Helter Skelter (theory)

The Helter Skelter theory refers to the idea that Charles Manson and his followers believed they were acting on an apocalyptic prophecy—derived from The Beatles' song "Helter Skelter"—predicting a racial war. Manson falsely interpreted the song's lyrics as a call to incite chaos between different races, leading his group to commit violent murders in 1969. The theory highlights how Manson used distorted interpretations of music and media to manipulate his followers into violence, aiming to accelerate societal collapse and establish what he envisioned as a new order.