Controversial McKamey Manor Continues Operations Amid Legal Challenges

McKamey Manor, a notorious haunted house attraction known for its disturbing and intense experiences, will continue its operations despite recent legal troubles and numerous calls for its closure. The owner, Russ Alan McKamey, confirmed that the Tennessee-based attraction remains open, asserting its commitment to delivering “shocking and unbelievable gore.”

This announcement follows the dropping of attempted second-degree murder, rape, and domestic assault charges that McKamey faced in connection to allegations from his girlfriend. McKamey’s arrest in July, reported by local news outlet WKRN, brought significant attention to his already contentious operation on his Summertown property.

In 2023, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti initiated an investigation into McKamey Manor, which led McKamey to file a lawsuit claiming the inquiry violated his rights. Meanwhile, a Change.org petition calling for the manor’s shutdown has gathered nearly 193,000 signatures, citing intense psychological and physical trauma alleged by participants.

The petition claims visitors have experienced extreme scenarios, including being drugged, assaulted, and subjected to waterboarding. McKamey Manor’s protocols include having guests sign a comprehensive 40-page waiver, undergo a medical exam, pass a background check, and more before entry is permitted. The extreme nature of the haunt is further evidenced by past claims of a $20,000 prize for anyone surviving the full tour, which reportedly lasts up to 10 hours.

Known as one of the most extreme haunted attractions in the United States, McKamey Manor markets itself as a “survival horror challenge” with “very real and graphic scenes of horror.” Prior iterations of the experience have included themes that were particularly daunting, with the manor emphasizing that actors may physically interact with guests.

The controversial attraction was also the focus of the 2023 Hulu documentary, Monster Inside: America’s Most Extreme Haunted House. However, McKamey has taken legal action against Hulu over the documentary, disputing its portrayal of his establishment.

McKamey Manor continues to stir debate over the legality and morality of extreme haunted experiences, with critics arguing the need for stricter regulations while fans maintain it offers a challenge unlike any other. As extreme haunts face scrutiny, McKamey Manor remains a focal point in discussions about the boundaries of entertainment and the nature of consent.