Dianne Lake's chilling encounter with the notorious cult leader Charles Manson began when she was just 14 years old in 1967, leading her into the dark realm of Manson's cult known as the Family.
In a recent documentary titled I Lived With A Killer, Dianne recounts Manson's horrifying advice on inflicting maximum harm by stabbing upwards to hit vital organs, a stark departure from the initial allure of free love that drew her to him.
The group's descent into violence culminated in a killing spree fifty years ago, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including pregnant actress Sharon Tate.
The idea of violence sickened Dianne, contrasting sharply with Manson's initial charisma, playfulness, and charm that had initially captivated her youthful innocence.
Despite the gruesome realities that unfolded within the cult, Dianne recalls Manson's seduction as a gentle and loving experience, making her feel like a woman rather than an ignorant young girl.
The sense of belonging and acceptance she found among Manson and his followers filled a void in her life, particularly after emancipating herself from her hippy parents.
Manson's manipulation and abuse soon overshadowed the initial facade of kindness, as Dianne found herself subjected to physical violence and coercion.
Apart from intimate relations with Manson, she was coerced into s–ual encounters with other members of the Family, enduring punishment if she refused compliance.
The cult's twisted dynamics extended to brutal rituals, including endurance tests like holding hands over flames and deprivation of food.
Manson's grip tightened through his prophetic messages of an impending race war, fueled by delusions drawn from The Beatles' White Album, ultimately leading to the infamous Helter Skelter ideology.
As tensions escalated, Manson orchestrated a series of heinous murders, culminating in the tragic events of August 1969.
His followers, driven by a warped sense of loyalty and indoctrination, carried out brutal killings under his command, including the massacre at Sharon Tate's residence.
Dianne vividly recalls the harrowing moments preceding the murders, where Manson's influence and manipulation reached a fever pitch.
The once-idealistic promise of love and belonging within the cult devolved into a nightmare of violence and bloodshed, leaving a lasting impact on Dianne and all those ensnared in Manson's web of manipulation.
