Eamonn Holmes is facing a backlash online after appearing to support a theory that 5G is responsible for the spread of coronavirus.
During Monday’s edition of This Morning, Eamonn and co-host Ruth Langsford spoke to Alice Beer via video-link about the spread of fake news while the UK is on lockdown.
As they discussed the conspiracy theory relating to 5G, Alice told the pair: “This rumour has been spread so far and wide, and has been so convincing to so many people that there’s been some 30 acts of vandalism and arson around the UK damaging essential telephone equipment, which is just worrying.
“This infrastructure is so needed at the moment... [and people are] going around and damaging it because of some rumour that is circulating is not true and it is very stupid.”
However, despite the independent fact-checking organisation Full Fact insisting there were no truth to the claims, Eamonn interjected, saying: “The only thing I’d take… 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.”
Eamonn continued: “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 comments quickly came under fire on social media, with many suggesting it was irresponsible for Eamonn to use his platform on This Morning to speak in defence of the 5G theory.
Many also suggested ITV should reprimand the host for his remarks, while others took issue with his lambasting of the “mainstream media” while presenting on one of the most-watched daytime shows in the UK…
Hitting back at one Twitter user who accused him of “spread[ing] the baseless 5G/Coronavirus conspiracy theory”, Eamonng responded: “I didn’t spread it.... I reserve the right to listen and question.”
HuffPost UK has contacted ITV for comment.
Amanda Holden previously found herself at the centre of a similar controversy when a link to a petition suggesting 5G is linked to coronavirus appeared on her Twitter page earlier this month.
However, she insisted she had accidentally tweeted the link, and does not believe in 5G conspiracy theories.
“Amanda was sadly emailed a petition suggesting 5G is linked to coronavirus, did not know she’d accidentally tweeted a link to it, and does not believe in 5G conspiracies,” her rep said.
This Morning airs every weekday from 10am on ITV.