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Chris McKinnell, grandson of legendary paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, has voiced concern over comedian Matt Rife acquiring the Warrens' Connecticut home and famed Occult Museum. Appearing on the 'Reel Appreciation' podcast, McKinnell, whose mother is Judy Spera, explained that he was unfamiliar with Matt Rife before the purchase and questioned how some individuals handle the Warrens’ historic and often dangerous artefacts.
Chris McKinnell's Concern
McKinnell emphasised that his primary concern was the potential misuse of items like the infamous Annabelle doll, rather than Matt Rife himself. He criticised any suggestion that the artefacts could be taken on tour, pointing out that such actions could betray the legacy of his grandparents’ decades of paranormal work. A spokesperson for Rife confirmed to PEOPLE that there are no plans to take the items on tour and that claims otherwise are false.
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Image Courtesy: People
The Warrens' daughter Judy and her husband Tony Spera continue to run the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), hosting paranormal conventions and maintaining the family’s occult legacy. McKinnell described Tony as an entertainer and noted that a character inspired by him will appear in the next 'Conjuring' film. While he initially supported Tony's public engagements for his mother's sake, McKinnell expressed alarm at any attempt to commercialise or exploit the artefacts.
Misconception on Warren's Occult Museum
He highlighted a common misconception: the Warrens' Occult Museum was never intended as a public attraction. The home and basement collection were meant for limited, controlled access with strict rules about respecting the objects and avoiding direct contact. McKinnell criticised recent social media trends that encourage interacting with the artefacts, comparing such behaviour to treating a highly sensitive, dangerous site recklessly.
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Image Courtesy: warrenfiles/ Instagram
Matt Rife announced his acquisition of the Warren home and museum on TikTok in August, alongside YouTube creator Elton Castee. The pair are acting as legal guardians and caretakers of the 750-item collection for at least five years, though they do not claim permanent ownership.
Matt Rife framed the move as preserving one of the most significant pieces of paranormal history, citing the Warrens’ role in popularising ghost hunting, demonology, and paranormal investigation in modern culture.
The purchase has reignited public discussion about the care and commercialisation of the Warrens' legacy, particularly regarding artefacts that inspired major horror films such as 'Annabelle' and 'The Conjuring.' McKinnell continues to advocate for respecting the original intent behind his grandparents’ collection and ensuring it is handled safely and responsibly.
