Truer Crime: “They Didn’t Write That Sh*t When He Was Alive” — Anthony DiMaria is Setting the Record Straight About the Manson Murders

Release Date: April 3, 2025

In this compelling episode of Truer Crime, hosted by Celicia Stanton, listener Celicia delves deep into one of the most infamous cases in American history—the 1969 Manson Family murders. The episode features a poignant conversation with Anthony DiMaria, the nephew of Jay Sebring, one of actress Sharon Tate’s victims. Anthony is not only an actor and producer but also the director of the 2020 documentary "Jay Sebring: Cutting to the Truth." Through his personal experiences and relentless advocacy, Anthony seeks to redefine Jay Sebring’s legacy and shed light on the darker facets of the Manson Family.

I. Introduction to Anthony DiMaria and Jay Sebring

Celicia Stanton opens the episode by introducing Anthony DiMaria, highlighting his profound connection to Jay Sebring and his efforts to reframe Jay's narrative. Anthony emphasizes that Jay was more than a victim; he was a pioneer in men's style and grooming whose influence remains significant today.

Celicia Stanton [02:03]: "Anthony has worked tirelessly to show that Jay's story is so much more than the way he died."

II. Anthony’s Motivation to Speak Out

Anthony DiMaria [04:29]: "A lot of podcasts, especially true crime podcasts, tend to focus on the murders and the killers and treat the victims almost as if they're peripheral footnotes."

Anthony explains his decision to engage with Celicia was driven by a desire to correct the often superficial and sensationalized portrayals of the Manson murders, ensuring that the victims' humanity is recognized and honored.

III. Personal Memories and Initial Reactions

At just three years old when Jay Sebring was killed, Anthony shares how the tragedy etched itself into his memory, despite his young age.

Anthony DiMaria [05:59]: "I felt like it was my new really cool best friend. And so one day I was looking at the photo album of him and I asked my mother when I could see him again."

This pivotal moment highlighted the profound impact the loss had on him and his family, fostering a lifelong quest to understand the true nature of his uncle's life and death.

IV. Discovering Misinformation and Seeking the Truth

Anthony recounts his discovery of Vincent Bugliosi’s book "Helter Skelter," which portrayed Jay in a negative light. This revelation prompted him to question the accuracy of such depictions.

Anthony DiMaria [09:16]: "I started seeing red flags. There appears to be a pattern here. Two different men, Jay Sebring, the man who lived, and Jay Sebring, a man portrayed as he lay defenseless in his grave."

Determined to restore his uncle’s reputation, Anthony embarked on extensive research, uncovering discrepancies between public narratives and his family's understanding of Jay’s character.

V. Critique of Manson Family Portrayal

Anthony provides a critical analysis of how the Manson Family has been portrayed over the years, arguing that they were a crime organization rather than a mere cult.

Anthony DiMaria [21:37]: "They were a crime organization that began from its inception in late 1967 and involved pimping, prostitution, drug trafficking, credit card fraud, grand theft auto, extortion..."

He emphasizes that labeling them as a "hippie cult" oversimplifies their heinous actions and misconstrues their motivations, which were rooted in criminal enterprise rather than mere ideological indoctrination.

VI. The Reality of Parole Hearings

Discussing the ongoing parole hearings, Anthony shares his distress over seeing individuals responsible for unspeakable crimes seeking freedom.

Anthony DiMaria [36:28]: "There is no justice for that. There's no such thing."

He articulates the emotional turmoil of witnessing perpetrators argue for their release while advocating for the victims and their families, underscoring the inadequacy of the justice system in addressing such profound loss and trauma.

VII. Justice and Its Implications

Anthony grapples with the concept of justice, particularly in cases of extreme violence like the Manson murders.

Anthony DiMaria [38:18]: "What is justice for a human life destroyed in all of their future and all their experiences with their loved ones and their friends are obliterated?"

He questions the very foundations of justice, suggesting that for some crimes, no amount of legal restitution can truly compensate for the irrevocable loss suffered by victims and their families.

VIII. Media’s Role in Shaping Narrative

The episode delves into Anthony’s frustration with how media portrayals often distort the truth, sidelining the victims in favor of dramatic storytelling.

Anthony DiMaria [43:57]: "These narratives are twisted in dramatic ways, but none of what we shared with Tom [O'Neill] was in his book."

He recounts his experiences with various documentaries and media projects, highlighting how his contributions were marginalized or ignored, further complicating efforts to present an accurate account of Jay Sebring’s life and legacy.

IX. Anthony’s Documentary and Hopes for the Audience

Anthony discusses his documentary, "Jay Sebring: Cutting to the Truth," outlining his goals to inspire viewers to critically evaluate true crime narratives.

Anthony DiMaria [46:48]: "I hope that viewers of the doc would see... live your dreams, fight for your dreams... look at these future projects with a critical eye with regard to human dimension, beyond good versus evil..."

He aims to encourage a more nuanced understanding of true crime, urging audiences to prioritize the human stories behind the headlines and to question sensationalized portrayals.

X. Conclusion and Resources

Celicia Stanton wraps up the episode by thanking Anthony for his invaluable insights and promoting his documentary and upcoming book.

Celicia Stanton [51:56]: "I highly recommend watching that documentary that we talked about, Jay Sebring: Cutting to the Truth. It's available for free on Tubi and a large number of other streaming platforms."

Listeners are encouraged to explore Anthony’s work further through his documentary, book, and social media channels to gain a deeper appreciation of Jay Sebring’s legacy and the enduring impact of the Manson murders.

Key Takeaways

• Reframing Legacy: Anthony DiMaria is dedicated to restoring Jay Sebring’s legacy beyond his tragic death, highlighting his contributions to men’s grooming and style.

• Media Critique: The episode underscores the importance of critical media consumption, particularly in true crime narratives that often dehumanize victims and sensationalize crimes.

• Justice and Healing: Anthony’s perspective challenges listeners to think deeply about the nature of justice and the limitations of the legal system in addressing profound personal and societal loss.

• Advocacy for Authentic Narratives: By sharing his personal journey and advocating for accurate storytelling, Anthony seeks to influence the true crime genre towards more respectful and truthful representations.

For those eager to delve deeper into this narrative, Anthony DiMaria’s documentary and upcoming book promise a thorough and heartfelt exploration of Jay Sebring’s life, the truth behind the Manson murders, and the ongoing quest for justice and recognition of the victims’ humanity.

Resources Mentioned:

• Documentary: Jay Sebring: Cutting to the Truth – Available for free on Tubi and other streaming platforms.
• Book: Upcoming release published by Genius Book Publishing in July 2025.
• Social Media: Follow JC Bringing Film on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Visit Jay Sebring Cutting to the Truth on YouTube.
• Website for Updates: Sign up through Genius Book Publishing for email updates.

Connect with Truer Crime:

• Instagram: @truercrimepod
• Podcast Platforms: Available on major platforms such as Apple Podcasts.

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