A prominent vaccine scientist says he was stalked outside of his home following a viral back-and-forth on Twitter with podcaster Joe Rogan. Rogan had offered Dr. Peter Hotez $100,000 to debate prominent anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The story has been labeled as a Media Miss by the left, according to the Straight Arrow News Media Miss tool.
The initial exchange began when scientist Peter Hotez shared a Vice article accusing Rogan of spreading vaccine misinformation on his podcast by inviting RFK Jr. as a guest.
In response, Rogan tweeted, “Peter, if you claim what RFKjr is saying is ‘misinformation’ I am offering you $100,000.00 to the charity of your choice if you’re willing to debate him on my show with no time limit.”
Hotez replied that Rogan had his contact information and said, “I’m always willing to speak with you.”
Meanwhile, billionaire Bill Ackman joined in, offering an additional $150,000 to see the debate.
Twitter owner Elon Musk tweeted claiming Hotez’s response to the debate offer was a “non answer.”
Following the exchange, Hotez said on Sunday, June 18, he was stalked and taunted outside his home.
A video posted by a user on Twitter showed a man asking Hotez if he would engage in the debate.
Dr. Peter Hotez, a professor and pediatrician, has played a role in vaccine development and has dedicated much of his career to studying diseases.
CNN reported Hotez has experienced harassment over vaccines even before the onset of the pandemic. The harassment came after writing a book about his daughter called “Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel’s Autism.”
During an appearance on the Mehdi Hasan show, Hotez said he was willing to appear on the podcast to discuss vaccines, but would not “turn it into the Jerry Springer show” by engaging in a debate with Kennedy.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is currently running for the Democratic nomination for the 2024 presidential race, polls at approximately 16%, according to Real Clear Politics. Incumbent President Joe Biden maintains a comfortable lead at 62%, per the polling.
A poll found that 80% of Democratic primary voters believe there should be a series of Democratic presidential primary debates ahead of the 2024 election.
President Biden has signaled that he does not plan to participate in such debates.
