In a recent Twitter exchange, Dr. Peter Hotez, a renowned vaccine expert, engaged in a heated discussion regarding a three-hour interview between podcast host Joe Rogan and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine advocate. Dr. Hotez expressed concern over the spread of vaccine misinformation and the online attacks he faced as a result of the interview.
Dr. Hotez is the Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and a professor of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine. He authored the 2018 book “Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel’s Autism: My Journey as a Vaccine Scientist, Pediatrician, and Autism Dad.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known as RFK Jr. and a scion of the iconic Kennedy family, has been a vocal critic of vaccines for over 15 years, drawing criticism from public health experts and even members of his own family. He recently announced his bid for the 2024 presidential campaign.
Rogan, in response to Dr. Hotez’s concerns, challenged him to a debate on his show and offered a substantial donation of $100,000 to a charity of Dr. Hotez’s choice. While Dr. Hotez acknowledged the invitation, he expressed the need for a more meaningful and substantial discussion, rather than a pressured Twitter response.
“From all the online attacks I’m receiving after this absurd podcast, it’s clear many actually believe this nonsense,” Dr. Hotez tweeted with a link to a Vice article titled “Spotify Has Stopped Even Sort of Trying to Stem Joe Rogan’s Vaccine Misinformation”.
Rogan responded with a challenge: “Peter, if you claim what RFKjr is saying is ‘misinformation’ I am offering you $100,000.00 to the charity of your choice if you’re willing to debate him on my show with no time limit.”
During the pandemic, RFK Jr, the 69-year-old nephew of former US President John F Kennedy and son of Robert F Kennedy, who were both assassinated in the 1960s, gained significant attention and faced criticism for his long-standing opposition to vaccines. His anti-vaccine advocacy has been a subject of controversy for over 15 years, drawing condemnation from public health experts and even his own family.
Pershing Square CEO Bill Ackman joined in the conversation and added $150k to the bid. This was egged by the founder of COVID-19 Early Treatment Fund Steve Kirsch and World Trade Securities CIO Nicholas Mugalli.
The conversation took an unexpected turn when Twitter chief Elon Musk joined the debate. Musk expressed his support for vaccines but also voiced concerns about the side effects and the extent of COVID-19 vaccinations. Dr. Hotez and Musk engaged in a back-and-forth discussion regarding the efficacy and impact of vaccines.
“He’s afraid of public debate, because he knows he’s wrong,” Musk tweeted at Rogan regarding Dr. Hotez. The virology expert replied: “Seriously Elon? This is monstrous,” repeating the death figures.
“First of all, I am generally pro vaccine,” Musk responded. “I have been vaccinated against pretty much everything, as have my kids.”
But Musk added, “That said, the world obviously went crazy with excess vaccination against ‘Covid-19’. I have that in quotes, because the RNA sequences changed so much that I called it the virus of Theseus.”
“As for the deaths you claim are due to Covid-19, why is the nation of Sweden still alive?” he added. “Just go on Rogan and do the debate.”
“I would like to invite you to visit our laboratories at Texas Children’s Hospital, meet our scientists and learn more about our work,” Dr. Hotez tweeted in response to Musk.
In the midst of the Twitter exchange, Dr. Hotez reported being stalked outside his home by anti-vaxxers, further highlighting the intensity of the debate.
Shortly after, a Twitter personality shared a video in which he and another individual can be seen confronting Hotez outside a residence, bombarding him with questions about why he wasn’t willing to debate Kennedy and whether he believes in the existence of “vaccine injuries.” It remains uncertain if the video corresponds to the incident mentioned by Hotez.
Hotez, who has previously been a guest on Rogan’s show, agreed to appear on Rogan’s podcast in order to address any misunderstandings. However, in separate tweets, Hotez expressed his intention to focus on topics such as increasing vaccination rates and addressing vaccine misinformation. This response was not perceived by Rogan as a direct acceptance of his request for a debate with Kennedy.
Information for this briefing was found via Forbes, The Independent, and sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
