Brendan Cole says he’s ‘entitled to opinion’ in row over ‘irresponsible’ face mask post
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole has hit back after he was accused of sharing an ‘irresponsible’ message about the use of face masks in curbing the spread of coronavirus. The dancer remains defiant and insists he’s entitled to his opinion
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Former Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole declared he’s “entitled to his opinion” in a defiant message in a row over a post about face masks.
The former pro for the BBC show came under fire from followers on social media amid accusations he shared an “irresponsible” post which claimed face masks do not curb the spread of coronavirus.
Brendan’s post – which he has since deleted – was a re-share of a message from Dr Joseph Mercola, which read: “The first randomised trial of more than 6,000 individuals to assess the effectiveness of surgical face masks against SARS-CoV-2 infection did not statistically significantly reduce the incident of infection.”
Instagram bosses slapped the post with a warning, stating: “Independent fact-checkers say this information has no basis in fact.”
Brendan was branded “irresponsible” for sharing the post, but he’s now hit back and insisted he should be allowed to share “different views”.
He wrote: “I am entitled to my opinion on the subject but if I have offended you, for this I am sorry.
“If you are indeed upset by it, I do understand. I will point out that there is plenty of evidence on the contrary and it is up to each of us to believe what we believe.
“I am doing as I am told and wearing but have the right to protest…or at least I used to!
“We now see to be living in a world where we are not allowed different views and will simply abuse anyone who thinks differently.”
He went on to tell his followers he will continue sharing posts about the handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Brendan added: “I will continue to believe in the information from many medical practitioners and professionals in the know and continue to believe that this has been the wrong way to handle things, not only regarding the info in the post but with the various measures put in place.
“If you disagree with me, I will listen and debate but I will not abuse you for thinking differently.
“My intention was not to offend, simply to have a voice. I wish you all well and hope that the many people who’s [sic] lives are in ruins because of the various measures put in place will stay strong and somehow recover.”
Brendan’s original re-share sparked fury among followers with many accusing him of spreading misinformation.
One wrote: “@brendancoleinsta not helpful, inappropriate & inaccurate – case of did not engage brain before posting – follow the official guidelines.”
Another added: “Totally irresponsible for someone in the public eye to share this rubbish.
“Of course masks are not 100 per cent safe that is why we must also adjust our distance…”
A third tweeted: “Stick to dancing mate. Leave the science to the scientists eh?
MirrorCeleb