Doctor SLAMS Kyle and Jackie O for failing to challenge chef Pete Evans’ dangerous anti-vaxxer views

A top Australian doctor has blasted KIIS FM’s Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson for failing to challenge chef Pete Evans on his dangerous and unscientific anti-vaxxer views during their live radio interview on Monday.  

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Dr Harry Nespolon, president of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, branded the interview as ‘extremely disappointing’. 

During the interview, Pete encouraged listeners to question the safety of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic – even though vaccines are completely safe and have helped eliminate deadly diseases, saving millions of lives. 

‘It is extremely disappointing that two very popular and prominent commercial radio hosts have given Pete Evans 20 minutes of unfettered air time to air his anti-vaxxer stance,’ he said.     

‘Mr Evans may consider himself ‘pro-choice for medical freedom’ but the fact that his assertions were by all accounts barely challenged by the radio hosts makes this interview particularly problematic.’ 

Vaccinations are vital to reducing the spread of preventable diseases, and any suggestion otherwise flies in the face of science and the advice of medical experts around the globe.  

Many anti-vaccination campaigners including Pete are beginning to use the term ‘pro choice’ – which is generally associated with abortion rights – instead of ‘anti-vaxxer’ in order to make their views seem more socially acceptable.  

‘Sadly the rise of the anti-vaxxer trend, which is particularly prominent on various social media platforms, has eroded public trust,’ Dr Nespolon explained.  

The top doctor believes that all media outlets have a responsibility to ‘self-regulate’, and should not provide platforms for people to spread dangerous views that could harm public health. 

‘If they do interview such individuals they need to at least challenge conspiracy theories and ‘advice’ contrary to expert medical opinion,’ he advised. 

Dr Nespolon also rubbished comments made by Pete during his interview suggesting that GPs may not be the most qualified people to give advice about vaccines.  

‘Instead of listening to Pete Evans on commercial radio, consult with your GP – we are there for you and have your best interest at heart. Now more than ever, expert advice matters,’ Dr Nespolon said.  

Pete, a Paleolithic diet enthusiast, has been widely criticised by former fans and experts alike for spruiking dangerous conspiracy theories relating to COVID-19.  

He was recently fined $25,200 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for promoting a lamp he claimed could help treat the ‘Wuhan virus’.