'Embarrassing': Reality stars mocked for bizarre coronavirus conspiracy theories

MAFS stars have found themselves being ridiculed online after a bizarre number appear to subscribe to unsubstantiated conspiracy theories around the introduction of 5G and coronavirus.

Former stars of the hit series including Hayley Vernon, Amanda Micallef, as well as The Bachelorette’s Bill Goldsmith, have promoted anti-5G content on their social media accounts, with some even linking the new internet connection to the coronavirus.

It comes after other high profile celebrities sparked outrage with their own, non-scientific theories around both 5G and supposed ‘agendas’ entangled in the global pandemic.

Backlash

Now fans are ridiculing the reality stars, slamming their ideas as ‘nonsense’, ‘ridiculous’ and ‘misinformation’.

MAFS’ Hayley Vernon seemed to kick off the trend when she took to Instagram yesterday to share a host of theories ranging from fake dummies being used to exaggerate coronavirus patients, to the virus being used as a 5G installation cover up device.

“Why does the government want to push out all these towers overnight while we are in lockdown and can’t protest?” she wrote, adding her theory that all wifi and particularly incoming 5G is potentially cancerous.

Though many were concerned at her claims, plenty were not having a bar of it.

“This is absolute rubbish! You should not be sharing this crap!” one wrote.

“Please stop,” another agreed.

5G fears unfounded

Certain groups have long protested the introduction of 5G in Australia over fears the radio waves could be damaging to health, though scientists have ruled out the likelihood of this, pointing out that on the electromagnetic spectrum the frequency of 5G falls low enough to rule out a cancer risk.

As Dr Karl Kruszelnicki wrote for the ABC last year, to cause cancer, waves have to penetrate an atom, and “energy from visible light, AM and FM radio, TV, microwaves, mobile phones and power lines is just too low to damage atoms.”

Earlier this month The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency confirmed that 5G can not damage human tissue or cells, and reiterated that safety standards enforced in Australia set maximum radiation levels at a standard well below that which can cause harm.

“There is no established evidence that low-level radio wave exposure from 5G and other wireless telecommunications can affect the immune system or cause any other long term or short term health effects,” they wrote in a lengthy explanation that can be found here.

Despite this, others have also come forward to jump aboard the controversial new train of thought.

Others mocked for pseudo-science

Amanda Micallef also dipped her toes in the controversy, posting to Instagram asking followers to share their thoughts on 5G, and revealing she would be doing her own research and presenting her personal findings, not peer-reviewed, at a later date.

One screenshot shows Amanda writing in a private Facebook group, implying that the lockdown was designed to quash protests against the technology, and she tells Yahoo Lifestyle she does subscribe to the theory that coronavirus could be used to hold people in their homes while 5G is rolled out.

This theory is pure speculation and is not supported by science.

She told Yahoo Lifestyle while she acknowledges that she has a duty to mind what she shares online, she is doubling down on her right to share her opinion.

“I understand that we need to be careful about our influence and what we say, but on the flip side of that we do have the right to speak out,” she says.

Former Bachelorette contestant Bill Goldsmith also voiced his concerns about the technology, though managed to keep coronavirus out of the conversation.

Reactions to the former reality star’s post have slammed the promotion of the ideas.

“Stop listening to far-right hacks and stop spreading disinformation,” one man wrote. “There's no grand conspiracy here.”

“I know this is well-intended but it’s not scientifically sound and is supporting ridiculous conspiracy theories,” a doctor responded to Bill.

On Twitter, many couldn’t get past Bill’s hashtags, which included such tags as ‘gypsy fashion’, ‘hippie tech’ and ‘vibes’.

It also included ‘5gkills’, a claim that has no basis in scientific fact or theory.

“I saw another ex-Bachelor contestant posting about Chinese conspiracies as well!” one woman wrote. “What is it about this group?!”

Other Aussie stars including actress Isabelle Lucas, and surfer Taj Burrows have also shared their conspiracy theories around the virus, both objecting to the use of vaccinations to fight the pandemic in response to a claim from chef Pete Evans that a $15k light device used by his family could help cure the disease.

The claim has prompted an investigation from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to be announced earlier in the week.

Lucas, who wrote that she doesn't ‘trust the path of vaccination’ on the post, has since had a charity Plan International Australia cancel their partnership with her.

Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com