Amid Backlash, Purportedly Pro-Rape Men's Group Cancels Meeting in Newport Beach

By TIM MORAN (Patch Staff)

UPDATED AT 7:30 P.M: ORANGE COUNTY, CA A group touting “neomasculinity” that was organizing a weekend global meeting of its followers, including two sessions in Orange County, canceled the event today following a torrent of criticism.

The group, Return of Kings, was planning about 165 gatherings in 43 countries at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Return of Kings founder, an author who goes by Roosh V, posted on his website: “I can no longer guarantee the safety or privacy of the men who want to attend on February 6, especially since most of the meetups can not be made private in time. While I can’t stop men who want to continue meeting in private groups, there will be no official Return of Kings meetups.”

Irvine police earlier today sought to reassure the public by stepping up the deployment of officers at the Irvine Spectrum and advising residents the group likely posed no threat.

There has been much discussion on social media about the group advocating “legal” rape, which apparently stems from a blog Roosh V posted a year ago titled, “How to Stop Rape.” In the essay, which appears to be meant sarcastically, he argues that if rape were legal on private property then women wouldn’t put themselves in compromising positions, such as drinking and engaging in a one-night stand with someone they just met, because there would be no consequences for the man.

“We are aware that a group of people have organized a series of meetings across the country this Saturday, including a possible meeting at Irvine Spectrum,” Irvine police tweeted. “Due to the offensive nature of this group’s philosophy, members of our community are understandably concerned. While this group often discusses hate against women, there have been no direct threats against anyone related to the Irvine meeting. We are actively monitoring the situation and do not expect any safety issues related to this event.”

Another so-called “meet-up” was planned at the outdoor fountain in front of the Macy’s store at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

The men planned to move on to another site after gathering at the locations. They were instructed to “identify your fellow tribesman,” by asking them, “Do you know where I can find a pet shop,” and then they would be given the location of the final meeting place.

Irvine police have been receiving emails and phone calls from concerned residents since Tuesday, said Farrah Emami of the Irvine Police Department.

The group’s members had also put out a call to be on their best behavior given the media scrutiny. They warned of “social justice warriors” attacking them and to not fight back.

The 36-year-old Roosh V wrote on his blog that he has written books containing tips on “picking up girls.”

He advocates a macho philosophy that basically argues, “Men and women are genetically different, both physically and mentally. Sex roles evolved in all mammals, Humans are not exempt.”

He further argues that, “Men will opt out of monogamy and reproduction if there are no incentives to engage in them,” and that “a woman’s value significantly depends on her fertility and beauty. A man’s value significantly depends on his resources, intellect and character.”

The “elimination of traditional sex roles and the promotion of unlimited mating choice in women unleashes their promiscuity and other negative behaviors that block family formation,” he states.

The blog contains multiple posts from its members such as, “7 Ways Feminism is Destroying American Women,” and “5 Reasons Why You Should Not Date Indian Girls,” in which the author writes, “the average Indian girl has a Coke can physique and bad genes.”

ORIGINAL POST at 11 a.m: ORANGE COUNTY, CA - A worldwide anti-woman, pro-rape group is planning to meet at various locations throughout the world on their “International Meetup Day” this Saturday, Feb. 6.

The Return of Kings and self-proclaimed group leader “Roosh V.” have published blogs advocating for the legalization of rape when off public grounds and have often tweeted about the best ways to trick women into having sex with them.

An official White House petition to label them a terrorist group has garnered more than 1,000 signatures.

“Roosh V” is Daryush Valizadeh, the writer of a number of books advising men on the best ways to have sex with women. He has been dubbed as “the web’s most infamous misogynist.”

Two of the “men’s rights” locations for Saturday’s 8 p.m. meeting will be in Orange County: the outdoor fountain directly in front of Macy’s department store at Fashion Island and the fountain in front of the Ferris wheel at the Irvine Spectrum Mall. Another will be held in Long Beach at the parking lot of Glory Days Sports Bar, at Carson Boulevard and Woodruff Avenue.

In LA there will be one at L.A. Live in front of Starbucks entrance and the other in Sherman Oaks at Sherman Oaks Galleria, between the fountain and Cheesecake Factory entrance.

An odd Q and A on the event webpage makes it clear women aren’t allowed, and neither are gay or underage men.

A question regarding the possibility of “crazy feminists” showing up elicited a chilling response.

“Record them with your camera, upload the footage to Dropbox, and then send it to me at roosh@rooshv.com afterwards so we can tear them up.”

According to the group meetup page, once all members have congregated near the meetup the host of the gathering will lead them to a secret location. The code phrase for group members is said to be “Do you know where I can find a pet shop?,” at which time another member will say “Yes, it’s right here.”

Feminist groups plan to show up at the various meetups as part of a counter protest, according to multiple media reports. Police departments in other Return of Kings targeted cities have warned women not to interfere, fearing this may be a ruse for the men to commit rape.

A look at the comments below the meetup info on the Return of Kings page makes it appear like Roosh indeed has a following. The infamous blogger says he will be at the Washington D.C. meetup during the time. In all, 165 meetings are planned in 43 countries.

Three sections of the Return of Kings have been formed, according to the blog: one each in Chicago, D.C. and Poland.

City News Service contributed to this report.