'He’s not forbidding you': Internet rebukes Bill Maher over rebuttal of Robert F Kennedy Jr's anti-vaccine claims

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: During an episode of 'Real Time with Bill Maher,' the discussion turned to Robert F Kennedy Jr's position on anti-vaccine misinformation, especially regarding comments made by his running mate.

Throughout his presidential campaign, Maher has continuously provided a platform to RFK Jr, commending his "guts and integrity," despite his dissemination of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines.

RFK Jr defends stance on vaccines amid criticism

The focus returned to this matter when RFK Jr's running mate, Nicole Shanahan, advocated for a recall of the Moderna vaccine earlier this month, capturing Maher's attention.

During the show, Maher directly confronted RFK Jr, saying, "But your vice presidential candidate wants to recall the Moderna vaccine, which is the one I received. Do you support that? Recall it?"

RFK Jr appeared taken aback, responding with a stutter. “I think those vaccines need to undergo true double-blind placebo-controlled trials,” he said.

He added, “There is a segment of Americans, about 25 percent, who believe that they know somebody who was killed by a COVID-19 vaccine.”

“Killed. 25 percent of Americans. 52 percent of Americans believe that the vaccines are causing injuries, including death. 52 percent,” RFK Jr stated.

RFK Jr then went into describing the results of the Pfizer vaccine's clinical trial study, but his argument failed to convince the talk show host.

“People who got the vaccine had a 23 percent higher death rate from all causes at the end of that study,” RFK Jr claimed.

“That could not be the disease itself?” Maher asked, expressing disbelief.

"If it is, then the vaccine doesn't work," RFK Jr asserted. The audience began applauding, but Maher promptly halted it, feeling the need to fact-check his friend on 'Real Time.'

“Well, no no, that’s not true at all,” Maher responded. “And I’m someone who did not want to get the vaccine and didn’t think I should have been made to get it. But it does work.”

Maher argued that the vaccine had mostly led to deaths among “the obese and the very elderly.”

Maher went on to say, “Most people are alive today, I think, because of the vaccine. I think that’s the truth. Does it also have complications? Yes. But they could’ve had worse issues if they got the disease.”

When challenged again by Maher, RFK Jr became defensive. "I believe that if people want vaccines, they should have access to them. I'm not against vaccines," he clarified.

“Well, people think you are,” Maher pointed out.

RFK Jr responded by stating that the term is often used to silence him. He clarified that he is simply "against vaccine mandates," which he believes are necessary for vaccines to work most effectively.

Internet abuzz with criticism of Bill Maher

The internet erupted in criticism as Bill Maher confronted RFK Jr. over anti-vax claims, with users expressing strong disapproval.

One viewer noted, "RFK Jr is advocating for safe vaccines ..who wouldn’t be in agreement on that? He’s not forbidding you to take a shot if you want it. #RFK2024 the sane choice."

Another viewer said, "Debates are impossible when people talk in ‘belief’ and not facts."

One more person added, "Are you going to let RFK talk? He was trying to explain and answer your question."

Another viewer observed, "Can we actually hear him speak and what he has to say, instead of Bill cutting him off?"

One comment read, "All anyone asks him about is vaccines. He can't get over that issue."

Another comment read, "You can tell RFK, Jr. is perturbed by the annoyance of applause. For goodness sake, Let them speak! The conversation should not be cut off, by any means."

"'Bill Maher filibustering on vaccines with RFKJR' There, fixed it for you," read another comment. 

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.