Disturbing meaning behind ‘matrix’ hand sign used by controversial influencers like Andrew Tate
One expert claimed it could 'signify hidden knowledge'
The so-called ‘matrix’ hand symbol favoured by Andrew Tate and other influencers has appeared in Louis Theroux’s latest film, Inside the Manosphere - but what does it mean?
Beloved documentarian Theroux, 55, has returned with a striking peek into the polarising world of misogyny, anti-feminists, and content creators who peddle the idea that ultra-masculinity is paramount.
Inside the Manosphere, which premiered on Netflix this week (11 March), sees the journalist travelling from Marbella to Miami to infiltrate and understand the world of red-pill influencers.
While self-proclaimed misogynist Tate, 39, doesn’t make an appearance in the documentary, his presence and ideologies are strongly felt.
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This became especially apparent when his signature ‘matrix’ hand signal cropped up.
The BBC reported last year that the former professional kickboxer, who gained notoriety for his controversial views on women, is said to have prompted ‘a surge’ in ‘misogyny-related incidents’ in schools.
He is currently facing criminal and civil legal proceedings in several countries with his brother, Tristan Tate, over alleged sexual and human trafficking offences, all of which they have denied.
What does the ‘matrix’ hand sign mean?
If you’ve watched the new Manosphere documentary on Netflix or have seen pictures of Tate online, then you may have come across the bizarre triangle hand signal known as ‘the matrix’.
Watch the Netflix trailer below:
Despite being named after the 1999 sci-fi action flick directed by the Wachowski sisters, the hand symbol doesn’t actually appear in the movie.
Instead, it’s believed that the sign, often thrown up by influencers who perpetuate Tate’s misogynistic views, could be a modern day mudra.
A mudra is a symbolic or ritualistic gesture derived from Sanskrit to help ‘stimulate endorphins, increase vitality, and soothe pain’, as per Azulfit.
The signal can guide energy flow to specific areas of the brain and may help you focus on various tasks or beliefs.
It’s reported that the Big Brother star’s father, Emory Andrew Tate Jr., used to use the symbol before internatioanl chess matches as a personal ‘power-up’.
Others have claimed that the matrix may be linked to the Illuminati - a so-called secret society.
However, Tate has denied any connection with the fabled conspiracy theorists.
Expert opinion on ‘matrix’ hand gesture
According to Tim Squirrel, an extremism expert from the Institute of Strategic Dialogue, the matrix symbol may have a ‘two-pronged’ appeal.
“For one, you can show your endorsement of controversial people or beliefs without having to say it outright, allowing you plausible deniability and possibly avoiding consequences like detention or censure,” the expert told VICE World News in 2023.
“You can also signify that you have hidden knowledge – that you’re aware of what this sign means to you and others around you who are part of the in-group who are in the know, and that’s a very appealing identity marker for children and teenagers.”
He added that educators who spot the sign in their classrooms should be more worried about what it represents, rather than their pupils actually making it.
“They should absolutely be concerned about children engaging with Tate’s content,” Squirrel said.
“Not only does he endorse violent misogyny, based on recent reporting it appears there’s good reason to believe that he has engaged in hideous and brutal violence against women, as well as being an alleged human trafficker.”
Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere is available to stream on Netflix now.
Topics: Netflix, Life, Louis Theroux, Documentaries
Ella Scott