What is ant hill kids?

The Ant Hill Kids was a cult formed in 1977 in Quebec, Canada, by Roch Thériault, who portrayed himself as a charismatic and manipulative leader. The group is infamous for the extreme and abusive practices Thériault imposed on its members, which led to severe physical and psychological harm.

Initially, Thériault attracted followers by presenting himself as a spiritual leader with a vision of forming a commune that followed his interpretations of religious beliefs. The commune was isolated from society, and the members lived a communal lifestyle, where Thériault exercised complete control over their lives.

Thériault's control escalated into sadistic behavior, as he subjected members to brutal punishments, forced labor, and severe mistreatment. He justified his actions as necessary for spiritual purification and often manipulated his followers into believing they were guilty of sin and required his harsh discipline.

The abusive conditions resulted in tragic consequences, including the death of some members. The group's activities continued until the late 1980s when the authorities intervened. In 1989, Thériault was arrested, and he was later convicted of murder, among other charges. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.

The Ant Hill Kids is often cited as a case study in the dynamics of cult behavior and the psychological mechanisms of manipulation and control used by cult leaders.