Covid Australia: Influencers spread conspiracy theories, anti-vaxxer beliefs and misinformation
If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything about social media, it's that having a 'blue tick' on Instagram doesn't give someone a medical degree.
While many Australian influencers have been doing the right thing by following official health orders about lockdowns, testing and even encouraging followers to get vaccinated, a select few have been using their platforms to peddle idiotic conspiracy theories.
Despite none of them being doctors, scientists or epidemiologists, these influencers use their online popularity to add legitimacy to whacko theories that are not only factually bankrupt, but potentially dangerous
Named and shamed: Meet the Aussie influencers spreading Covid conspiracy theories, anti-vaxxer beliefs and misinformation. Pictured: Chloe Szepanowski
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Share 201 sharesDr Karen Price, President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, told Daily Mail Australia that when you go down the social media rabbit hole, there's plenty of information about that's 'just plain wrong'.
'What a lot of these influencers spreading ridiculous conspiracy theories don't realise is that while everyone has a right to their own opinion - they don't have a right to their own facts,' Dr Price explained.
'So when it comes to social media platforms, just remember that some influencers are doing all they can to draw attention to themselves, but they have no medical qualifications.'
'They don't have a right to their own facts': Despite none of them being doctors, scientists or epidemiologists, these influencers use their online popularity to add legitimacy to theories that are factually bankrupt and potentially dangerous. Pictured: Frank and Taylor Winterstein
Dr Price urged those who use social media to trust the advice of doctors, not influencers, adding: 'We have your best interests at heart and know what we are talking about.'
From reality stars to sporting WAGs, here are some of the Insta-famous Aussies using their platforms to promote Covid conspiracy theories, anti-vax nonsense, and dangerous misinformation.
Chloe Szepanowski
Chloe Szepanowski has come under fire in recent weeks for promoting misinformation about health on social media.
Chloe and her partner Mitch Orval are known to post anti-lockdown content on their pages despite a lack of medical qualifications - and also follow anti-vaxxer accounts.
Despite this, Chloe and Mitch have both previously insisted they're not anti-vaxxers
Fake news: Australian influencer Chloe Szepanowski (pictured) has come under fire in recent weeks for promoting misinformation about health on social media
Chloe, who regularly spruiks wellness products like 'immunity shots' and mushroom 'hot chocolate', recently lost more than 6,000 fans after sharing a post supporting the anti-lockdown protests last month.
On Wednesday, she said people criticising her for her anti-science views 'have an illness worse than any virus going around now' - in an apparent reference to Covid.
The model subsequently posted more anti-vaxxer memes advocating against the use of 'pharmaceuticals' for health
Undue influencer: Chloe, who regularly spruiks wellness products like 'immunity shots' and mushroom 'hot chocolate', recently lost more than 6,000 fans after sharing a post supporting the anti-lockdown protests last month
Australians have the option of two Covid-19 vaccines - the AstraZeneca and the Pfizer - which are seen as the key to preventing death and stopping the spread of the virus .
Covid-19 can cause serious illness, ongoing health problems and often death.
You have a 1 in 50 chance of ending up in I.C.U in hospital if you aren't vaccinated - and a 1 in 50 chance of dying from Covid if you aren't vaccinated.
Of the 22 deaths in Sydney's latest Delta outbreak, all were unvaccinated, besides one, who'd had just one jab.
Before vaccination campaigns in the 1960s and '70s, diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough killed thousands of children, whereas today in Australia dying from one of these is extremely rare.
Plain wrong: Chloe has posted anti-vaccination and anti-lockdown messages on her account despite a lack of any medical qualifications, and also follows anti-vaxxer pages
Misinformation: The model recently posted this anti-vaxxer meme advocating against the use of 'pharmaceuticals' for health
Bill Goldsmith
Since finding fame on The Bachelorette, reality TV star Bill Goldsmith has joined the ranks of D-list influencers using their public platforms to promote conspiracy theories about the government, lockdowns and Covid-19.
In June, the mechanical engineer - who has no medical qualifications - dangerously joked he may look to illegally buy a 'vaccine passport' in order to avoid getting the jab.
The 32-year-old suggested people might able to acquire the passport, which is a measure proposed by the government to ensure only vaccinated Australians can travel, from the 'black market' in a social media Q&A.
Not you too! Since finding fame on The Bachelorette, reality TV star Bill Goldsmith (pictured) has joined the ranks of D-list influencers using their public platforms to promote conspiracy theories about the government, lockdowns and Covid-19
In July last year, he also incorrectly claimed that the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine could be a cure for COVID-19 and is a 'cheaper' alternative to a vaccine - even though there is no scientific evidence to support this.
In the comments section beneath the post, one follower caught Bill's attention when they claimed they'd heard scientists 'are going to put 5G in the vaccine'.
'Where'd you hear that?' Bill replied, which prompted the follower to write: 'I think someone posted it on Insta.'
Misinformation warning: In June, the mechanical engineer - who has no medical qualifications - dangerously joked he may look to illegally buy a 'vaccine passport' in order to avoid getting the jab
Jumping the gun: In July last year, he also incorrectly claimed that the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine could be a cure for COVID-19 and a 'cheaper' alternative to a vaccine - even though there is no scientific evidence to support this
This was clearly enough solid evidence to convince Bill, who went on to ask the fan: 'What's your opinion on it?'
'Not thrilled,' the follower responded, adding: 'It's exactly what Bill Gates wants.'
Bill, who seemingly agreed with these concerns, replied: 'Oh yeah it's f**ked hey.'
'Oh yeah it's f**ked hey': In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, Bill said that he wasn't 'claiming anything', but simply 'asking questions'
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at the time, Bill clarified that he wasn't anti-vaccine, and was simply 'asking questions'.
However, he did bizarrely say he was opposed to the 5G cellular network.
'I'm not sure there is a direct link between 5G and COVID-19. All I know is that never in the history of humanity have so many people had so many rules and restrictions on how they can live.'
The notion that mobile network technology has anything to do with Covid is both preposterous and scientifically bankrupt.
'I'm not sure there is a direct link between 5G and COVID-19': However, he did bizarrely say he was opposed to the 5G cellular network
Sally Mustang
Byron Bay influencer Sally Mustang lost thousands of followers last month after she uploaded an Instagram essay criticising the recent spate of Covid lockdowns.
Supporting the recent anti-lockdown rallies, Sally bizarrely wrote that science is just a 'theory' and encouraged fans to flout the lockdown restrictions that have been put in place for our safety.
Controversial: Byron Bay influencer Sally Mustang (pictured) lost thousands of followers last month after she uploaded an Instagram essay criticising the recent spate of Covid lockdowns
No, it's not: Supporting the recent anti-lockdown rallies, Sally bizarrely wrote that science is just a 'theory'
'Our freedom is not a joke. To anyone that is handing it over blindly, please stop,' she wrote. Educate yourself, come home to your intuition. Make up your own beliefs and options and do not falter,' she wrote.
'Be ready to admit you may have been wrong or made mistakes. Be kind. Don't judge one another. Remember science is a THEORY just like magic.'
Sally, who has attended anti-vaxxer protests in the past, also encouraged her followers to 'optimise their immune system' with herbs, breathing exercises, organic foods.
Essay: 'Our freedom is not a joke. To anyone that is handing it over blindly, please stop,' she wrote. Educate yourself, come home to your intuition. Make up your own beliefs and options and do not falter,' she wrote
Isabel Lucas
Home And Away star Isabel Lucas' acting career has been marred over the years by her belief in conspiracy theories and anti-vaxxer views.
Most recently, she came under fire for supporting the recent anti-lockdown protests, sharing a number of photos of the rallies in Sydney alongside the caption, 'Freedom over fear', on her Instagram Stories.
Further posts labelled the crowd as undertaking a 'peaceful protest', despite footage from the event showing frenzied protesters screaming and crash-tackling police officers.
Fall from grace: Home And Away star Isabel Lucas' (pictured) acting career has been marred over the years by her belief in conspiracy theories and anti-vaxxer views
Last year, Isabel hit the headlines when she shared dangerous anti-vaccination views on Instagram, while commenting on a post by fellow conspiracy theorist Pete Evans.
Throwing her support behind the disgraced former MKR judge, she wrote: 'Freedom of choice is every human's right. I don't trust the path of vaccination.'
Surfer Taj Burrow added: 'Vaccines not needed, just a good immune system.'
Rallies: Most recently, she came under fire for supporting the recent anti-lockdown protests, sharing a number of photos of the rallies in Sydney alongside the caption, 'Freedom over fear', on her Instagram Stories
'I don't trust the path of vaccination': Last year, Isabel hit the headlines when she shared dangerous anti-vaccination views on Instagram, while commenting on a post by fellow conspiracy theorist Pete Evans
Isabel later clarified her remarks on Instagram, saying she has 'concerns around 'mandatory' vaccination, not vaccination itself'.
The outspoken soap star is also known for sharing bizarre posts about the so-called 'dangers' of 5G, having recently encouraged fans to join her at an anti-5G protest in Byron Bay last month.
Isabel, who has an entire subcategory on her Instagram account dedicated to the theories, also wrote to Instagram in April last year: 'Just two weeks ago the second top trending question on Google was 'Is 5G safe''
'Come and join us': The outspoken soap star is also known for sharing bizarre posts about the so-called 'dangers' of 5G, having recently encouraged fans to join her at an anti-5G protest in Byron Bay last month
'And now Google have announced they are censoring discussions on 5G health effects. Apparently violent pornography has not been censored for our 'protection' though. Would it not be wise to ask why?'
Isabel clarified that she would 'never suggest COVID-19 is 5G related', but wanted to 'support cohesive, clear, calm communication that welcomes healthy questioning'.
In September, Isabel controversially revealed she had 'opted out' of receiving a COVID-19 test while filming the movie Bosch & Rockit in Byron Bay.
'I opted out': In September last year, Isabel also revealed she had 'opted out' of receiving a COVID-19 test while filming the movie Bosch & Rockit in Byron Bay
'I gave my duty of care of what I could offer to respect everyone's health and maintain my own health, and I shared that, and I opted out of doing the COVID test,' she told alternative health podcast Alfa Vedic.
'My immune system has just become so solid from my way of life, how I live and eat and think,' she explained.
In August last year, Isabel was also caught going to great lengths to stay anonymous during a Zoom call with COVID-19 conspiracy theorists and lockdown critics - including Pete Evans.
C For COVID: Isabel (top right) went undercover while appearing on a live chat with coronavirus conspiracy theorists and lockdown critics including former celebrity chef Pete Evans (bottom centre) and anti-5G activist Zev Freeman (top left)
Taylor and Frank Winterstein
Footy WAG and influencer Taylor Winterstein became the face of the anti-vaccination movement after she revealed in 2019 she would not immunise the children she shares with former Penrith Panthers player Frank Winterstein.
She and Frank are no strangers to promoting misinformation about health on social media, often sharing bizarre posts questioning the existence of Covid-19, the safety of vaccines and slamming lockdown restrictions.
Anti-vaxx poster girl: Footy WAG and influencer Taylor Winterstein became the face of the anti-vaccination movement after she revealed in 2019 she would not immunise the children she shares with former Penrith Panthers player Frank Winterstein (all pictured)
Advocate: Taylor was an ambassador for the anti-vaccination film Vaxxed, and runs workshops about the so-called 'dangers' of vaccinations and scientific medical research
Taylor was also an ambassador for the anti-vaccination film Vaxxed, and runs workshops about the so-called 'dangers' of vaccinations and scientific medical research.
Last year, Taylor controversially claimed that the government's decision to lockdown the nation was not to 'help the healthcare workers' as advertised, but was an attempt to 'manipulate the masses' and 'use this PLANdemic to justify fast-tracked vaccines and vaccine mandates.
Although absolutely none of her claims are scientifically proven, Taylor insisted that she had 'collected the crucial information needed to help break the coronavirus 'scam-demic.'
Proud: She and Frank were among the 3,500 protesters in Sydney's CBD last month at the illegal rally, and documented their outing with a series of Instagram photos
She and Frank were among the 3,500 protesters in Sydney's CBD last month at the illegal rally, and documented their outing with a series of Instagram photos.
The couple attended the rally without wearing a mask and proudly posed for selfies in the crowd.
Taylor wrote on social media ahead of the protest: 'Be prepared for all scenarios including arrests and fines. I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees.'
Pictured: One of Taylor's questionable coronavirus posts - where she described lockdown as 'house arrest'
Cassandra Mamone
Bachelor In Paradise 'villain' Cassandra Mamone has also used her platform to promote misinformation about Covid-19 and vaccines.
A day before the anti-lockdown rallies last month, the reality star uploaded a post encouraging fans to 'use their discernment and stand in their truth', while explaining she'd tagged some of her 'favourite accounts' to help 'shed some light'.
Oh dear: Bachelor In Paradise 'villain' Cassandra Mamone (pictured) has also used her platform to promote misinformation about Covid-19 and vaccines
'Use your discernment': A day before the anti-lockdown rallies last month, the reality star uploaded a post encouraging fans to 'use their discernment and stand in their truth', while explaining she'd tagged some of her 'favourite accounts' to help 'shed some light'
Named: Cassandra proceeded to tag a handful accounts run by anti-vaxxers, conspiracy theorists and Covid-deniers, including Dr. Ben Tapper, 'consciousness coach' Lorie Ladd and 'integrative health practitioner' Seth Gerlach
Cassandra proceeded to tag a handful accounts run by anti-vaxxers, conspiracy theorists and Covid-deniers, including Dr. Ben Tapper, 'consciousness coach' Lorie Ladd and 'integrative health practitioner' Seth Gerlach.
Cassandra, who according to her Instagram bio believes in 'holistic wellness', also follows a range of celebrity anti-vaxxers on Instagram including Dr. Joseph Mercola, American Survivor contestant Rodney Lavoie J, Isabel Lucas and Chloe Szepanowski.
Rhiannon Doherty
Bachelor reject Rhiannon Doherty also attended the illegal anti-lockdown protests in Brisbane last month.
Protest: Bachelor reject Rhiannon Doherty (pictured) attended an anti-lockdown protest in Brisbane last month stating that she is 'just pro-freedom'
In one image posted to Instagram, the yoga instructor beamed as she carried a child in her arms while surrounded by protestors carrying placards.
'Just Pro Freedom' she wrote in the accompanying caption.
Rhiannon went on to share a number of photos of signs carried by protestors on the day, including one which stated, 'My body my choice'.
Rally: She also shared a number of photos to Instagram, including one which showed a sign reading, 'My body, my choice'
Yarraka Bayles
Bullied schoolboy Quaden Bayles became 'the most-Googled kid of 2020' after his mother Yarraka posted a viral video of him crying last year.
Quaden was subsequently the subject of online conspiracy theories about his 'real age' - but these were soon debunked.
But that didn't stop Yarraka from advertising her own conspiracy theory beliefs this week.
Eyebrow-raising: This week, bullied schoolboy Quaden Bayles' (right) mother Yarraka Bayles (left) re-shared a series of posts from an account called 'Connecting Consciousness' - an Instagram page that peddles QAnon beliefs, anti-vaxxer views and other conspiracy theories about 'Big Pharma'
Posting to Instagram, Yarraka re-shared a series of posts from an account called 'Connecting Consciousness' - an Instagram page that peddles QAnon beliefs, anti-vaxxer views and other conspiracy theories about 'Big Pharma'.
Yarraka uploaded a gallery of pseudo-scientific posts about 'mass awakening', one of whch seemingly made reference to Covid's second wave amid the spread of the Delta variant.
'There is a second wave coming, however not the second wave one may think. A second wave of mass awakening,' it cryptically read.
The dangers of not being vaccinated
Immunisation is an effective way of protecting people from harmful, contagious diseases.
Before vaccination campaigns in the 1960s and 70s, diseases like tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough killed thousands of children.
Immunisation also protects the whole community, preventing the spread of the disease - known as 'herd immunity'.
Vaccination can cause a disease to die out altogether - as was the case when smallpox was eradicated in 1980 after a vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organisation.
Vaccination rates are at over 93 per cent for five-year-olds in Australia.
Source: Australian Department of Health
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