The False Prophet
What happens when devotion turns into tyranny?
4.4 (22)
40 mins
Discover the alarming rise of Samuel Bateman, a breakaway leader from the FLDS who proclaimed himself a divine prophet and exploited his followers. Explore how he used religious manipulation and psychological control to force devoted families into surrendering their wealth, freedom, and underage daughters. Learn about the federal investigation that finally exposed his hidden crimes and brought an end to his oppressive reign.
Ep 1:
Rise of a False Prophet
A viral traffic stop exposes trafficked children in a trailer, unraveling the twisted story of Samuel Bateman, a failed salesman who claimed a mountaintop vision made him prophet over a shattered FLDS empire.
Ep 2:
Inside the Cult of Control
Inside Bateman's compound, wives and daughters endure confessions, 'atonement ceremonies,' and abuse—until a filmmaker couple and a terrified mother secretly begin building the case that could bring him down.
Ep 3:
Justice, Lies, and a Netflix Reckoning
Bateman's empire collapses in raids, a Thanksgiving manhunt, and dozens of guilty pleas, even as he now defends himself in a bizarre new trial—while Netflix exposes it all in Trust Me: The False Prophet.
Discussions (5)
Wayne
Level 2 · 10 hours agoWarren Jeffs is confirmed alive, serving life plus 20 years in Texas. Bateman's whole prophet claim was built on a lie.
Ian
Level 2 · 10 hours agoSaying law enforcement failed here isn't quite right. They were operating within the law as written. The law itself was the failure.
Henry
Level 2 · 10 hours agoBateman representing himself isn't surreal, it's calculated. He thinks he can manipulate a jury the same way he manipulated his followers. Don't underestimate that. Narcissists in courtrooms are dangerous, not just fumbling.
