'It died of hunger': Internet weighs in as 'Morning Joe' panel mocks RFK Jr for 'brain-worm' claim, jokes about Ivermectin remedy

In a 2012 deposition, RFK Jr claimed a 'dead parasite' in his brain caused memory loss and mental fogginess from 2010
'Morning Joe' panel mocked Robert F Kennedy Jr over his recent claim that a worm ate part of his brain (MSNBC; Getty Images)
'Morning Joe' panel mocked Robert F Kennedy Jr over his recent claim that a worm ate part of his brain (MSNBC; Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: During the May 8 morning panel on MSNBC's 'Morning Joe,' Robert F Kennedy Jr faced ridicule for his recent claim that a worm had eaten a portion of his brain.

As reported by The New York Times, the independent presidential candidate asserted in a 2012 deposition that he harbored a "dead parasite" within his brain, a condition he attributed to causing "memory loss and mental fogginess" starting from 2010.



 

This disclosure surfaced amidst Kennedy's divorce proceedings from his second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy. He contended that his cognitive decline and reduced earning potential were associated with the purported infestation of a worm in his brain.

'Morning Joe' panel reacts with surprise and humor to RFK Jr's claim of a 'brain-worm'

Joe Scarborough kicked off the segment by tasking network correspondent Jonathan Lemire with detailing the specifics of Robert F Kennedy Jr's claim, as co-host Mika Brzezinski responded with evident surprise and concern.

The conversation between the panel members kicked off as Lemire said,  "I quote from Robert F Kennedy Jr here, the abnormality quote, 'was caused by a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died.'"

Scarborough replied, "This happens."

Joe Scarborough opened the segment by directing network correspondent Jonathan Lemire (MSNBC)
Joe Scarborough opened the segment by directing network correspondent Jonathan Lemire (MSNBC)

Lemire then remarked, "Robert F Kennedy Jr suggesting that a worm ate some of his brain and then died while there. We’ll have more on this developing story." Brzezinski responded surprisingly, "What in a world?"

Scarborough then noted, "This happens. Usually, Willie, this happens with livestock, right? I mean, this is, this is something that yeah."

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 12: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attends the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights H
Robert F Kennedy Jr claimed that his ability to earn more revenue had declined due to cognitive issues related to the worm infestation (Getty Images) 

Geist interjected, saying, "I mean," while Scarborough remarked, "You know what? There you go. He should have had some of that stuff, that may have helped him, right, Willie?"

Geist remarked, "But it was ivermectin," prompting Lemire to chime in, "Oh, the ivermectin."

Reportedly, during the interview with The New York Times, RFK Jr stated that he had recovered from the memory loss and mental haziness he previously experienced, asserting that he hadn't suffered any lasting effects from the purported parasite in his brain.

He also mentioned that the parasite didn't require any treatment.

Netizens respond to panel's commentary on 'worm-brain' claim

The panel's commentary on RFK Jr.'s "worm-brain" assertion sparked a surge of reactions on social media, eliciting a variety of opinions from users.

One viewer said, "'Talk to the hand' is replaced with 'tell it to the worm.'"

(@msnbc/Youtube)
(@msnbc/Youtube)

Another viewer said, "Truth is stranger than fiction. I guess that disqualifies his run for president. I prefer a president whose brain has not been eaten by worms."

One viewer noted, "All the other worms are alive and well in his brain."

"If that had been a properly FDA-inspected brain, that worm may not have died," said a user. 

A follower observed, "That explains alot. Not everything, but a lot." [sic]

(@msnbc/Youtube)
(@msnbc/Youtube)

Another comment stated, "Brain worms, hush money, and puppy killers. This presidential campaign is by far the most repulsive in history," alluding to RFK Jr, Trump, and Kristi Noem, respectively.

(@msnbc/Youtube)
(@msnbc/Youtube)

Another comment read, "It died of hunger."

(@msnbc/Youtube)
(@msnbc/Youtube)

"What a campaign slogan Vote for me, a worm ate my brain," said one person.

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.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

'Harris supported the Biden administration's disastrous anti-Alaska agenda, which is why Alaskans rejected her by double digits', Nate Adams said
1 hour ago
"There's still a constitution out there to be written that all religions could agree on. There's so much commonality', Matthew McConaughey said
2 hours ago
Maggie Haberman said specially designed letters bearing Trump's name were ordered months before the Kennedy Center board voted on the rebranding
2 hours ago
Trump approved millions from his political action committee to support vulnerable Republicans, giving the GOP another way to mobilize his network
4 hours ago
Todd Blanche was officially sworn in as the US Attorney General on August 10, 2026, following a narrow 50–49 Senate confirmation vote on August 8, 2026
4 hours ago
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the Iran conflict is weighing on fuel and grocery costs after he argued Trump’s economic agenda was gaining momentum
5 hours ago
CNN reports the move comes as Trump’s team weighs how to boost vulnerable Republicans before November
5 hours ago
The Washington Post reveals new details about a secret flight maneuver that caught journalists off guard
7 hours ago
Researchers found immigration 'mega master' hearings had grown larger, while shorter notice periods made attorneys harder to secure
7 hours ago
After his White House service, Andy Baker will join former Trump national security adviser Robert O’Brien in the private sector
7 hours ago