Dianne Lake, now 64, has come forward to share her story of being involved with Charles Manson, the notorious cult leader, when she was just 14 years old.
Lake disclosed that she engaged in a s–ual relationship with Manson shortly after meeting him for the first time as a teenager in Los Angeles.
In a recent interview with Good Morning America, Lake described Manson as “attractive” and “loving,” expressing how he made her feel like she was his sole love interest despite there being other girls in the cult.
She emphasized the sense of special treatment and affection Manson provided to each member.
Recalling her interactions with Manson, Lake mentioned feeling seduced by him, noting that their intimate moments seemed natural and almost like a game.
She detailed how Manson’s approach would start with gentle gestures before escalating into more intimate encounters, painting him as a charming and playful figure.
Lake’s revelations come ahead of the release of her upcoming memoir, ‘Member of the Family,’ where she delves deeper into her experiences within the Manson cult.
She explained that her parents’ immersion in the counter-culture of the 1960s left her craving love and a sense of belonging, which ultimately led her to Manson’s group.
Reflecting on her past involvement with Manson, Lake expressed how she gradually became more devoted to him, even as his behavior grew increasingly violent leading up to the infamous murders committed by members of the cult in 1969.
Despite not participating in the brutal killings orchestrated by Manson, Lake found herself testifying against him in court at the age of 17.
During the trial, Lake faced Manson’s manipulative tactics firsthand, realizing his ability to manipulate others and evade accountability for his actions.
She acknowledged the moment when she finally saw through Manson’s façade, recognizing him as a deceptive and egotistical individual rather than the charismatic leader she once perceived him to be.
Following Manson’s conviction and imprisonment for orchestrating the series of murders, Lake endeavored to move forward with her life.
Now married with three children and holding a master’s degree in education, she has sought to distance herself from the dark chapter of her past associated with the Manson family.
Despite the passage of time, Lake continues to grapple with the lingering impact of her involvement with Manson and the cult, reflecting on the complexities of her experiences and the lessons learned from her tumultuous journey.
Through her forthcoming memoir, she aims to shed light on the dark allure of charismatic yet dangerous figures like Manson and the enduring effects of manipulation and coercion within destructive groups.
