What Is The 5G Coronavirus Conspiracy Theory Getting Eamonn Holmes and Lucy Watson In Trouble?

Let us say this from the outset – the 5G conspiracy theory is not just ridiculous, it’s been rejected by pretty much every scientific body you could imagine and trust, including the World Health Organisation.

But, after a weekend of social media outcry, Eamonn Holmes has apologised on ITV’s This Morning for his comments around the 5G coronavirus conspiracy theory – and Ofcom is investigating hundreds of complaints about the segment. So...

What is the 5G coronavirus conspiracy theory?

The theory links the roll-out of 5G mobile phone networks to coronavirus - both the spread of it and the idea that coronavirus is actually all a big cover-up for something else to do with 5G.

The stories were previously confined to the likes of conspiracy theorist, David Icke. But after the theory hit mainstream media (and was even shared by a number of celebrities) the issue has become so prevalent that the government was forced to deny it. And this weekend, BT revealed that 39 of their engineers have been physically assaulted by people who believe the 5G technology is contributing to coronavirus.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, BT Chief Executive Philip Jansen said: ‘11 of our mobile masts have been destroyed or damaged through arson – and 33 across all operators in the UK so far. That may not sound a lot, but if the site that provides coverage to your house gets burned down, it matters.

‘'Everything about this is senseless. There’s no thought for the validity of the theories – many openly contradict themselves; all ignore the very basic principles of science.’

WhatsApp has taken action against the spread of fake news about coronavirus (including the 5G theory), by limiting the amount of forwards people can do at one time.

And the World Health Organisation has taken clear steps to stop people believing the theory. They say: ‘Viruses cannot travel on radio waves/mobile networks. Covid-19 is spreading in many countries that do not have 5G mobile networks.

‘Covid-19 is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. People can also be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their eyes, mouth or nose.’

What happened with Eamonn Holmes and 5G?

During a segment on This Morning on Friday, where they discussed the conspiracy theory, Holmes seems to suggest people shouldn’t dismiss a potential link. Correspondent Alice Beer had said they theory was ‘ridiculous’ and ‘incredibly stupid’.

He then said: '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.'

He added: 'That’s all I would say, as someone with an inquiring mind.'

But on today’s show, after it was reported 419 people had complained, Holmes responded to the complaints.

He 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.

'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.”

A number of celebrities have been criticised for discussing 5G on social media, including former Made in Chelsea star Lucy Watson, Woody Harrelson, Lee Ryan and M.I.A.