FOUND FOOTAGE fuels decades long MYSTERY (*WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT*)
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Time Stamps:
#1 -- "Deadly Revelation" -- 1:30 -- 40 years after it was shot, unseen footage would get pulled out of storage, and when it was finally watched, a discovery was made on the tape that totally changed everything people thought they knew about a very famous missing person.
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For educational, documentary and entertainment purposes only. Based on actual events. The authoritative sources used for this story include interviews, newspaper articles, and TV news reporting meant to educate and memorialize notable cases in our history.
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#rockefeller #mystery #mrballen
Over the years I've heard this story told a few times, and it always reminds me of an old saying: "There's two types of ppl in this world: those who want to be left alone, and those who won't leave them alone"
I guess that saying can be applied to everyone nowadays, one way or another.
The latter are annoying AF.
The North Sentinel Islanders have got that one sorted. No one messes with them.
@@nutgone100well, a few do but not for very long, lol
I’ve heard that there are two types of people in the world: those who think there are two types of people in the world and those who don’t.
The fact that Michael could have been rescued if he had just stayed back with Renè is especially heartbreaking.
I mean whose to say they would have even saved them if the goal was to kill michael anyway. They probably just spared the poor woman they knew was stranded alone out there.
@@ivyrose5153I don’t think you watched the video.
@@ivyrose5153bro it wasn’t the tribe that rescued the anthropologist
@@ivyrose5153 Lol, you should pay attention... Rene was saved by a bunch of people from a plane, so that kinda implies that it couldn't possibly have been the Asmat tribe. Lmao.
but how did they capture Micheal in vedio footage if he was already caught and presumably killed after arriving near shore . like it was milts who opened the search about Micheal after years . not days .
MrBallen I'm from New Guinea and a big fan of your content. I am from a deferent province from where Michael went missing. Its my first time hear this story and if I may add, it is most likely Michaels fait ended the way the book Savage Harvest depicted. During those days all tribes in New Guinea have strong boundaries which forbids outsiders from obtaining valuable artifacts. Any attempt to steal or obtain items could lead to death by cannibalism. But if its true or not, we can only speculate. cheers mate keep on coming with more content
Hi mate Aussie here, my bet is that he never made it past the shore or mangroves. There's loads of Bull Sharks and Saltwater Crocodiles around the mouths of rivers. A big Crocodiles probably stuffed him under a bunch of submerged tree roots and munched him down.
@@troycassidy6177 I understand you Point of view however when the Gas Canteen was recovered it was in perfect condition, and yet after watching this video Twice there was only ever one shown as found. And @MrBallen illustrated Michael strapping two gas canteens to his waste. So personally this doesn't show how Michael could be attacked by wildlife and both Canteens end up in perfect condition however there was only ever ONE shown in this video.
@christiangaw7319 it's png mate if someone finds a couple of jerry cans in good condition, they are taking them home and using them. Depending on which way the tides are running trying to swim with a couple of jerry cans could also be worse than trying to swim with one or nothing.
Did we all forget he was spotted rowing a boat? I just feel like he wanted to be left alone
Didn't mean to put the emoji on there lol
Mr. Ballen takes talking with your hands to a whole other level
Never even noticed how much he does it 😂
Thank you for always making it clear what pictures are real or not. This is one of the only channels that does so, and as AI fakes take over, it's more important than ever
I totally agree with you! MrBallen is a class act when it comes to only putting the truth in his stories.
.. Jesus Christ is the only hope in this world no other gods will lead you to heaven There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today Holy Spirit Can give you peace guidance and purpose and the Lord will John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus
AI will never take over realness
Though sometimes you have to laugh a little when it's like "NOT A REAL PHOTO" and it's some inane object.
Sounds like Payback against a Caucasian due to a Lack of Respect, ON TOP of whites having Done Horrific things to Almost Every Indigenous Tribe Across the Planet, From The Americas, To Africa to Australia to Almost EVERY island on Earth, THIS was KARMA!😂😂😂😂🖕🏽
I remember when mrballens channel was so small that he’d like or react to every single one of his comments but now he’s getting 13k comments each video that is insane, dude blew up quickly
One time I got a response and was so excited only to find out there are dozens of fake Mrballen people responding.
serious Sam enjoyer detected
Happy for his success but I remember when he used to say "if you like the strange dark and mysterious we do it three, four, even FIVE times a week." I miss that. I wish him nothing but the best though. I'm glad he's busy doing all that he's doing. He deserves it. I just miss all the content because I can listen to him nonstop. I first found him on a road trip and told my wife "you gotta hear this guy, I could listen to him describe grass growing."
That's the best thing about his channel. As easy as it is to love it's even easier to turn people onto him. Even someone in my fantasy football league mentioned him.
Seriously eh
I’ve heard about this incident several times over the years. I have watched videos and read articles about it. This video is by far the most interesting and informative (and believable) version I’ve come across. What a tragic situation it was, but the narrative was detailed and riveting. Good job.
18:00 the fact that you acted out ‘a shot… taken from a distance’ is one reason why your videos are sooo good.
He is a fantastic storyteller. So perfectly animated. Makes you feel like you are there!
The really sad thing is the sister was his twin and she became a psychologist specializing in twin bereavement. Tell you how affected she was. 😢
Twins are weird
What’s even sadder is that you believe this junk.
Wat dus bereavemeant mean?
@Slideround it's the grief you feel after someone you love dies.
Aweee.
The fact that Micheal didn't tell his family about being shot with an arrow because they may seek retribution and wipe them out speak volumes about the kind of people he believes them to be.
Soooo... wtf is up with the picture of the white guy in the war party? Kinda clickbaity to mention then never mention again.
@@zachh5812 what else is there to say. Some random white dude was with them. It was either him or not. There’s no other information about it
@@zachh5812what conversation, it was only you and a single response which you attacked. No conversation and nothing added from anyone, including me. Your welcome.
@@zachh5812 What are you getting so upset about.... All the information that was known about the footage was mentioned. It was included in the video because of it's relevance to the rumors and speculation that were circulating around when it was found and released. Nothing more needs to be said and it definitely was far from "clickbaity".
@@zachh5812 If you wanted and heard the video in full, can you please explain why it was clickbaity to you? Judging by the context, how the guy was missing, had spectacles on, and how the the picture was taken around that time & place, there is a chance that it could have been him. Or... was it because the guy was white?
I love that this guy really puts a lot of feeling into telling the story.
It's distracting actually. What is this sign language?
@@BrandonAlan-wv9dipeople talk with their hands and it doesn’t seem to bother the over 8mil subs he has haha. Plus it would look weird if he was just sitting there still.
@@seanAR-1522 it's too intentional. Idc what 8 million people do. Did you take the covid shot(s) also?
@@BrandonAlan-wv9diNo never did and still love his way of telling stories 🤷♀️
You are EXCELLENT at giving visuals to enhance the story narrative. It really feels like you were there with them 🥺
John, thank you for your service. I am a bedridden paraplegic and your stories give me something enjoyable to do and make my day. Thank you so much!
There is life after death
There is also death after life.
Jesus Christ guys. What the fuck. Dude just wanted to say thanks, not get a life altering paradigm delivered by some minimalist zen master.
@happyhabit, I clicked your profile and was happy to see we share the same last name. I don’t see many others with it. ❤
🤣
Being part of a sacrificial ritual would really suck man.
Well. Supposedly they attempted to receive or reconnect with his dead corpse. (demon or schizoid prions that make these people insane)... human flesh consumption
Don't knock it till you tried it
Only if you are the sacrifice.
Why did he even bother to risk his life? He was wealthy and could easily take care of his family wealth and business.
@@KatrinaJoseph all the money in the world can't buy brains 🤷♂️
Mr. Ballen, wanted to say thank you since im not up for the type of storys you tell at any time of the year. But im coming like twice a year and just catch up on nearly all videos you have done. Please dont stop making this content its really great :)
Are you saying you like or don't like these videos? I'm confused
Very much contracting statement..catching up on videos u don't like....
Im the same way. The stories are so disturbing that you really have to be in a mood. And can disassociate yourself from the fact that these are true stories. But also try to learn from them & hopefully avoid them.
This…is called a desperate for attention post…twice a year is not anytime during the year…therefore the whole statement is a lie…there is no being in a mood for it if ur not up for it anytime there is nothing but not watching it…smh 🤣🤣
I don't know what people's problem is in the replies, but I get you. LOL!
Love this story! There are absolutely lines that you do not cross, no matter who you are.
What if America took that stance against all illegal aliens flooding our borders? Somehow I don't think that shit would fly. Don't justify savagery dude
i took an anthropology class about "magic" rituals and religion of indigenous peoples, i remember us actually talking about micheals story very briefly, our professor used it as a lesson to always respect the cultures and people you are researching.
I don't know the story doesn't really inspire respect from me.
Fuck those "cultures".
@@kylehankins5988 i think they meant it like you should be mindful of how a different culture, especially tribes who deeply believe in spiritualism, would react to your actions. Kinda a cautionary warning to observe from far away, and never alone
I wouldn’t say savages who can’t write and eat people are worthy Mc respect
Of course, and the guy wanted to trade stuff for these religious objects, which was insulting for the tribe... If westerners trade their religious items, it's up to them, but we should not expect them to do the same. On the other side of the spectrum, even if you are the Rockefeller and have all the money in the world, you still cannot buy everything...
Shout out to the two teenagers that swam to shore and got help!
"Help." They probably told the group this would be the perfect time for revenge
@@MyAMJourney on the other hand, it was their report that rescued Rene, wasn’t it?
HUH what did YOU hear LOL they didn’t send help they probably the reason they knew HE was the same dude from last time that they did not like if anything IM sure they told them and explained the situation thus why they was waiting in that particular area away from the village RIGHT
@@Carolinejoyamico why can't both scenarios be true? They had no issue with the other guy
Most likely a half cast white/new guniean who is the son of a corrupt missionary and a local women.
I appreciate you Mr. Ballen , you present the facts as best told , you never report on bogus ass people making wild ass claims and i can appreciate that ..!!!
This is taking “eat the rich” to a whole new level!
Why do the rich always use the cheapest crap, ie Titan, war.
My wife died last month, she watched your show religiously. Thank you for providing her something interesting to watch during her last months. • thank you to everyone who has replied, you're very kind.
Am sorry 😞 about that sir 🥺love you so much ❤ may you heal ,
I hope you find peace in your life and learn to love again. May she rest in peace and you be reunited one day ❤
I'm so sorry for your loss. My dad lost his wife and my mom of almost 50 year marriage. So I understand your loss sir. After 3 years my dad finally stopped mourning so much and even talks to a lady. My mom wanted that for him. But we still miss her dearly. She had the worst stroke one could have and wasn't supposed to make it through the night, but she made it 6 months! I watched my parents fall in love again and it was beautiful. She didn't remember us kids much but at times she did, but she never forgot my son, her baby. That made me happier than anything. She was my best friend and mom. I hope you get your life back no matter if it's on your own or with another. I know you can't imagine life without her or loving another but you can do it. In time, you can love again. She would want you to be happy. I hope you find happiness and I'm so sincerely sorry. And don't let anyone tell you when to move on!! You move on when it's right for you. And if you don't want to ever love another, don't. Do what pleases you, what makes you happy and if waiting to reconnect with your wife is what you want, then I know you will see her again and find comfort in that. I wish you well sir. May your wife rest in peace and see you again for love finds a way.
Rip Mrs. Qikdraw ❤
I'm very sorry for you're Loss sir. My deepest sympathy 🙏 😔
Shooting a documentary and not reviewing the footage for 40 years. Too relatable☠️
Can I see
happens all the time.
Where is the "found footage" in the actual video, the scene that is in the thumbnail? I either missed it, or it's not there and he's turning into another YT Liar. Please someone tell me, because I've subscribed for 2 (or more?) years, seen all his videos, and never thought of him ss a liar.
😂
I'm confused. How does the film show Michael with the tribe if he was killed and eaten?
I love that this channel has all these real pictures of people 😊
Thanks for indicating which photo is not real which one is real. You are the only one being honest about using images to tell story. Thanks.
I heard an additional piece of information to this story. Apparently the tribes word for “eat” and “absorb” are the same. Some people believe that they didn’t kill him and he in fact ended up joining the tribe (hence the video of the white man on the war canoe). Regardless of the truth Mr Ballen covers these stories better than anyone else.
He could of simply asked them to cover up him being there if ever asked, so they lied and said they killed him.
He missed a Duolingo lesson
In the rest of the world, the word for "eat" is "eat". For example, "吃“, ”食“, "kain", "makan", "come", etc.
Yes, what happened was that they saw Michael swimming the last miles near the shore, in waters that are usually shark and crocodile infested. This action helped him gain massive respect, and they considered him a true "warrior". Previously they may have been upset with him, but this action of his to survive defying the odds changed everything. And his dream of "living in paradise" among the tribe came true. He later had a wonderful life becoming a true member of the tribe, and also more success proving his worth in wars with enemy tribes. So they loved him. Especially the elders loved him. And Michael knew that returning to civilization would be going back to the life he actually hated. So he kept hiding over and over again, and asking others to lie, until his death. No missionary or other white man would've had the same level of madness to becoming a tribe member and live in "paradise" with them for the rest of his life. So, when Carl (the author of the last book) went there, they either lied to him, or told him the truth. Since Carl understood that Michael may have still been alive at the time, he decided to fulfill Michael's wishes and go with the cannibal story. And yes, I'm thinking that "eat", "absorb" and "assimilate" are synomyms in their language too.
I heard that same thing somewhere:)
My goal in life is to not end up in a strange, dark and mysterious, KZhead video delivered in story format.
Same 😂😂😂😂😅
ME TOO.
I'm actually shooting to be on a three part series of these.😮
your story begins...now...
Ngl I wouldn't mind it lol
I stumbled upon this channel about a week ago, I’m totally obsessed.
good init?
Bro you’re so good at this! Most ppl are so Dry and boring but you have a unique energy and power with this content keep it up Gang
Crazy how the tribesmen told Carl this story in great detail , including the number of times the elder nodded at each other
To be fair oral stories are extremely important in many tribal cultures, and if this killing happened it was likely big event to the tribe, and their own retelling of stories might be detailed. Also i think ballen adds often details like that to his stories, and it might be bit different than in the book
i don’t buy it. it seems like exactly the kind of news that someone westerner would want to share bc it’s sensational and feeds into stereotypes (that admittedly are sometimes true). why would they suddenly tell this guy, just because he ‘befriended’ them? why did the swimmers actually go and call for rescue, if they all harbored this intense hatred?? why would they not immediately attack him after he made the suggestion? (one could argue for resources but i feel that if they were truly insulted they wouldn’t just wait on it.) how was he able to communicate about the trade but not be able to understand anything about what they were doing? what happened to the skull? it all seems ridiculous.
he said they found the footage ..🌞
@@7uneral Its not footage about that incident he supposedly got killed. The footage they found was some naked white guy with tribal warriors wearing eye glasses that kinda resembled him. Theres absolutely no outside witnesses or footage of the supposed killing
@@7uneral The footage was the group that went investigating but never watched it.
I seriously doubt that young Rockafeller was worried his family would seek some sort of retribution against the tribe for him getting arrow shot - more like he worried his family would demand he stop his shinanegans in the dirt and settle down or they'd withhold $$$ that funded his travels, trade goods and hired hands.
On point. John Sr wouldn't have even given a green light on that to begin with lol.
Well, to be fair, that actually seems to be a pretty common trope seen in all forms of media. You get this rich kid, dabbling with the unfortunate, something happens to the rich kid and he covers it up so his less fortunate friends don't get in trouble. You see it all the time. I mean, look at the butchers kid in Game of Thrones. That boy was done dirty.
@@UberCritic But every aspect of your point is hypothetical or made up though, and nothing remotely like it happened in this instance....the rich kid was literally killed for his (presumption, arrogance, misguided virtue signaling or enter your own choice here) and, more than likely, even eaten.
@@anonygrazer3234it sounds like you're just assuming a whole bunch of s*** about something you know literally nothing about
@@UberCritic That's fiction sweetie. We're talking about real life.
Amazing 💥, I always look forward to your stories.....BRAVO👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Just subscribed last night love your content bro The way you tell the story its like i can visualize as if im there
I’ve worked for his niece. Honestly way more down to earth than people would expect. Very nice and they still talk about him to this day
Did you ever hear anyone connected with the family mention any of the rumors of his being cannibalized or other possible reasons for his death other than drowning?
@@MM-jf1me not that I’ve heard, they’re relatively closed off about it all tbh
You ever ask them about all the courthouses in Appalachia burning down between 1900-1930 when their oil empire suddenly owned all the mineral rights?
@@richardharding7767 Very good question 😮
@@akina7578 More than fair enough. Thanks for responding.
I trully appreciate the fact that you give photo descriptions that distinguishes between real and not real photos (It shouldbe manditory for content creators. Are you listening KZhead?) Great story telling.
Agreed 100%
Mandatory
Yea cuz KZhead really cares if you know the truth or not lol smooth brain comment
😅
I agree
This guy takes the time to make even the plugs entertaining... It's no surprise he's enjoying success with that kind of effort... Man can you imagine the discipline and drive... It almost seems he enjoys the challenge of getting the plug to you in that manor. It's enjoyable to watch someone one doing something they enjoy
What a big story though. Daft rich boy drowns himself. Could have saved himself but was to much of a coward. So this elaborate story is constructed to at least get some publicity and blame others.
There are so many stories of tribes asking to be left alone, and still they don't get left alone.
as soon as I heard “Michael” and “tribe” I INSTANTLY knew what this was gonna be about. but I still listened because I love how you portray stories!!!!
For me it was "Rockefeller" and "tribe". I knew that he had been canibalized (prolly spelled dat wrong)..but the story that I grew up on is that he was trying to preach Christianity to the tribe and they killed him...man..the actual truth is even worse.
Same
same@@jerricadowning3697
Me too. I must have listened to this mystery 3 or 4 times on various channels, but Mr Ballen's presentation skills always breathes new life into an old story.
Idk, every single other channel says that it is very unclear whether this is really what happened or not. The tribes are always at war and it is likely they would say a lie to put blame on other tribe or leaders. Mr.Ballen seems to be the most confident at presenting it as a fact. And what about the sighting of the white man decades later?
That feeling you get when you can't sleep then suddenly remember there's a new strange, dark and mysterious story form experience waiting... Glorious!
2:19 am here! Lol
@@floralmist6824lol 2:50 am for me 😹
Yea the first thing I do every night after work is check if there's a new Mr ballen video. Lately I've been a little disappointed because every time I click on what I believe to be a new video It ends up being a remastered video that I've already seen it just has a different thumbnail so I was so happy tonight to have a brand new video that I haven't seen yet
I wouldn't have slept after this one! I saved it for the am 😂
Or, you are awake at 4am because your girlfriend forgot to set her alarm and so now you have to get up out the bed to retrieve her car because she parked halfway down the block and it's still dark outside... Only for then, to be wide awake, thinking.. *Oh yeah, theres's a new "strange, dark and mysterious" that I've yet to see..* Yeah, we live in the city. 😂😂😂
I’ve been watching your videos for about a year now, just saw you on Shaun Ryan’s podcast- much love from Chicago!
Wow! Great story thanks for posting
I really like how every image used is captioned on whether it's real or not. Good job.
I cant wait to watch
Mr. Ballen thinks saying things will be highly disturbing in a nice, calm tone will make me not be worried. My heart dropped 😂
You would!! 🤣 🤭
I stumbled upon this channel and this is the first video I watched. It was so interesting I didn’t realize I started it 30 mins ago. Well done.
Dawg ain’t gonna cap I love your story’s they are very inresting and every time I get a chance, I watch
I like how the two leading theories are such big contrasts to each other. Either they rescued him and accepted him as one of their own or they captured him, used him in a sacrificial ritual and then canibalized his body. One is a story of compassion and the other is a story of revenge.
I think the 2nd story is total bullshit. At least the first one has some visual footage that could confirm it
@@Shinobi33Not too mention all the insane details about a secret event that supposedly occured ~50 years prior. Chances are he simply drowned. No way this fool swam 5+ miles. I might believe men from a tribe simply found his dead body and over the years that turned into local legend that was embellished as such. The hyperbolic revenge story sounds like someone trying to sell a book.
@@JJFX- sure does. And he's an NPR journalist. 'nuff said
Only those who were there, know. And of course the newspaper reported “…and they lived happily ever after”. Possibly because due to the magnanimity of his family status. If it were the average Joe, it may have been a different report.
@@user-if4ib4gg9u If it were an average Joe it'd get about as much coverage as whoever the white dude actually was that they caught on camera. Part of me would love to believe this was actually him and the other stories were simply spun to dismiss the idea that a Rockefeller disowned his evil overlord family to join a tribe. Ironically, if the tribe really did want to get back and white colonialism that would be the best way to do it.
always amazes me how he tells the stories like he was actually witnessing this happen.
Always amazes me how people don't understand that most of his stories are just filler with him guessing what happened.
I've caught him lying in some of his stories and clearly making up big chunks of them before. You shouldn't use his versions if you're looking for something in particular.
@@YouRemindMeOfTheBabe. So you clearly don't know the art of Gonzo Journalism. Look it up. Pioneered by Hunter S. Thompson, Gonzo is half fact and the rest is up to the story teller. It is my favourite form of story telling.
@@KZhead-Is-TrashIt always amazes me when people don't know what Gonzo is. He is a master at the craft. Now go to bed, enough trolling for you for the week.
That's why I don't listen to the podcast. He is a great storyteller but a meh narrator. Podcast has none of the excitement. it just sounds like a kid reading a book report.
This is the best telling of this story I have seen. Many of the others gave more speculation and less factual information. This type of "tale" is why I watch your channel and not the others (anymore).
Bro I wish I could tell a story half as well as you. Great job
1st half of this story is insanely crazy . 2nd half was brutal . Great story telling .
@sgtsillyass1575 Yeah, but eating humans will give you kuru… a prion disease that eats away at your brain. There’s a reason why cannibalism is frowned upon.
🍖
Cannibal Holocaust was real.
Too bad it's at best 10% true.
@@RequestAssassin At least 50% of it is true. The part up until Rockefeller swims away is accurate. The expeditions to find him are true. And there have been several people who have spoken to that tribe and they claimed the exact same thing. They admitted that he was killed and eaten, not as retribution for wanting the art, but because he was from the “white tribe” which had killed members of their tribe in the past. A private investigator hired by the family in the 70s went to the tribe and traded them for three skulls, which the tribe said were from the only white men they had killed. He brought the skulls to the family who had issued a reward of $250k for anyone who could bring them definitive proof that Michael was alive or dead. They paid the money to that investigator. So…why would you KNOW that it’s only 10% true?
This was the most detailed explanation I've seen on the Michael Rockefeller story so far. So haunting. Well done.
Based on the story by Carl Hoffman. I mean, story is great, but the death scene was a hypothetical.
Because a lot of it is just BS to make the video longer. No fucking way all these details could be known to anyone after so long.
@@flemch6136It's just assumed filler, that most likely happened. Like, wouldn't the natives look at each other before deciding to take him? Sounds likely to me. 🤷🏾♂️
Exactly. This guy is pretty much full of BS always @@flemch6136
I saw a Jre clip where they found a video where a white man was seen rowing a boat essentially indianised.
He was “enchanted” with “chanting”, he seems to have not even been aware of this clever connection.
Subscribed Brother and thank you for your service 👊
The thumbnail by itself is pure nightmare fuel.
😂
It looks like a death metal album art
It looks like a Death Metal band’s album cover.
I know not to judge a book by its cover, but man I know this will be good
You’re just a baby
I do feel sorry for Michael and how naive he was. He didn’t view them as savages, he had deep respect for their culture. He didn’t care about money. But he lacked deeper understanding of their customs and offended them with his offer. It’s a tragic story because he had good intentions, but he really should have stayed away. People just don’t learn.
It doesn't actually make sense. Clearly he had earned enough of their respect to trade art with him as they had done so on his previous trip. If they had been offended when he asked for one of their totems why would they not just have killed him then? Considering that what appears to be him is on footage taken after the fact it seems more likely that he stayed with the tribe and that they told those looking for him the story Mr Ballen tells to get people to stop looking because he did not want to be found.
@nicolew4877 Thank you for this comment; I'm seeing a lot of people here blasting Michael for his actions and while his idea of being able to essentially buy something so sacred from them was offensive, he respected the people themselves in an era where most people would have looked down on them. He was just disconnected and as you said, naive. I hope he's resting in peace.
I think your reply is savage and you should be treated as such.
@@mshat18...but tell us how you _really_ feel? 😅
Typical privileged white person completely oblivious to the way things really are.
Love the “wale mail” ad! That and the “Where’s Waldo”one- gives new meaning to the live ads of early TV and radio!
First timer here gotta say you've got excellent communication skills nice job
Coincidentally, I just watched Wendigoon’s video on this story yesterday (it came a couple years ago, I was just late to the party). It’s a testament to what an engaging storyteller Mr Ballen is that I’m watching it all over again!
wendigoon is so great ! story form goats
bruh i wached thevsame video a week ago
What's the name of the video? Would love to watch it
@@lawd8D it’s called The Cannibal Killing of Micheal Rockafeller
I could have sworn that Michael interacted with the Sentinels
"to this day people still say he drowned on his swim to shore trying to get help" is terrifying, imagine being in that hopeless scenario
They knew he had dandruff cuz they found his head & shoulders on the beach.
That was a better, less macabre narrative to go with in mourning, than the other one where he was hacked to death and eaten.
Everyone has to eat. They were just making MRE's Michael Ready To Eat
@@sgtsillyass1575this made me genuinely laugh out loud
Rich boy tried to buy their stuff without learning about it. I mean, hopeless or not, he put himself in the situation.
I’ve been here since I was 16 on different channels so I lost this channel . I’m 23 and I was recommend ,This guy has been grinding ❤
Very interesting story 🤔 I really enjoyed the way you told it & I was actually scared listening. I am a new subscriber to the channel 😊
He may have been the most empathetic person in his family, but he was delusional to convince himself that the people would trade the souls of their family members to a member of the foreigners who caused their deaths in the first place for mere cigarettes and candy. From their perspective, no loving person would sell a family member for anything! If Michael truly loved and respected these people like he said he did, he would’ve understood that and never would’ve asked them for the unthinkable to them. He took photos of the burial poles, that should have more than enough to display in his family’s museum for the unfamiliar to gape at.
This. Not everything is for sale.
yeahhhhhhhhh i was kind of thinking the same thing. like why not just take photos and draw diagrams if you wanted to study the art so badly?
Thank you, thank you thank you!! I'm an anthropologist and have heard stories like this over and over - I get incredibly offended when affluent whites think they can show up white and make their way into a place and do their own thing. Grateful white privilege doesn't work everywhere.
Great point man!
@@Still_I_Ride that has nothing to do with being white. Anybody can relate to the tribe and understand that his behaviour was deeply disrespectful. Don’t make this about race, especially not your American idea of “race” based on skin colour.
The problem with this story is that too many people had strong motivations to lie. The Nat Geo writer had to leave with a career-making story. The tribe also might have told him an elaborate story as they realized it was the only way he would leave (the cannibalism angle might have helped hurry that along, as well). The “Don’t tell anyone or else we’ll be killed” part followed by the guy immediately telling the world about it in a book part also makes it highly suspect to me.
The whole channel is Brainwashing 101
Your suspicion and cynicism pleases me.
@@Impericalevidence I posted a comment that said, "Cool story, bro. Someone should make a movie about this. Maybe Tom Hanks can star in it" but apparently this Clown has muted me. Hmmmm.
@@Impericalevidence Reality is pessimistic. Optimism is ignorance.
@@patriotiac572 Then how am I reading your comment?
Love how he just jumps straight into the story
The picture of Michael in profile with the native on the right with the big smile - he's thinking how well Michael would cook up at the next meal.
A cannibal from New Guinea remarked that his favorite part to eat was the thumb joint because it was like eating a chicken drummette. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and held by the thumb. Human flesh is said to taste like pork.
@@bolinfan1519😂😂😂 talk about being invited to the cookout 😭
I think them murdering him is highly credible, even as you were telling the story I thought it was weird that they had supposedly agreed to even send one of those poles. I was like, aren’t they offended?
In an actual documentary about him, one of the tribes visited by the researchers admitted what had happened.
Whats the documentary calked ?@bstrdbss
@@bstrdbsshow is the documentary called?
@@doro4872 hold on let me see if I can find it again
@@doro4872 kzhead.info/sun/er2nY8mcqaiGo4E/bejne.htmlsi=ogpBUMhy0Y4eTO_Z
What's even scarier than being stuck out in the water with your buddy is being stuck out there by yourself. If i was Rene I would be having a panic attack when Michael left to try to swim to shore
Phenomenal hand gesturing!
Why does brps voice calm me but the knowledge on the video wrol me up its like a balanced inbalance of calmness terror
The thumbnail is actually from a different tribe in Papua New Guinea (the other side of the island from where poor Michael met his end) called the Anga who have a tradition of mummifying their dead chiefs. Afterwards they're placed on a cliff overlooking the village to help protect it. That particular mummy is called Moimango and he was mummified after he died in the 1950s
That's an absolute nightmare!
This is important, I hope he sees this and edits the thumbnail
Yeah, it's called "Baiting in order to get more viewers" which he doesn't need to do in the first place. Kinda disappointed that he did that.
@@karlepaul6632well, honestly it isn't really clickbait is it.. It displays a tribe doing, whatever it is they do.. And plus, the whole video is WHAT you clicked on You clicked to listen to this case.. And he gave you this case.
@@kryptic2045very impressive mental gymnastics
Hi @MrBallen. 25 years ago, I worked at The Met Museum where Rockefeller houses all of those artifacts. During that time, a British anthropologist who had lived for 17 years with the tribes of nearby Vanuatu came to the museum to teach them about the artifacts from that island. His name was Kirk Huffman, and we became involved. He told me then, 25 years ago, long before *Carl* -Curt- Hoffman’s book came out, the very same story. They say confirmation from a second source is needed to verify things. So here it is.
Oh well, that's it then, case proved, say no more.
this is so credible
@@Mr.MFuckingYTchangedmyname well that’s fair enough. I don’t know you so I can say whether you’ve known interesting people with fascinating experiences in your life, but I have. And this one, with his particular descriptions of the same event, I definitely do believe. Besides, is your name MrBallen? That’s who I was writing to (see above where it says Hi @MrBallen). He appreciates stories like this-and it’s ok if you don’t, it’s not mandatory or anything. It’s just YT comments.
@@Mr.MFuckingYTchangedmyname wink-wink nudge-nudge. And yeah, fucking YT changed all our names - WT actual F, eh? Bunch of Belgians.
Try harder, guys-troll fails are among the greatest guilty pleasures in modern life.
Wow what an incredible story! The picture mrballen paints with words is engrossing.
VERY WELL TOLD SIR
My son recommended your channel to me recently, now I'm totally addicted. Superb story telling, I love it. Thank you.
Thank you!
You're welcome mom
@@explorationgmer1336?
Ok. I gotta ask...Does he get a raise in allowance for this, or not? 😆 What a great son! 🎉
Did you know he is a Navy seal too. Great guy eh : ) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MrBallen
The lesson is never assume anything of people and cultures that are unknown to you. He was very arrogant in his quest for what he saw as art, but to these people those "art" items were so much more. Sad that he didn't even realize how much he had offended the very soul of the people he was trying to deal with, but this is why a seasoned and honest guide and interpreter is worth their weight in gold even today in some places in the world.
Exactly, the problem here is that it was ok he was into the art, it's indeed beautiful and exotic, however insisting in buying even after he knowing that in their culture those sculptures are actually carrying the souls of their dead warriors was very offensive. The man was clearly super self absorbed. Anyone with a bare minimum empathy level could understand that in any culture, offering to buy out the souls of their warriors which they still have to avenge would be the ultimate offence. He actually was given a chance to leave the first time since they were probably a bit aware of Michael's own tribe, however when the river '' brought '' Michael straight up to their warriors hunting party months after, they saw it probably as a sign from the Gods to do something about it. The first time I heard about this story without details I did thought Michael was one of the few cases of a Billionaire looking for a free from society and money kind of life, but now knowing more of his approach, it's clear to me that he was an adventure in some kind of way, but his end goal was to own a very rare trophy . He would never want to leave his lifestyle, and that makes sense, what Rockfeller would want not to be a Rockfeller anymore.
My theory outside of him drowning: I recon the tribespeople told him the only way they'd let go of one of their sacred poles was through him helping to avenge the dead warriors spirits. Hence him appearing in the a war party image looking like he'd integrated with the tribe. Maybe he was killed later, or it really was someone else in that footage
@@ViewingChaos The problem is that his actions doesn't entirely seem of someone that was deep interested in their culture. I really can't see him dropping everything and become a warrior in their tribe for some basic reasons. He wasn't interested even deep enough to actually learn the tribe's language. It seems all he wanted was to bring the totem as a trophy back with him. In the end he was just a white billionaire Rockfeller thinking he can have whatever he wants. Just the fact he thought it was ok to buy the souls of trapped warriors to bring back to civilization is quite offensive and I am not even a tribesmen lol.
@asniffer6532 Exactly right.
The same can be said of that tribe. That tribe didn't explain themselves clearly enough and shouldn't have taken anything from him, but they did. So when he exhanged goods with them, he was merely expecting his end of the deal. The tribe cheated him, that's not defensible. So of course when the tribe is asked about what happened years later, they retcon the story into him being "disrespectful" and got what he "deserved". But they knew it was murder, otherwise why demand the story not be told? What family wouldn't avenge the murder of an innocent family-member? And with so many people, leftists, here with a hate-boner for the rich and Whites, they'd gladly overlook the fact that this barbaric tribe ritualistically murdered an innocent man after cheating him. But the noble savages can never be evil, amirite?
Great job telling stories very interesting
without a doubt, you have the best ads
I remember being chronically addicted to Mr.Ballen videos. I'm talking back when he would say "we upload 3,4 even 5 times a week" so I had plenty of content to binge on.
Good old times 😅
Felt :( miss it
Since you have a weird need to be his oldest fan, i guess you can answer my nagging question. i need to know, was there ever a time where he didnt flail around with his hands like a g0dd@mn nincompoop, looking as though he is mentally unwell?
Part of why I like his storytelling so much. He’s animated.
@@googleedwardbernays6455 LOL I came to the comments to find a comment about that. It's so distracting I had to scroll down and just listen while looking for some solidarity.
The tribes men aren’t known liars. They would have no reason to lie. I believe the story that was told by them. Thanks for this story. I have also been fascinated with the story and what happened to him.
It also seems like a really oddly specific story to make-up and pass down if it didn't actually happen. Like, why would this remote tribe make up a whole-assed story about how they ritualistically ☠️ some white dude. If they didn't actually do it.
Uhhhh, but you think a guy who wants to sell books wouldn't lie about what the tribes men "told" him? I mean even by his own claim he broke his word to THEM by telling a story they were afraid of the world knowing. So why believe anything he says?
@@audreymuzingo933 I see your point.
Why do people type the word “uhhhhhh”? It amuses me. That’s what we say when we are searching for words to say. But this is TYPING. I’m genuinely curious why someone would type an “uhhhhhh”. Forgive my question. Just trying to understand. When I was in public speaking class, we were trained not to even SAY it, let alone take the time to type our mistake.
@@audreymuzingo933Because screw those tribesmen.. they rightfully should’ve been scared of the world finding out what they did. Imagine killing and eating someone just because they tried to buy one of your “sacred poles”. They didn’t want to be slaughtered for what they did.. as they probably should’ve been. No room in this world for complete savages. They knew what they did was wrong.. otherwise they wouldn’t have asked the guy to not tell anyone.
Okay, i have a few questions here. i hope someone can help me with. I could just be dumb but here we go. 1. If the asmat tribe had this hate for michael, why didn't the first two guides, simon and leo (who are members of the tribe), didn't try to hurt him or do anything to him? 2. If simon and leo went to Shore to get help, who did they go to? Did they go to the asmat tribe then why did they send help or know that there was a chance a white man could come to shore. They seem pretty surprised by him just showing up? 3. If the guides didn't go to the tribe than where did they go? 4. The most important why would a group of people who know that a major secret could destroy your entire tribe why would you tell a outside who just recently gained your trust. Carl was only there for a few months. Like really, why would they tell a person who is not a born member and who will most likely leave the tribe to go back to his home. Somewhere, they can't stop him from telling said story. It just doesn't make sense to me. Look, i know that their a chance he could have died in dozens of ways from the sea to animals to the asmat tribe. But it just doesn't feel right like maybe its just my lack of knowledge outside this video, but their just plot holes that i need answers to. Also, i just thought of another why didnt the tribe try to go out on boats to i dont know? At least try to find the person who tried to bargain with them and then kill him. Maybe their boats couldn't handle the deep sea, but still. Sorry for the long comment i could just be missing the information, and if i am, please tell me.
This is the best story I've ever heard
The second story about his disappearance is truly horrifying when you imagine the situation.
@@trawlins396...they meant the stories about what happened to him, as we will never know 100%. There were 3 stories put forward as to his fate...chill out.
@@trawlins396I think they mean that this story is scarier than the first time Mrballen told the story about Michael Rockefeller because he already had an old video about Rockefeller..
Nightmare fuel
@@landenwarren1091 oh I didn't know that. Thx. I thought it was the first time.
@@RabbitTeaPot that wasn't it.
I definitely believe the second half of the story because that pole thing he wanted was stuck in my mind the whole time. When you explained the significance of that art I thought what would possess him to think he can get that from him! So the second part of this really tied everything together.
There have been no shortage of men willing to sell out their own for profit. My theory is Rockerfeller did not give a high enough incentive. If he wanted something of that high an importance he should've found a very valuable item for them.
@@dannydanny865 The story first SOUNDS like he had some type of reason to believe he could make that deal…if making the deal at all was so insulting I’m thinking he would’ve picked up on that sooner? So yeah you may be right. Either he didn’t offer enough or the leaders of the tribe were EXTREMELY passive aggressive about not wanting to make a deal 😅
Do you think the guides from his first encounter could have warned him? The locals and guides knew a lot about this tribe so they may have spotted the insult.
Maybe he was so adamant of the idea that his intentions were good and only beneficial to the tribe that he didn’t see all the signs that were there. Also we don’t know what the communication customs of that tribe were. Michael didn’t speak the language, a lot must have been lost in translation, both ways. Maybe a paid translator didn’t want to disappoint his client and therefore turned a „no“ into a „maybe“, who knows.
@@dannydanny865you underestimate the way people feel about their core beliefs. Those who are committed to their religious beliefs won’t sell out no matter what is offered.
You are a good speaker so I subscribed.
Michael lived with the Pap's. People don't understand how civilised the fuzzy Wuzzy Angels were during World War 2. Amazing people and you tell a story about the Kokoda trail one day, as well as their days of head hunting 🙏🏽
MrBallen and 'The Why Files' are the only channels where I don't skip the promos. Most of the time they are just hilarious.
I just listen out of respect
Fr mate
All hail Lord Hecklefish!
Omg same they both make it so entertaining!
I'm going to go watch some "The Why Files" vids because of your comment. I've never heard of the channel, but if the promos are worth watching I'm pretty sure the content is too lol
The Sunday wait felt long…now I know I’m a fan of the “strange, dark, and mysterious delivered in story format”.
Unfortunate, though, how he omits the "graphic and disturbing"
It's Monday in my place
Extra long for me. I thought yesterday was Sunday so I was waiting all morning for 1pm and ONLY then did I realize it was Saturday.😅 Love John. He told the story great as always.
Well you've come to the right place, because that's all he does and he uploads once a week.
He used to upload 3 or 4 times when he only had a million subscribers. @@aphex82
This story is so long and all over the road I can't follow it even with fast forward. I had to give up. Fascinating tale about lots of stuff that just goes forever.
😂😂😂😂
Dude it is only 30min long
Im from Malaysia Borneo native, stumble upon this video during lockdown pandemic and its help me to stay sane, anyway im a big fan 😊 ❤
I was just a baby when this was news. But my dad remembers when the son of the Gouverneur went missing. Sad and incredible story. This is something I will share with my dad. Thanks
I'd be interested in a "where are they now..." video about the tribesmen who participated in the 'ritual killing of a perceived enemy' 😅 Did their deceased ancestors reward them with prosperity and longevity? Were they (and their families) cursed from that day forward? What was their collective legacy... was it better than, the same or significantly worse when compared to other similar tribes and tribal histories.
true that@@PureMagma
Maybe you should go out and investigate. I will follow your quest for sure :D
what is it to you how it went for them? are you saying that if their lives didn't change or their lives cursed after the sacrificial killing of Michael you'd school them about it and they'll go, "yeah our customs and traditions are really dumb we should learn from you the great western white man whose culture is so superior and better than ours"...? @@PureMagma
If this story is true , which it seems extremely possible , it truly shows that Michael knew very little about the Asmat tribe , it cost him his life and very well probably would’ve took three others with him had they made it as planned .
It is a real story, and some theorize he may have made peace with the tribe. The footage found clearly showed a white man with the tribe. It could have been him, might have not been. It's hard to tell.
@@FerociousMit the footage tells that you can clearly see him with the tribe
I think it might be true. But why would the tribe say anything if it could cause them to be attacked? Surely they would keep it quiet. I think the picture of the white warrior was most likely an albino of the tribe and the guy died during his swim, 6-10 miles is a long way to walk let alone swim after an exhausting night of no sleep, food or water
Sounds like that tale when the US thought they could turn Afghanistan into a functioning democracy...
@@RC-md2yx you can't say for certain that it was him. I believe it was him myself. I try to keep my mind open though. He could have easily drowned, that is a long swim in the ocean.
Hey I just wanted to say fantastic storytelling man.
I think you might've missed some timestamps in the description, heh. Anyway, great video. Very captivating and well-done.
I've studied this case for many years. You have done a fantastic job covering all of the many facets! 👏
MrBallen is a master story teller. When I first saw the subject matter I told myself "I've heard about this". But I haven't heard of this story through the mind of MrBallen and this was fantastically told.
Hi. Just out of curiosity, you said that you've studied this case for years, so I was wondering if I could ask you what your take on it is. What do you think happened to him? I'd love to believe the whole "white guy in a picture that wasn't seen for 40 years but it sure looks like him, and that he's left his life as a Rockefeller and now lives amongst the tribes" story, but something tells me that he met his demise on that fateful day.
@@cariadbach I still wonder who the other white dude on the canoe was? Did the tribes regularly let white guys join them?
Yes, who is the guy in the picture? Rockefeller had clothes on & was laying on the boat, not paddling with the tribe members.
@b-dub6865 Well, yes, that's the mystery, isn't it? The photo of him stood practically naked with the tribe going into battle was taken years after he allegedly went missing. Some people believe that was him and he did manage to swim back to shore that day. Some believe that he got back to shore and decided to turn his back on his life as a Rockefeller. Some believe he turned his back on his fortune so he could live among the tribes. The other story of course is that when he made it back to shore that day, the tribe leaders that hated him were waiting for him so that they could kill him. And the story the family want everyone to believe is that he drowned on his way back to shore. It's a real mystery!!
I've been in recovery for addiction for a while now, haven't got to watch you for about a year, got a lot of catching up to do, but dang you're still as awesome as this as when you first started man!
Congratulations on your recovery all the best to you!
@@ashleigh3188 thank you!
@Perryhughes so you're just like every other person in the country , recovering or addicted , stay strong my man
@@DemocratsReadMyBio_ Not all of us, but that just means there's other issues smh.
Good luck with your recovery! Enjoy, he's given us many!
Love your stories look for them everyday 😎😃🇺🇸❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for the story! Green inferno and Michael's story made me scared of any tribe that lives in what tribes culture once lived as.
It's now 20 hours since the video dropped, but I haven't had time to watch it until now. I had a busy day, and this is now my relaxation and recharge time. Thank you, MrBallen
typical pro America pro Trump pro gun badass American male. always leave u begging for more. that's what they do
I have a degree in anthropology. One of my professors was Dr. Karl Heider, who studied the tribes in New Guinea and has written books about them. He was a grad student in New Guinea when Michael Rockefeller was there. Karl met Michael and told us stories in class about Michael while the two of them in New Guinea.
That’s crazy. Small world
Did he share any theories of his own? Did he think it was possible the tribe killed him like that?
That’s crazy
@@nedflanders4158I wanna know too
What stories
Mr ballen is the type of guy to lengthen a 5 min 5 mins story to 30 mins and make it entertaining
Man, thats a lot of hand movement! You're making me anxious mr BAllen. Im bobbing and weaving those hands
I find it very irritating so I just listen rather than watch.
I just said the same thing!! I used to like him but I can’t sit and watch all that ridiculousness!! I don’t remember him doing it all that much before…oh well, I’ll find another one!!