Just weeks after copping backlash for airing racist comments from One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson, Nine gave psychic Lizzy Rose a platform to air unscientific claims about COVID-19.
The interview drew widespread backlash, with Twitter users claiming the show had acted irresponsibly at a time when Australia is battling a second wave of the deadly virus.
Throughout the interview, Rose said wearing a mask was a breach of her human rights and incorrectly claimed COVID-19 statistics have been overblown.
"It was orchestrated. The level and amount of effect it has had is not true. The statistics aren't true," she said.
The career psychic was invited onto the program after posting a video of herself on social media. In the video, Rose is mask-free as she berates staff at a Bunnings in Victoria.
Rose told the Today Show that she had a medical exemption and was not required to wear a mask, but later admitted that she'd recently worn one when getting her eyelashes done.
The self-described 'witch' posted an image of herself wearing a face mask on her Instagram on June 12. The caption read: "Soaking up the wonderful Friday afternoon sunshine in the lovely Victorian country side ... after a dreamy eyelash consultation."
"The recent mask was a choice. It was a choice. And this is my point. If you want to wear a mask, that’s up to you. That’s your choice," she reiterated on the show.
After Rose claimed the virus was manufactured, Journalist Allison Langdon asked her: "what was your medical degree again?". The psychic claimed she isn’t a doctor but had worked as a medic several years ago.
Anti-masker Lizzy Rose posts an image of herself wearing a face mask on June 12. Source: Instagram/ lizzyroseoracle
Stefanovic then moved quickly to end the interview, telling Rose: “I can’t even listen to you.”
“You have and espouse all these weird, wacko beliefs and unfortunately there are people out there who are going to believe you, and who are going to side with you, and that is just irresponsible in this current climate,” he said.
A visibly upset Stefanovic then apologised to viewers for inviting the conspiracy theorist onto the show.
The Today Show asks viewers what they think after interviewing an anti-masker. Source: Twitter/ Today Show
“It’s wrong. I’m sorry. I thought we’d in some way shape or form get to a reasonable excuse as to why she was doing that, otherwise, we wouldn’t have got her on in the first place,” he said.
Langdon backed her co-host, claiming they’d thought it was important to hear Rose’s thoughts about COVID-19.
“We felt it was actually important because this is happening over and over again, that Bunnings staff members who are doing the right thing are faced with this type of activity, and we felt it was important to hear her point of view,” she said.
The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has ordered all those living in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire to wear a face mask when leaving home. Those caught without a mask, who do not have a reasonable excuse, can be fined $200. The only lawful exemptions to not wearing a mask include specific medical conditions, if you are unable to wear a mask at your workplace, or when doing strenuous exercise.
Lizzy Rose posted another image wearing a face mask to her Instagram on April 5. Source: Instagram/ lizzyroseoracle
The NSW government recommends wearing a mask in cases where it’s difficult to adequately physically distance. This includes when using public transport, when caring for vulnerable people or when indoors.
Residents in metropolitan Melbourne are subject to stay-at-home orders and can only leave home for essential work, study, exercise or care responsibilities. It is also mandatory to wear masks in public.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus
