Eamonn Holmes responds to backlash over 5G coronavirus controversy

Ofcom received over 400 complaints about the presenter’s remarks on the conspiracy theory

Eamonn Holmes has clarified his comments about coronavirus after he caused controversy by suggesting it “suits the state narrative” to dispel claims that the pandemic is linked to 5G technology.

On Monday (13 April), the This Morning presenter said the media had been too quick to dismiss the conspiracy theory as false “when they don’t know it’s not true”.

He was criticised on social media and by scientists who have dismissed the theories as “complete rubbish”.

TV regulator Ofcom also said it is assessing Holmes’s comments “as a priority” following 419 complaints from viewers.

Speaking on Tuesday’s edition of the ITV show (14 April), Holmes said his comments were misinterpreted.

“There is no connection between the present national health emergency and 5G and to suggest otherwise could be wrong and indeed, it could be possibly dangerous,” he said.

"Every theory relating to such a connection has proven to be false and we would like to emphasise that. However, people are rightly concerned and are looking for answers and that’s simply what I was trying to impart yesterday, but for the avoidance of any doubt I want to make it clear there is no scientific evidence to substantiate any of those 5G theories. I hope that clears that up."

Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading, told the BBC: “The opinions of the mainstream media or the state hardly come into the debate. Numerous doctors and scientists around the world have said that the disease is caused by a virus, something completely different to a mobile phone signal.”

Versions of the 5G conspiracy theory have been spreading online for years, with some proponents claiming the coronavirus outbreak is just the latest in a string of pandemics induced by electromagnetic waves.

The theory has been disproved countless times by scientists, with one microbiology professor recently describing it as “both a physical and biological impossibility”.