Madonna has come under fire for sharing a video that promotes a conspiracy theory about COVID-19.
The 61-year-old pop star posted a clip for her 15.4 million Instagram followers showing Dr. Stella Immanuel insisting hydroxychloroquine is a cure for COVID-19.
Immanuel, a pediatrician whose practice is based at Fire Power Ministries Christian Resource Center in a Houston strip mall, has previously claimed that the DNA of space aliens is being used in medicine and that many health problems women suffer are caused by sexual encounters with demons in their sleep.
Madonna wrote: “This woman is my hero. Thank you Stella Immanuel.”
The singer falsely claimed that a COVID-19 vaccine has been available for months but is being suppressed by people who stand to profit from a long lockdown. “They would rather let fear control them and let the rich get richer and the poor and sick get sicker,” wrote Madonna.
Among those expressing their anger was singer Annie Lennox, who commented on Madonna’s post: “This is utter madness!!! I can't believe that you are endorsing this dangerous quackery. Hopefully your site has been hacked and you're just about to explain it.”
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have removed the video from their platforms, citing violations of their policies on misinformation.
Back in March, Madonna described COVID-19 as “the great equalizer.” She later claimed to be immune from the virus because she tested positive for antibodies. “I'm just going to go on a long drive in a car, roll down the windows and I'm going to breathe in the Covid-19 air," she wrote at the time.