt-right influencer network that is alleged to have been funded by Russia. How Lauren Chen, Lauren Southern, and some of the biggest names in the US alt-right took millions from the Kremlin, and why Tenet Media is probably just the tip of the iceberg.
Plus, Jan Wong on Peter Nygard’s long overdue sentencing for sexual assault, and Jesse takes stock of the state of terrorism in Canada.
Host: Jesse Brown
Credits: James Nicholson(Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer)
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