GB News Host Neil Oliver Cleared By Ofcom After ‘Turbo Cancer’ Vaccine Controversy
GB News presenter Neil Oliver was cleared by broadcasting watchdog Ofcom after sparking a storm with his claims that Covid-19 vaccines caused “turbo cancer.”
Oliver, a 56-year-old former BBC historian turned GB News host, linked an aggressive form of cancer in the young to Covid-19 vaccines during his show which resulted in 70 complaints to the regulator.
The claims, which Oliver aired on January 13, suggested that young, healthy individuals were succumbing to this swift and “turbo cancer” that were allegedly connected to the vaccines. Oliver’s analysis was sparked by MRNA-based Covid-19 vaccine manufacturer Pfizer’s acquisition of Seagen, a biotechnology company focused on cancer treatments in December.
The host said: “While young people drop dead and otherwise healthy people of all ages are harvested in hitherto unheard of numbers by heart disease and turbo cancer, our old friend Pfizer has been spending some of its recently acquired massive wealth buying companies that develop drugs to treat heart disease and turbo cancer.”
He continued: “I don’t know about you, but until just a few months ago, I’d never heard of turbo cancer … Fuel injected, maybe with a bottle of nitrous oxide on the side for the sudden terrifying burst of speed across the line to unexpected death… [Pfizer CEO Albert] Bourla has been all over the media predicting turbo cancers will affect a third of the world in the years ahead, even declaring that entire families will be affected.”
The show ignited debate online with critics accusing the host of disseminating anti-vaccine conspiracy theories and dangerously misleading the public.
However, Ofcom determined that Oliver’s remarks do not warrant further investigation. The regulator emphasised the importance of freedom of expression and in a statement said: “Our rules allow broadcasters to cover controversial themes and topics.” It concluded that Oliver’s comments, deemed as his personal viewpoint, did not significantly mislead the audience.
The host joined GB News in 2021 and regularly protested both the government response to the pandemic and vaccine safety. His views also led to his resignation from esteemed positions, including a fellowship at the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
