Instagram takes action against Madonna over vaccine conspiracy theory
Instagram has taken action against Madonna for sharing a coronavirus conspiracy theory to her more than 15 million followers.
The pop star claimed in a post that a vaccine for COVID-19 had already been found – but that it was being kept from public distribution to “let the rich get richer”.
The post was blurred by Instagram, with a caption describing it as “false information”, before directing users to a page which debunked the claims.
While research teams around the world are hard at work to develop a vaccine for COVID-19, one does not yet exist.
The video shared by Madonna featured Dr Stella Immanuel, a doctor from Houston, who claims she has cured more than 300 people with the coronavirus using hydroxychloroquine.
Many studies have shown the anti-malarial drug is not an effective treatment. The US Food and Drug Administration has withdrawn an order allowing its use as an emergency treatment.
Dr Immanuel is the same doctor featured in another video shared by US President Donald Trump, where she again advocated for the use of hydroxychloroquine.
More from Covid-19
-
Coronavirus: Transport Secretary Grant Shapps defends Spain quarantine as he returns from trip
-
Coronavirus: Europe’s second largest bank reports hefty losses over pandemic impact
-
Coronavirus: Dramatic pictures show scaled-down Hajj pilgrimage due to COVID-19
-
Coronavirus: Ministers accused of undermining social distancing rules by sitting inches apart during meeting
-
Can the government control our calories?
-
Coronavirus: Sandwell Council sets up own contact tracing system amid anger with government’s version
She is also said to believe women can be impregnated by witches and demons in their dreams.
Madonna has deleted the video, but not before fans and other stars criticised her sharing of the conspiracy theory, including Eurythmics star Annie Lennox, who said: “This is utter madness.”
Lennox continued: “I can’t believe that you are endorsing this dangerous quackery.
“Hopefully your site has been hacked and you’re just about to explain it.”
Tracking every global effort to find a COVID-19 vaccine
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It isn’t the first time Madonna has come under fire for her social media posts during the pandemic.
In March, she posted a video while in the bath, where she described the virus as “the great equaliser”.
“What’s terrible about it is that it’s made us all equal in many ways, and what’s wonderful about is, is that it’s made us all equal in many ways,” she said from her petal-filled tub.
And in May, she claimed she had antibodies that would allow her to “breathe in the COVID-19 air”.
