Liam Neeson Clarifies His Stance on Vaccines Amid Controversy Over Pharmaceutical Documentary Narration

Liam Neeson.
Credit:

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NEED TO KNOW

• Liam Neeson narrates the new documentary, Plague of Corruption, which expresses skepticism toward vaccines and includes discredited science.
• A representative for Neeson released a statement stressing that the actor “never has been, and is not, anti-vaccination.”
• Neeson has previously advocated for vaccines, saying that conversation about them in recent years has “lost sight of how much good they have done.”

Liam Neeson is addressing speculation regarding his views on vaccinations following his involvement in a controversial documentary. On December 12, the Naked Gun star clarified his position after being linked to Plague of Corruption: 80 Years of Pharmaceutical Corruption Exposed, where he serves as narrator. The film conveys skepticism about vaccines and draws on discredited scientific claims.

In a statement, a representative for Neeson emphasized that he has “never been” anti-vaccination. “We all recognize that corruption can exist within the pharmaceutical industry, but that should never be conflated with opposition to vaccines,” the representative said. “Liam never has been, and is not, anti-vaccination. His extensive work with UNICEF underscores his long-held support for global immunization and public health initiatives. He did not shape the film’s editorial content, and any questions about its claims or messaging should be directed to the producers.”

The documentary is based on a 2021 book co-authored by Judy Mikovits, a discredited former scientist known for promoting misinformation related to health, and Kent Heckenlively, who has previously declared himself the “world’s #1 anti-vaxxer.”

In his narration, Neeson reportedly claims that pro-vaccine advocates demand “unconditional submission to our public institutions” and suggests that “science has become dangerously politicized,” according to reports from the Important Context newsletter.

The film also includes an interview with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who, along with former President Donald Trump, has been associated with spreading discredited theories about vaccine safety and advocating for the removal of long-standing vaccine mandates.

Liam Neeson.

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Despite the recent controversy, Neeson has a history of supporting vaccination in his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. In 2022, he described vaccines as “a remarkable human success story,” highlighting the global efforts that have provided vaccinations to billions of children over decades. “If you’ve ever been vaccinated, or vaccinated your children, then you are part of the arm-to-arm chain that keeps all humanity safe,” he stated. Neeson expressed concern that discussions surrounding vaccines have recently overlooked the significant benefits they have achieved, urging the need to celebrate this collective success, recognizing it as one of humanity’s greatest achievements.