Eamonn Holmes criticised for This Morning COVID-19 conspiracy theory segment
This Morning co-presenter Eamonn Holmes is facing a backlash from viewers for discussing a coronavirus conspiracy theory live on air with a guest.
The segment in question occurred during Monday's edition of the ITV daytime series, when Eamonn and wife Ruth Langsford were filling in for Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield to interview former Watchdog presenter Alice Beer.
In the discussion, Beer addressed a disputed theory promoted by some celebrities that links COVID-19 to some 5G networks — dismissing it as "not true" and "incredibly stupid".
Holmes interjected to say that while he "totally agreed" with her point, he added: "What I don't accept is mainstream media immediately slapping that [theory] down as 'not true' when it's not true.
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"No-one should attack, or damage or do anything like that, but it's very easy to say it's 'not true' because it suits the state narrative."
Some in the medical profession swiftly condemned Holmes's comments, with cancer researcher Dr David Robert Grimes dismissing the 5G theory as one of a series of "zombie myths that do serious harm".
"When people like @EamonnHolmes endorse them on air, it's exhausting. Eamonn, if you want to utilize your 'enquiring mind', maybe talk to the scientists & physicians who are experts 1st," the physician added on Twitter.
Others hit out that the other This Morning presenters for allowing Holmes's comments to pass unchallenged on air, while some called upon ITV to take action over the segment.
I didn't spread it.... I reserve the right to listen and question.
— Eamonn Holmes (@EamonnHolmes) April 13, 2020
"Good to see Eamonn Holmes criticising the mainstream media from the underground guerilla bunker of This Morning. Fight the power Eamonn," columnist Stuart Heritage also pointed out.
Holmes did ultimately respond to the BBC's Marc Blank-Settle over accusations that he "spread" the 5G theory with his segment on This Morning.
"I didn't spread it.... I reserve the right to listen and question," Holmes tweeted.
Digital Spy has reached out to Holmes's representatives and ITV for additional comment.
This Morning airs Mondays through Fridays on ITV.
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