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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Isobel Lewis

Dr Christian calls US health activist 'f***ing crook' over coronavirus advice

Embarrassing Bodies host Dr Christian Jessen has hit out at a US doctor for spreading “dangerous bulls***” during the coronavirus outbreak.

The TV doctor attacked health activist Dr Joseph Mercola on Twitter, after the “natural health” advocate recommended people protect themselves from Covid-19 by creating DIY ventilators and inhaling household hydrogen peroxide.

You are a SHAMELESS f***ing crook,” Jessen tweeted.

“Reported for spreading dangerous bulls***.”

According toThe Sun, the US Food and Drug Administration has previously issued multiple warnings to Mercola after making illegal claims about his products' ability to treat illness.

In March, Jessen came under fire after suggesting that Italians were using the coronavirus as an excuse to have a “long siesta”.

Asked about the outbreak, the 43-year-old said: “This might be a little bit racist to say this, [and] you’ll have to make apologies, but do you not think it’s a bit of an excuse?

“The Italians, any old excuse to, you know, shut down everything and stop work for a bit and have a long siesta.”

Jessen then went on to downplay the virus’ impact, adding: “This is like a bad cold really, let’s be honest.”

Italy is the worst-hit area in Europe with nearly 20,000 coronavirus deaths, although on Monday they recorded their lowest number of deaths since 19 March.

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