Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Conservatives Rage After Vaccine Expert Predicts 'Barbenheimer' May Spark COVID Surge

CNBC screenshot of Dr. Peter Hotez
CNBC Television/YouTube

Vaccine expert Dr. Peter Hotez was met with backlash from COVID-deniers after he tweeted out a warning about a potential surge due to crowded movie theaters following the massive box office for 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' over the weekend.

Vaccine researcher Dr. Peter Hotez has raised concerns over the potential COVID-19 impact of two summer blockbusters, Barbie and Oppenheimer. In a viral tweet, Hotez warned about a possible surge in COVID-19 cases following the success of these movies, which has drawn criticism from some who consider his prediction to be overly pessimistic.

The tweet by Hotez, a pediatrician and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine, urged people to continue getting vaccinated and to consider using high-quality masks such as pink N-95 or KN-95 masks for added protection.


He expressed worry that there might be a post-box-office surge in COVID-19 cases due to the large number of people gathering to watch the films, which have taken social media by storm as the unlikely double feature "Barbenheimer."

Hotez wrote:

"Not to be a Debbie Downer…but anyone worried about a post-BarbieBoxOffice Covid bump? Or post-Oppie? We’ll probably never know since no one seems to be keeping track of such things anymore."
"Keep up with your boosters and find a pink N-95 or KN-95 if you can."

You can see his tweet below.

While Hotez's tweet raised valid health concerns, conservative critics disagreed with the severity of his prediction.

Texas Republican State Representative Jeff Leach accused Hotez of living "in such a warped state of fear."

Conservative writer Sonny Bunch said he was "not worried... because it’s not 2020."

Washington Examiner columnist Tim Carney went so far as to accuse Hotez of being part of a group with "no limiting principle to their fear-peddling anti-social dogma."

Others also piled on.



But Hotez had his defenders, too, and it was clear he wasn't speaking to himself given the presence of those who expressed similar concerns.


Hotez's public profile as a vaccine expert countering COVID-19-related misinformation has made him a target in conservative circles.

Previously, right-wing podcast host Joe Rogan invited Hotez to debate longshot presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is known for and has drawn significant criticism for his anti-vaccine stance.

The debate centered on the efficacy and safety of vaccines, with Rogan offering to donate $100,000 to a charity of Hotez's choice if he accepted the invitation.

Hotez declined, saying both Kennedy Jr. and Rogan are "putting out health misinformation that's killing people."

More from Trending

A grocery aisle shelf of Cinnamon Toast Crunch
OLIVIER DOULIERY / Contributor/Getty Images

Bacon-Flavored Cinnamon Toast Crunch Just Landed In Stores—And The Internet Is Not OK

Every now and then, a food brand will try something different in an effort to rejuvenate its products and hopefully attract new customers.

Sometimes these pay off handsomely, such as Peanut M&Ms, which are arguably more popular than the original.

Keep ReadingShow less
Archbishop Thomas Wenski; David and Rena Mourer visit the entrance to "Alligator Alcatraz"
Joe Raedle/Getty Images (both)

Archbishop Rips 'Alligator Alcatraz' In Powerful Statement Condemning Trump's Immigration 'Enforcement Tactics'

Historically conservative Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami issued an official statement on Thursday, July 3, addressing immigration enforcement tactics employed by the administration of MAGA Republican President Donald Trump.

Posted on the Archdiocese's website, it was also shared on the Archbishop's personal X account.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gavin Newsom; Nancy Mace
David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images; Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Gavin Newsom Hilariously Claps Back At Nancy Mace After Her Cringey 'Don't California My South Carolina' Debate Challenge

South Carolina Republican Representative Nancy Mace was widely mocked after she challenged California Governor Gavin Newsom to a debate—only for him to directly address her "Don't California My South Carolina' campaign with a list showing the stark differences between their two states.

Mace posted a video on X in which she extends a "FORMAL INVITATION" for Newsom to debate her "common sense policies," chiding him with the following message:

Keep ReadingShow less
office cubicles
Paymo on Unsplash

Things Toxic Coworkers Did That Made The Whole Office Go Silent

Workplaces have professional standards to maintain, or at least they should. While it's great to have fun in the office, there are some things that are appropriate during leisure time that aren't OK at work.

But some people never seem to get the memo.

Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Trump; Screenshot of Andrew Schulz
Joe Raedle/Getty Images; Flagrant Podcast

Trump-Supporting Podcaster Andrew Schulz Turns On Trump In Mind-Numbing Rant

Conservative podcaster Andrew Schulz had social media users rolling their eyes after he criticized President Donald Trump, saying Trump is "doing the exact opposite" of everything he promised during his campaign, like stopping wars and shrinking spending.

Which begs the question: why tf did Schulz believe a word Trump said during his campaign, since he is a well-known serial liar and con man?

Keep ReadingShow less