Inside the Dark World of ‘Incels’

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Last month, ten people were killed in Toronto after a man drove a van into pedestrians. In a Facebook status before the attack, the suspect referred to an "Incel Rebellion”. It prompted huge attention for a previously little-known internet subculture. "Incel" is short for "involuntarily celibate" and refers to groups of men who feel that they can't enter into sexual relationships. They frequently vent anger against sexually successful men ("Chads") and attractive women ("Stacys"). Incel forums include rants aimed at feminism and women, and some encourage violence. This week, BBC Trending takes an closer look at this dark online subculture. We speak to incels, ex-incels, and a woman who posed as a man online to keep an eye on them. And there’s a surprising twist, as we find out what one incel did shortly after our interview. Produced and Presented by Jonathan Griffin and Elizabeth Cassin Studio Manager: Tom Brignell Photo Caption: Alek Minassian, the 25-year-old suspect in the Toronto van attack Photo Credit: LinkedIn