True Crime
Filmmaker Discovers Charles Manson Is Her Grandfather in New Hulu Documentary
A filmmaker’s search into her family history took a shocking turn when a DNA test revealed she’s the biological granddaughter of cult leader Charles Manson.
According to a report from People published on Thursday, July 9, Sophia Maddox takes a closer look at her link to the infamous killer in Hulu’s upcoming documentary, My Grandfather Charles Manson.
After taking a DNA test, Maddox discovered that her previously unknown biological grandfather was Manson. The revelation was made even more startling by the fact that her father, Daniel Arguelles, bears a striking resemblance to the cult leader.
“The more Sophia uncovers, the more her relationship with her father is strained,” the synopsis for the documentary states, per the publication. “For Sophia, there’s no turning back. What has she inherited, and how will she reckon with her family legacy?”
Manson became one of America’s most notorious criminals after leading the Manson Family cult. His followers murdered pregnant actress Sharon Tate and six other people during a two-night killing spree in Los Angeles in 1969.
While Manson didn’t personally commit the murders, he was convicted of orchestrating the crimes and died in prison in 2017 at age 83.
Maddox also spoke to the outlet about what prompted her to create the documentary.
“After I learned Charles Manson was my grandfather through a DNA test, I started filming myself because I didn’t know how else to cope with the news,” she explained.
“What began as a way to process a shocking family discovery became a deeper investigation into generational trauma, identity, and whether we’re destined to repeat the stories we inherit,” Maddox continued. “Ultimately, I hope the film reminds people that while we can’t choose where we come from, we can choose what we do with that history.”
Previously, it was believed that Mason only had three sons — Charles Manson Jr., Charles Luther Manson and Michael Brunner — but Maddox’s film will reveal an unknown branch of his family tree.
My Grandfather Charles Manson will appear on Hulu on July 22.
