The Real Story Behind ‘Candyman’: Dometi Pongo’s Journey into this Urban Myth

In his new podcast, true-crime host Dometi Pongo explores the harrowing true story behind the horror legend of Candyman (Photo Provided). Once upon a time, standing in front of a mirror and chanting “Candyman” one, “Candyman” two, “Candyman” three… was enough to send chills through the bravest participants. The tension would build with each count, hearts racing as they reached “Candyman five”—and just before that final call, many would bolt from the bathroom, overcome with fear. Unlike other urban legends like Bloody Mary, whose name is called three times (or sometimes more, depending on local lore), the calling of Candyman has its roots in a true story. True-crime host and Chicago native Dometi Pongo dives deep into the reality behind “Candyman”—the tale of a real woman named Ruthie Mae McCoy. Ruthie Mae, who lived in Chicago’s Abbott Homes public housing, repeatedly called the police to report that someone was entering her apartment through the bathroom mirror. Due to her mental health history, her reports were dismissed as paranoid delusions, but tragically, she was later found murdered in her home. This 1987 incident inspired the 1992 “Candyman” film directed by Bernard Rose and its 2021 sequel, directed by Jordan Peele, transforming...