Rosie O’Donnell criticizes Robert F Kennedy Jr's vaccine claims in viral X video

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Actress and television personality Rosie O’Donnell has publicly criticized anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., accusing him of spreading 'absurd conspiracy theories' and calling him a 'fraudster'.

In a video shared on X, O’Donnell can be heard saying that she was 'horrified' by Kennedy’s recent comments and questioned his qualifications to speak on medical issues.

O’Donnell directly challenged Kennedy’s statements on vaccines, saying that his claims about a link between vaccines and autism were unfounded and scientifically incorrect.

Her remarks quickly gained attention online, reigniting debate over Kennedy’s long-standing views on vaccination safety.

O’Donnell labels Kennedy’s statements on vaccines ‘ridiculous’

In the viral clip, O’Donnell said, “I’m horrified by RFK Jr and what he’s saying and doing, telling all these people these absurd conspiracy theories and implying vaccines cause autism. It’s just ridiculous.”

She went on to assert that autism has been 'scientifically proven' to have a genetic basis and took aim at Kennedy’s authority on the subject, pointing out that 'he doesn’t have a degree in medical fields.'

O’Donnell rejected claims by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. saying 'he is a fraudster just like his president'.

Her comments reflect frustration among many public health advocates and members of the entertainment community who have opposed claims linking vaccines to autism.

Robert F Kennedy Jr’s history on vaccine safety and controversy

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a prominent and polarizing figure in the vaccine debate for years.

He gained national attention for his outspoken criticism of vaccine safety protocols and government health agencies, particularly regarding childhood immunizations.

Kennedy has repeatedly argued that vaccines should be subject to greater scrutiny and claimed them to cause autism.

His position has drawn strong reactions from both supporters and critics, who say his assertions contribute to misinformation about vaccines.

Multiple scientific studies and reviews from major public health institutions including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have found no causal link between vaccines and autism.

Kennedy’s lack of formal medical credentials has also been highlighted by critics, including O’Donnell in the recent video, when debating his authority to speak on medical science.