George Christie made the difficult decision to leave the Hells Angels in 2011. He had been a part of the club for 40 years, rising to the position of chapter president before resigning. Christie felt that the club had changed from a brotherhood to an all-out war with other outlaw bike clubs and law enforcement. After leaving the club, he was immediately excommunicated by his former brothers. Despite missing the camaraderie and brotherhood of the club, Christie believes he made the right choice in walking away after giving 40 years of his life to the organization.
The Hells Angels have a long history in California, dating back to their founding in 1948 by returning World War II veterans. The organization has faced scrutiny and legal challenges over the years, with law enforcement agencies pursuing them for various criminal activities, including drug trafficking. Despite this, the club has continued to flourish, opening chapters worldwide and enforcing its trademarks in court. The Hells Angels maintain that they are a club of motorcycle enthusiasts who are unfairly labeled as an organized crime syndicate due to the actions of a few members.
Christie, an only child of Greek immigrants in Ventura, was fascinated with motorcycles from a young age. He joined the Hells Angels in 1976 and quickly rose to become a club leader in the Los Angeles and Ventura chapters. Christie emphasized the importance of building a custom motorcycle as a way to establish oneself within the club. He became involved in the Hells Angels’ trademark committee and developed relationships with the media to protect the club’s image. Christie believes that while there may be criminals within the organization, the Hells Angels as a whole are not a criminal organization.
In 1997, Christie faced legal troubles when he was arrested on a 59-count indictment as part of an investigation launched by the Ventura District Attorney. He spent time in solitary confinement before accepting a plea bargain for time served. After resigning from the club in 2011, Christie was indicted for a 2006 conspiracy to firebomb two tattoo shops in Ventura. He ultimately served time in a federal prison before being released in 2014. Despite these challenges, Christie is now sharing his story in hopes of debunking misconceptions about the Hells Angels. He has written books about his experiences and hosts a podcast, “Speak of the Devil,” to provide his perspective on his time in the club.
Christie emphasized the importance of protecting the Hells Angels’ patch, likening it to a flag that represents the soul of the club and its members. He believes that the patch must be defended at all costs and is a point of pride for those associated with the club. Christie’s experience within the Hells Angels has shaped his perspective on the organization and its role in society. He hopes that by sharing his story, he can provide insight into the inner workings of the club and dispel myths about its members and activities.
The A&E series “Secrets of The Hells Angels” features Christie’s account, along with interviews from former chapter presidents, law enforcement officials, and undercover agents. The series delves into the history of the notorious biker club and sheds light on the challenges they have faced over the years. Christie’s decision to leave the Hells Angels reflects his disillusionment with the changes he witnessed within the organization and his belief that it was time to move on. Despite the difficulties he faced after leaving the club, Christie remains steadfast in his decision and is committed to sharing his story to set the record straight about his time with the Hells Angels.
