Discussion: Robert De Niro's Tribeca Film Festival Pulls Anti-Vaxxer Documentary

We have just witnessed yet another example of the power of corporate interests censoring free speech, art and truth," the statement read. “Tribeca’s action will not succeed in denying the world access to the truth behind the film ‘Vaxxed.’”

Free Speech and Art and Truth? So much for humility. Glad to see DeNiro changed his mind.

3 Likes

Good. Glad he saw the light. It was based on bullshit anyway…based on the supposed work from a guy who had his medical license pulled by the UK… because he fucking made up shit out of whole cloth and basically LIED.

No need to promote junk science unless you’re the new National Geographic Channel bought out by Rupert Murdoch…

6 Likes

Not basically, he did.

He was paid by a company seeking to introduce their own version of the MMR. He claimed the kids in his study developed autism and that wasn’t true at all. Those with autism had been diagnosed prior to the vaccine and some didn’t have it at all even though he claimed they did. He’s a sleazy bastard.

I am seriously disappointed in De Niro. I’ll have problems taking him seriously from this point. I know that’s unfair, but it’s true.

5 Likes

Don’t be too hard on De Niro; actors are often out their league when it comes to certain information, and since he has a child with autism he has become gullible by people such as Wakefield.

3 Likes

I get it, but…ever think this might be exactly what the film’s creator wanted?

Sadly, the anti-vaccination nuts will just see this rejection as another example of those evil, lying scientists covering up the “truth” of a link between vaccination and autism. Same as climate change deniers who see denialist junk science rejected by reputable scientific journals, and perceive this to be part of a massive global warming hoax conspiracy.

2 Likes

That’s how I see it as well. And it sounds like DeNiro, to his credit, eventually agreed to sit down with some credible scientists and listen to their debunking of the evidence and arguments offered in the film, and took their criticisms seriously.

5 Likes

You talkin’ to me ? ? … You talkin’ to ME ! ? ----

I guess he was listening … Good on him —

1 Like

Yup. Love the noble cry against corporate interests, by a demonstrated fraud whose bogus anti-vaxx “science” has created a genuine public-health hazard. Good for De Niro – hope his willingness to be reality-based has an impact on those who’ve fallen for the fraud.

1 Like

Sorry for his child’s autism. It was more likely caused by his aged sperm.

Next year, a documentary on the evils of financial regulation produced by Bernie Madoff and another on the positive health benefits of free markets in pharmaceuticals directed by Martin Shkreli. I remember reading the JAMA (oops, BMJ, I think) piece where investigators went back and tried to reconstruct Wakefield’s ostensible data, with a growing sense of disbelief. He didn’t even try to tell the truth.

1 Like

If they were being “censored”, you would not even know about the film.

No one is being arrested. The festival can show whatever they want to show. Conspiracy nonsense is usually not good to show since it caters to those who are not too bright. Sounds like this film might be better suited for the Alex Jones show or Glen Beck.

I can empathize with his situation, but people with great power (including a huge bullhorn) have great responsibility. The information is out there to be found. He said in an interview (I can’t remember if it was included in this article) that he has never before asked for inclusion of a film before in the TFF. That is great power to influence and he has to use it responsibly. I would give him greater clearance if Wakefield wasn’t clearly a nutjob who has been properly and thoroughly refuted.

1 Like