Recommendations of the Editorial team
Liam Neeson wants his fans to know that he has “never been and is not an anti-vaxxer.” Although you might get that impression if you tune in to a new, controversial anti-vaxx documentary.
Controversial film and questionable sources
The Oscar-nominated actor narrates “Plague of Corruption: 80 Years of Pharmaceutical Corruption Exposed,” as journalists Walker Bragman and Olivia Riggio first reported Thursday in the Important Context newsletter.
The film is based on a book by the discredited and debunked researcher Dr. Judy Mikovits and lawyer Kent Heckenlively, who had previously been refused a visa to Australia because of his “dangerous” views.
The film’s website touts it as “an explosive examination of how pharmaceutical giants have systematically captured governments and deceived families and communities around the world.”
It includes interviews with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is praised for his “tireless courage to challenge institutional corruption and defend medical freedom, sparking a global truth movement that mobilized millions around the globe.”
Statements in the film and distancing
Although Neeson is merely the film’s narrator, he can be heard calling mRNA COVID vaccines “dangerous experiments.” How he describes chronic fatigue syndrome as “the worst health crisis since HIV and AIDS.” And suggests that medical and scientific organizations would “demand unconditional submission,” as well as repeating other marginal theses.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, a representative for Neeson said his involvement as narrator does not constitute an endorsement of the film’s message.
“We all recognize that there may be corruption within the pharmaceutical industry. But this should never be equated with a rejection of vaccines. Liam has never been and is not against vaccinations,” said the representatives. “His extensive work with UNICEF underscores his long-standing support of global vaccination and health initiatives. He did not shape the film’s editorial content. Questions regarding claims or messaging should be directed to the producers.”
Previous clear vaccination positions
It’s surprising that Neeson would lend his iconic voice to the documentary, which bills itself as “the most controversial film of the year,” given his repeated outspoken support for vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The AV Club” picked up on a lengthy statement made by the 2022 UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, in which Neeson called vaccines “a remarkable human success story.”
“The discussion about vaccines in recent years has lost sight of how much good they have done for each of us,” he added. “We need to celebrate this. It is perhaps one of the greatest collective achievements in human history.”