Content warning: This episode discusses sexualized online material, psychological distress, dissociation, coercive control, online manipulation, and strong sexual language. It is not medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Some voices are disguised or recreated to protect identities; listener discretion is advised.
In this episode, the investigation examines an account from “AK,” who says they encountered a person using the name Apex in a private Bambi Sleep Discord community. AK describes alleged manipulation, threats, intense hypnosis experiences, and increasingly politicized and non-consensual themes in the content shared there.
The episode also considers why hypnosis communities may appeal to some trans and gender-questioning people, and how practices and community dynamics can become harmful when consent and personal boundaries are undermined. The claims about Apex and the alleged plans described in the episode are presented as AK’s account; the transcript notes there is no hard evidence that the proposed compound plans were real.
WARNING: Some excerpts may contain language, phrases, or audio associated with Bambi Sleep recordings that listeners could find triggering or unsettling. Any audio excerpts are included for journalistic and documentary purposes, not as instructions or invitations to participate.
Featured expert voices:
Professor Emily Setty, Associate Professor in Criminology, UNiversity of Surrey
Dr Jamie Hakim, Senior Lecturer in Media and Cultural Studies, King's College London
Michaela Gorman, Digital Editor & Journalist
The Bambi Trap explores sensitive subjects including psychological manipulation, sexual coercion, consent, identity and emotional distress. If you have experienced unwanted psychological influence, coercive behaviour, sexual exploitation or distress related to online communities, support is available.
You do not need to identify your experience as abuse or establish that a crime occurred to seek advice or support.
Canada: 211.ca | Crisis support: Call or text 988
United States: RAINN.org | 800-656-4673 | Crisis support: 988
United Kingdom: Samaritans.org | 116 123 | Sexual abuse support: 0808 500 2222 (England & Wales)
Australia: 1800RESPECT.org.au | 1800 737 732
New Zealand: SafeToTalk.nz | 0800 044 334
If you are experiencing persistent anxiety, confusion, dissociation, memory difficulties or distress, consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional.
If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services.
The Bambi Trap and its producers are independent of the organizations listed above.
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