A SHEEPISH Eamonn Holmes was forced to tell viewers of ITV’s This Morning yesterday that he does not believe the “crackpot” conspiracy theory linking the roll-out of 5G technology to coronavirus.
The TV host caused uproar on Monday when he appeared to suggest it was wrong to dismiss suggestions of a link between the pandemic and the superfast mobile phone network.
Regulator Ofcom said it had received 419 complaints about the veteran broadcaster.
Rumours of a connection have sky-rocketed in popularity in recent days, thanks, in part, to busy Facebook groups and YouTube videos shared on social media.
Both the NHS and the World Health Organisation have found it necessary to publicly make clear there is no connection and absolutely no scientific fact behind the speculation.
Worryingly, some of those who believe the theory have taken matters into their hands, with 5G masts being burned and phone engineers attacked.
The UK’s mobile networks reported 20 cases of phone masts being targeted in suspected arson attacks over the Easter weekend.
Police are investigating after a mobile phone mast next to a block of flats in Huddersfield, Yorkshire caught fire on Monday morning.
READ MORE: Mast fires surge over Easter weekend amid 5G-coronavirus conspiracy theories
On Monday’s edition of This Morning, reporter Alice Beer said claims that 5G is linked to coronavirus were false and “incredibly stupid”.
In response, Holmes told her: “I totally agree with everything you are 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.”
Yesterday he said he had been “misinterpreted”.
Holmes said: “Both Alice Beer and I agreed in a discussion on this very programme on fake news that it’s not true and there is no connection between the present national health emergency and 5G, and to suggest otherwise would be wrong and indeed, it could be dangerous.
“Every theory relating to such a connection has been proven to be false and we would like to emphasise that. However, many people are rightly concerned and are looking for answers and that’s simply what I was trying to do, to impart yesterday.
READ MORE: Theories on 5G and coronavirus 'dangerous nonsense'
“But for the avoidance of any doubt, I want to make it completely clear there’s no scientific evidence to substantiate any of those 5G theories. I hope that clears that up.”
Ofcom has already issued a warning to a Sussex community radio station over 5G conspiracy theories.
It’s also investigating local station London Live after it broadcast an interview with conspiracist David Icke.
Holmes’ remarks drew criticism from prominent scientific experts including Professor Brendan Wren from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, who 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.”
Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading, said: “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.”
A Government spokesperson said: “We are aware of a number of attacks on phone masts and abuse of telecoms engineers apparently inspired by crackpot conspiracy theories circulating online. Those responsible for these criminal acts will face the full force of the law.”
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