Eamonn Holmes has been criticised by scientists following his comments about 5G and
Coronavirus on Monday’s edition of This Morning.
After the live broadcast, Eamonn came under
fire after he appeared to defend the theory that 5G was responsible for the outbreak, during a discussion about fake news.
He said: “I totally agree with everything you’re saying, but what I don’t accept is mainstream media immediately slapping that down as not true, when they don’t know it’s not true.
“No one should attack or damage or do anything like that, but it’s very easy to say it is not true because it suits the state narrative. That’s all I would say as someone with an inquiring mind.”
His remarks sparked controversy, with many saying it was irresponsible for Eamonn to speak in favour of a theory that had already been debunked, while others pointed out that as a presenter on This Morning, he’s a part of the “mainstream media” he was criticising. Since then, a number of scientists have had their say on the matter, including Professor Brendan Wren, professor of microbial pathogenesis at the
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
He said: “I welcome enquiring minds, but this needs to be based on some fact and not pedalled as a conspiracy as this causes untold damage.”
Similarly, Dr Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton explained: “The world of infectious disease experts, covering a wide range of disciplines, backgrounds, countries and employers are united in that we know how transmission of a virus works.
“Holmes is not known for his scientific expertise and appears to have very little in the way of relevant qualifications, experience or any kind of written track record in peer-reviewed journals.” “The opinions of the mainstream media or the state hardly come into the debate; numerous doctors and scientists around the world have said that the disease is caused by a virus, something completely different to a mobile phone signal,” added Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading.
Dr Clarke went on to brand the theory 5G is responsible for the spread of the virus “complete rubbish”.
Hitting back at one
Twitter user who accused him of “spread[ing] the baseless 5G/Coronavirus conspiracy theory”, Eamonn responded: “I didn’t spread it.... I reserve the right to listen and question.”
The following morning, he read a statement about the controversy, stating: “I want to clarify some comments that some of you may have misinterpreted from me yesterday, around conspiracy theories and Coronavirus and this involved the roll out of 5G,” he began.
“Both Alice Beer and myself agreed in a discussion on this very programme on
fake news that it is not true that there is a connection between the present national health emergency and 5G and to suggest otherwise would be wrong and indeed it could be possibly dangerous. Every theory relating to such a connection has been proven to be false and we would like to emphasise that.”Eamonn continued: “However, many people are rightly concerned and are looking for answers, and that’s simply what I was trying to impart yesterday but for the avoidance of any doubt I want to make it clear there’s no scientific evidence to substantiate any of those 5G theories.”The independent fact-checking organisation Full Fact previously insisted there was no truth to the claims that there was a link between 5G and coronavirus.READ MORE: Viewers Keep Phoning MP Tracy Brabin During Chaotic This Morning Interview After Her Mobile Number Is Displayed On Screen Eamonn Holmes Could Face Huge Tax Bill After Losing HMRC Case Eamonn Holmes Says He 'Hasn't Learnt Anything' Over
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