Lewis Hamilton is facing criticism online for sharing an anti-vaxxer post with his followers on Instagram.
The six-time Formula One champion, 35, shared the video by content creator King Bach of Gates being interviewed on CBSN about progress on a vaccine for Covid-19. The post was accompanied with the caption: ‘I remember when I told my first lie’.
In the video, Bill Gates dispels fears over potential side-effects of a coronavirus vaccine and rubbishes the baseless suggestions that he wants to embed tracking chips into a vaccine.
However, due to several conspiracy theories about Gates and the Coronavirus pandemic online, fans were quick to condemn Lewis Hamilton for trying stir up more controversy.
The formula one driver subsequently deleted the post on Instagram and issued a clarification that he is not against vaccinations and claimed that he didn’t see the comment that was added to the video.
He wrote: “Hi guys. I’ve noticed some comments on my earlier post around the coronavirus vaccine, and want to clarify my thoughts on it, as I understand why they might have been misinterpreted.”
“Firstly, I hadn’t actually seen the comment attached so that is totally my fault and I have a lot of respect for the charity work Bill Gates does. I also want to be clear that I’m not against a vaccine and no doubt it will be important in the fight against coronavirus, and I’m hopeful for its development to help save lives.
“However after watching the video, I felt it showed that there is still a lot of uncertainty about the side effects most importantly and how it is going to be funded. I may not always get my posting right, I’m only human but I’m learning as we go. Sending you positivity.”
