Behind the Bastards: Part Two – Tony Alamo: The Worst Preacher

Released February 20, 2025 by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

In the chilling second installment of Behind the Bastards, host Robert Evans delves deep into the dark and disturbing life of Tony Alamo, a preacher whose name has become synonymous with manipulation, abuse, and outright malfeasance. Together with co-host Samantha McVeigh, Evans unravels the intricate web of Alamo's cult, his heinous crimes, and the shocking ways he maintained his influence despite mounting evidence against him.

1. Introduction to Tony Alamo’s Reign

The episode opens with Evans and McVeigh setting the stage for Tony Alamo's story, a man whose fascination lies not just in his religious proclamations but in the sinister activities that underpinned his ministry.

Robert Evans [00:42]: "...not in the ways that matter, maybe, but, like, technically, you know."

2. The Death of Susan Alamo and Cult Practices

A pivotal moment in Alamo’s life was the death of his wife, Susan. Instead of allowing her to rest, Alamo orchestrated a macabre ritual to keep her "alive" within the cult’s premises.

Samantha McVeigh [04:21]: "Tell me she's in that white suit, though. Like, is she at least in that suit?"

Despite Susan's death, followers were forced to engage in relentless prayers for her resurrection, creating an environment of psychological torment.

Robert Evans [05:00]: "She’s exerting some control to limit his behavior. Right. And once she is gone, there is no one left to keep this man in check."

3. Exploitation and Abuse Within the Cult

Alamo's control over his followers extended beyond mere religious indoctrination. He systematically exploited children within the cult, both sexually and through forced labor.

Samantha McVeigh [07:44]: "So were they not cuddling enough? Is that."

The children were coerced into intimate and abusive situations, with lasting psychological scars that echoed long after their time in the cult.

4. The Rise of Alamo’s Clothing Empire

Amidst the turmoil, Alamo launched a clothing brand that would paradoxically gain popularity among celebrities, masking the underlying atrocities.

Robert Evans [11:09]: "He does high fashion, too. It's extremely successful."

Renowned figures such as Michael Jackson and Mr. T donned Alamo’s bedazzled denim jackets, further legitimizing his brand and expanding his reach.

Robert Evans [13:10]: "Michael Jackson wears a Tony Alamo jacket on the cover of ‘Bad’."

5. Legal Battles and Labor Exploitation

Alamo's success was built on the backs of exploited laborers, primarily children who worked tirelessly to produce his elaborate designs. This eventually attracted legal scrutiny.

Robert Evans [35:04]: "From 1970 to 1976, the foundation's reported income went from $46,000 a year to $1.3 million a year."

Despite a Supreme Court ruling mandating fair wages, Alamo ingeniously circumvented regulations by having followers donate their earnings back to the church, perpetuating the cycle of abuse.

Robert Evans [36:53]: "He would give everyone their paychecks, and then they would have to hand their paychecks back as donations to the church."

6. Relationship with Other Cult Leaders

Alamo's connections extended to other notorious figures, most notably David Koresh, leader of the Branch Davidians. Their camaraderie highlighted a network of manipulative leaders who shared similar ideologies and practices.

Samantha McVeigh [33:13]: "David Koresh is a friend of his."

7. Arrest, Trial, and Conviction

Alamo's tumultuous relationship with the law culminated in his arrest in 2008. Charged with numerous crimes, including child abuse and trafficking, he faced a trial that revealed the depths of his depravity.

Robert Evans [62:05]: "He was convicted in 2009 of taking girls across state lines for the purpose of sex. He was sentenced to the maximum 175 years in prison."

However, his sentence was significantly reduced, and Alamo served only a fraction of his time before dying in custody in 2017.

8. The Aftermath and Legacy

Even as Alamo was on the run and later imprisoned, his clothing empire thrived. High-profile endorsements continued unabated, raising unsettling questions about accountability and awareness among consumers.

Robert Evans [51:11]: "Bradley told reporters, 'Alamo is known for his sequin jackets.'"

This lingering presence of his brand, despite his criminal background, underscores a broader societal failure to recognize and condemn such exploitation.

9. Conclusion: A Reflection on Power and Corruption

Evans and McVeigh conclude by reflecting on the systemic issues that allowed Tony Alamo to maintain his power and continue his abuses for decades. They critique the complicity of communities, law enforcement, and consumers in perpetuating his legacy.

Samantha McVeigh [65:36]: "He left a majority of his adulthood in luxury and like, infamy, people respected his stuff. That's really disgusting."

Notable Quotes:

• Robert Evans [03:35]: “Everyone wants it. No matter what they think I am, no matter what the superstars are gonna want my jackets.”

• Samantha McVeigh [22:03]: “And I'm sure Arkansas is probably one of those places. Sorry, I don't know.”

• Robert Evans [29:34]: "These people are predators, and predators are good at taking advantage of power dynamics."

Key Takeaways:

• Tony Alamo's Dual Facade: Alamo expertly masked his abusive and criminal activities behind a veneer of religious leadership and successful entrepreneurship.

• Systemic Failures: The case highlights significant lapses in legal oversight, community vigilance, and consumer responsibility.

• Enduring Impact: The legacy of Alamo's actions continues to affect survivors and raises critical questions about the protection of vulnerable individuals within cult environments.

Final Thoughts:

Behind the Bastards masterfully dissects the life of Tony Alamo, exposing the complex interplay between charisma, manipulation, and unbridled power. Through detailed storytelling and compelling interviews, Evans and McVeigh shed light on one of history's most unsettling figures, urging listeners to remain vigilant against such malevolent forces.