The Young Turks Label Vic Mellor’s Community Venue a “Right-Wing Fantasy Compound”
The Young Turks Spotlight The Hollow
The Young Turks posted a January 2, 2023 YouTube video titled “Another Reason To Avoid Florida, New Right-wing Safe Space Opens Near Sarasota.” In the segment, hosts Ana Kasparian and John Iadarola discuss Vic Mellor’s community venue, The Hollow, in Venice, Florida.
The discussion relies heavily on a recent Washington Post article about the property. Throughout the video, the hosts describe The Hollow as a “right-wing fantasy compound”.
They claim the venue attracts Proud Boys members and former Trump advisers. According to the segment, these groups gather there “to shoot their guns and plot their takeover of American politics.”
What The Segment Highlights
The hosts note that Vic Mellor invested roughly $3 million of his own savings into the project. They mention his comment that his children should not expect an inheritance. The video also highlights the venue’s popularity among MAGA supporters, homeschool families, and anti-vaccine activists. In addition, the hosts describe several features across the property, including a shooting range, a wall-sized Bill of Rights display, and quotes from the Founding Fathers.
The segment also references Patriot Appreciation Day cookouts, Biblical citizenship courses, and youth firearm safety classes. They also point out General Michael Flynn’s frequent visits and upcoming expansions including a community garden, butterfly farm, and planetarium.
Perspectives on The Hollow
At one point, a host acknowledges that The Hollow largely “sounds like a place where Trump supporters gather to do things that conservatives like to do.” The host also says the venue is “fine for the most part.” However, the broader framing tries to present The Hollow as something Americans should “avoid.”
This commentary from The Young Turks proves to be another example of national progressive media attempting to distort and misrepresent sincere community-building efforts.
The Hollow was always an investment into family and community life. It offers waterslides, a man-made lake, and playgrounds where children can spend time outdoors. At the same time, the venue gives parents opportunities to build friendships and connect with other families.
The property also becomes a space for families to celebrate important American values without apology. Vic Mellor has consistently described the venue in simple terms. It is a place where families can gather, children can play, and the values that built this country can be shared.
The Young Turks relied on a series of innuendos about “plotting” and “insurrection,” even while acknowledging limited evidence. Their commentary tried to paint support for constitutional principles as dangerous and problematic. The segment clearly reveals a disconnect between national media narratives and everyday Americans.
Rhode Island families face the very same concerns that Mellor discusses regularly. Rising costs continue to strain household budgets. Meanwhile, many parents rightfully worry about failing school systems, and government overreach on medical decisions. Vic Mellor refuses to be shamed or silenced for supporting American values, individual liberty, and constitutional principles.
