REVEALED: The alarming list of Australian sporting stars spreading false anti-vaxxer claims, Covid conspiracy theories and misinformation to thousands online
They may be some of the countries most beloved sporting stars.
But a handful of Australian athletes are letting their fans down by helping to spread anti-vaxxer misinformation and Covid conspiracy theories online.
Perhaps the most outspoken member of this group is Australian boxing legend Anthony Mundine, who uses his Twitter page to perpetuate questionable views about coronavirus.
Outspoken: A handful of Australian athletes are letting their fans down by helping to spread anti-vaxxer misinformation and Covid conspiracy theories online. Pictured: Anthony Mundine
Last week, Mundine received a $1,000 fine after he allegedly failed to check in or wear a mask while visiting a Bunnings Warehouse outlet in Sydney during lockdown.
The fine was the second infringement the athlete had copped in just weeks.
He claimed he wasn’t wearing a mask because he has an exemption and told Nine News he couldn’t check in to the Bunnings because he left his phone in his car.
Controversial: Perhaps the most outspoken member of this group is Australian boxing legend Anthony Mundine (pictured), who uses his Twitter page to perpetuate questionable views about coronavirus
Mundine purchased something at the store during the time he was there.
Earlier this month the boxer and former rugby league footballer was fined again after he allegedly flew from Sydney to Ballina without a valid reason.
He’s previously made headlines during the Covid-19 pandemic for his controversial views on vaccines.
Bizarre claims: In May he ridiculously said Australians should not roll up their sleeves for the coronavirus vaccine because ‘it’s blatant genocide’
In May he ridiculously said Australians should not roll up their sleeves for the coronavirus vaccine because ‘it’s blatant genocide’.
The outspoken retired sportsman urged his fans to ‘do some research’ in a bizarre social media rant that was not backed up with any scientific or medical evidence.
Another athlete known for peddling Covid conspiracy theories and anti-vaxxer views is NRL player and anti-vaccine advocate Frank Winterstein.
Proud: The former Penrith Panthers player and his anti-vaxxer wife Taylor were among the 3,500 protesters in Sydney’s CBD on Saturday at the illegal rally, and documented their outing with a series of Instagram photos
The former Penrith Panthers player and his anti-vaxxer wife Taylor were among the 3,500 protesters in Sydney’s CBD on Saturday at the illegal rally, and documented their outing with a series of Instagram photos.
The couple attended the rally without wearing a mask and proudly posed for selfies in the crowd.
Taylor wrote on social media ahead of the protest: ‘Be prepared for all scenarios including arrests and fines. I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees.’
Anti-vaxxers: Mr and Mrs Winterstein often use their Instagram accounts so spread misinformation about Covid
On Monday, the couple received a visit from two plain-clothed detectives at their home in Sydney’s south-west, and were each issued a $1,000 public infringement notice for breaching public health orders.
Mr and Mrs Winterstein often use their Instagram accounts so spread misinformation about Covid.
Taylor was an ambassador for the anti-vaccination film Vaxxed, and runs workshops about the so-called ‘dangers’ of vaccinations and scientific medical research.
Advocate: Taylor was an ambassador for the anti-vaccination film Vaxxed, and runs workshops about the so-called ‘dangers’ of vaccinations and scientific medical research