Ed and Lorraine Warren’s Grandson Reacts to Matt Rife Buying Annabelle Doll
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In recent news, the paranormal world has been buzzing with reactions to comedian Matt Rife’s purchase of the infamous Annabelle doll, along with the Warren home and museum. Chris McKinnell, the grandson of renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, has shared his honest thoughts on the matter. McKinnell, the son of the Warrens’ daughter Judy Spera, recently appeared on the Reel Appreciation podcast to discuss his concerns about the commodification of his grandparents’ haunted artifacts.

During the podcast, McKinnell expressed surprise at Rife’s purchase, stating that he had never heard of the comedian before. He raised concerns about the display of paranormal objects, such as the Annabelle doll, on tours organised by his stepfather, Tony Spera, and Judy Spera through the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), founded by the Warrens. McKinnell criticised the decision to take these objects on tour, calling it dangerous and a betrayal of his grandparents’ work in the field.
McKinnell’s main issue with the situation was the potential exploitation of the Warrens’ legacy for entertainment purposes. He highlighted the importance of understanding the risks involved in working with paranormal artefacts, as some individuals may not fully comprehend the dangers. McKinnell expressed disappointment in how the Warrens’ home and museum had become a tourist attraction, particularly through platforms like TikTok where people attempt to communicate with the haunted objects.
The grandson of Ed and Lorraine Warren emphasised that the Warrens’ home was never intended to be open to the public in the way it has been portrayed in popular culture. He described it as a place where only a select few, under strict instructions, were invited to explore the paranormal artifacts. The current trend of sensationalising the paranormal activities associated with the Warrens’ legacy deeply concerns McKinnell, likening it to a potential disaster waiting to happen.
Matt Rife’s acquisition of the Warren home and museum, along with its collection of 750 haunted artifacts, has stirred both intrigue and controversy in the paranormal community. Rife, along with YouTube creator Elton Castee, has positioned themselves as the legal guardians and caretakers of these items for the next five years. While the purchase has been confirmed as legitimate, concerns remain about the ethical and spiritual implications of profiting from paranormal artefacts.
As the discussion around the Annabelle doll and the Warrens’ legacy continues to unfold, it is essential to consider the impact of commercialising haunted objects and locations. Chris McKinnell’s candid remarks shed light on the complexities of preserving a paranormal legacy while respecting the inherent dangers associated with it. The delicate balance between entertainment and reverence for the spiritual realm remains a central theme in the ongoing saga of the Warren family’s paranormal investigations.
