McKamey Manor: Haunted House or Torture Chamber?

McKamey Manor: Haunted House or Torture Chamber?

Addison Colvin, Photography Editor

According to recent headlines, Mckamey Manor is supposed to be the scariest haunted house in the United States. Founded by Russ Mckamey, this torture based terror event originally began in San Diego, California and now operates in its 2 newest locations: Summertown, TN and Huntsville, AL. Prior to entering, participants are first required to reserve their spot, and once this is complete they are asked to sign a 40 page waiver, pass a background check, read and fully comprehend a warning page, be 18-20 years old with a parent or 21 without, and meet many other extreme criteria all upon entrance.

After becoming a popular topic amongst the network and news channels in the past few months, Mckamey manor is facing the risk of a potential shutdown. Due to participants not feeling comfortable with the experiences they are forced to go through, this has has made many people feel like action should be taken to end it all. Although you are supposed to be aware of what is to come your way during your visit to Mckamey manor, I think that what they are doing is still unacceptable. As their waiver makes a claim that after signatures are given, “injuries may occur… but not limited to head,  neck, and back injuries, death, stroke, traumatic back injury, brain aneurysms.” This alone would be a warning that this haunted house is doing things that I believe are inhumane and should not be allowed regardless of consent. People that have the desire to go to a place like this and enjoy the physical harm they are stating will happen, must already have mental issues as is. Why would someone give permission to abuse or torture you in ways that Mckamey manor is doing its participants when you can get the same feel of horror without the physical harm. Mckamey manor does not deserve to be able to continue doing what it has been in the past with its participants, and before matters get too out of control and they are asked to close their doors, I think some major changes need to be made.