On a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Podcast Experience, host Joe Rogan spoke with entrepreneur Evan Hafer about the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. While the Delta variant has become the dominant strain in America, Rogan revealed that he believes the vaccine may be causing the virus to mutate.
In a 2-minute clip that was posted by gossip blogger Perez Hilton, Rogan referred to a scientific article published in 2015 that reports that vaccines can “enhance the transmission of virulent pathogens.” He did not reveal the publisher of the article, or the name of the author.
The podcast host cited another excerpt from the article that read: “Vaccines that keep the host alive but still allow transmission can thus allow virulent strains to circulate in a population.”
During the episode, Rogan also questioned New York’s decision to ban people from entering restaurants, gyms, and more if they are not fully vaccinated.
As the cases continue to rise in the United States, government officials and health experts have been urging people to get vaccinated to stop the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. According to the CDC, 57 percent of New York residents are fully vaccinated.
Earlier this week, Mayor De Blasio announced that New York City will require proof of vaccination to participate in indoor activities. The policy is expected to be in full effect in the coming weeks.
"If you're unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things," de Blasio said. "If you want to participate in our society fully, you've got to get vaccinated."
Many Twitter users and the gossip blogger felt that Rogan was trying to imply that fully vaccinated people were transmitting the strain of the virus.
Some fans came to Rogan’s defense and stated that the podcast host was simply stating the facts that were written in the article.
“He literally just read a quote from a scientific study from 2015!” @lmkelly0102 wrote. “Are you f*cking kidding me? It wasn’t his words, it was found in the study!”
Hilton replied to the user in kind, saying, “That he shared. Amplified. He said that on his show. Are you f*cking kidding me?"
Rogan has yet to issue a statement regarding his comments, or the backlash since.