Summary of Mass Murderer Charles Manson's 1987 Interview In San Quentin Prison | TODAY

The video features a 1987 interview with Charles Manson, who is serving a life sentence for the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders. Manson was originally sentenced to death, but after California abolished capital punishment, his sentence was commuted. The interview was prompted by the release of a book titled "Manson in His Own Words," co-authored by Newell Emmons, who met Manson during his own time in prison.

During the interview, correspondent Heidi Schulman questions Manson about remorse for his actions. Manson's responses are often erratic, revealing a lack of guilt and a twisted justification for his past behavior. He claims that he feels no need to feel guilty, suggesting that he has been wronged by society and implying that he might have felt better if he had committed more murders. Manson expresses a nihilistic view of life, stating that he has no regrets and that societal norms do not apply to him.

Newell Emmons, who spent seven years conversing with Manson, aims to demystify Manson's persona, portraying him as a failure rather than a charismatic leader. Emmons insists that Manson's actions were not driven by any spiritual or ideological motives but rather by drug-related influences and a chaotic lifestyle. He emphasizes that Manson is not a complex figure but rather a product of his environment and choices.

The video also highlights a debate among the "Today Show" staff regarding the ethics of airing Manson's interview, with some believing it should not provide him with a platform, while others argue that public curiosity warrants the discussion.

Presenters/Contributors:

Notable Quotes

— 01:32 — « Everything in the world to me doesn't that give me equal right I can do anything I want to you people at any time I want to because that's what you've done to me. »
— 01:54 — « I wouldn't do anything that I felt guilty about you don't feel guilty at all there's no need to feel guilty I haven't done anything I'm ashamed of. »
— 02:24 — « Maybe I should have killed for 500 people then I would have felt better then when I felt like I really offered society something. »
— 04:06 — « What does that mean you know money I've had all the money in the world three times and had to give it back that's a stupid little game. »
— 06:44 — « Believe me if I started murdering people it'd be none of you left. »

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