How a Disney show tune inspired a militant group known for street violence

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 2016 by a former media executive, the Proud Boys evolved from a men-only social club into a far-right organization linked to political unrest. From their origins in a magazine to their involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack, the group remains defined by its embrace of confrontation.

The group was established in 2016 by Gavin McInnes, a Canadian writer who previously co-founded the media outlet VICE. McInnes, who had moved from a contrarian cultural figure to a far-right spokesperson, launched the organization as an outgrowth of his streaming show. He described the members as Western chauvinists, though the group quickly became known for misogynistic rhetoric, anti-Semitic views, and a reliance on physical brawls as a core tactic.

The name itself stems from an unlikely source: a song from the Disney musical Aladdin. McInnes, who encountered the track at a school recital, adopted it as a recurring theme for his podcast. While the group initially positioned itself as a social club for men, its trajectory shifted toward extremism. By 2017, members were prominent at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where they joined other white supremacist and neo-Nazi factions.

Following McInnes’s departure in 2018, leadership passed to Enrique Tarrio, a former FBI informant. Under his guidance, the group became increasingly involved in national political events, including rallies protesting COVID-19 mitigation efforts and demonstrations following the death of George Floyd. Their public profile peaked during the 2020 presidential election cycle, bolstered by a comment from Donald Trump during a debate, and culminated in their participation in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The organization has faced significant legal and social consequences. Governments in Canada and New Zealand have officially classified the group as a terrorist entity. Additionally, the Southern Poverty Law Center designated it a hate group. In the United States, members have faced federal indictments for conspiracy related to the Capitol riot, and the group’s trademarked name was eventually transferred to a church to settle a legal judgment.

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