Bohemian Grove

Bohemian Grove is a 2700 acre (11 km²) campground located in Monte Rio, California belonging to a private San Francisco-based men's fine arts club known as the Bohemian Club, which was founded in 1872. The club's membership includes many artists, particularly musicians, as well as many high-ranking business leaders and government officials.

Controversies

The private nature of the club and its membership has attracted some attention and suspicion. Over the years, individuals have infiltrated the grove then later published video and accounts of the activities at Bohemian Grove.

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German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt wrote about the Grove in his autobiography Men and Powers. He stated that Germany had similar institutions, some of which included such rituals, but that his favorite was the Bohemian Grove.

Related Topics:
German - Chancellor - Helmut Schmidt - Men and Powers

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Harry Shearer of This is Spinal Tap fame has made a movie with the same parody concept about Bohemian Grove, called Teddy Bears' Picnic.

Related Topics:
Harry Shearer - This is Spinal Tap - Teddy Bears' Picnic

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Below are some of the controversies that have been discussed about Bohemian Grove:

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Allegations of human sacrifice

During the Cremation of Care ceremony, a mock human sacrifice representing "dull care" is cremated to symbolize the liberation of the participants. It can be argued that its symbolism is analogous to that of the Burning Man which has often been compared to the Midsummer Encampment at the Grove.

Related Topics:
Cremation of Care - Burning Man

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In the Franklin Coverup Scandal of 1989, investigators of that case discovered that Paul Bonacci wrote in his diary that he had been flown into the grove by republican leader Lawrence King and was forced into depraved sexual acts with other boys including snuff films and BDSM.http://www.geocities.com/bohemian_grove_dirt/ Paul Bonacci later testified to these charges in court with U.S. Senior District Judge Warren K. Urbom presiding. Bonacci won the court case and was awarded $1 million by Judge Warren K. Urbom.http://www.raven1.net/ra1.htm

Related Topics:
Franklin Coverup Scandal - Lawrence King - Snuff film - BDSM

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Allegations of homosexual prostitution

Spy Magazine in the 1989 Issue reported about the grove and its busing in of homosexual prostitutes from surrounding towns and the problem with members contracting AIDS.

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In 2004 the New York Post ran an article on how a gay porn star was known to service the members.http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/july2004/220704nypostgaypornstar.htm

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