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Claim: A WhatsApp message alleged that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled COVID-19 vaccines are not vaccines and that American politician and anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. won a lawsuit against pharmaceutical lobbyists.
Verdict: False. Investigations reveal that this message, with numerous claims, has been circulating since 2021 and has been debunked multiple times.
Full Text
A WhatsApp message making rounds claims that the United States (US) Supreme Court ruled that COVID-19 vaccines are not vaccines and that Robert Kennedy Jr. won a lawsuit against pharmaceutical lobbyists.
The message includes the following statement: “In its decision, the Supreme Court confirms that the damage caused by COVID mRNA gene therapies is IRREPARABLE. Since the Supreme Court is the highest in the US, there are no further appeals, and all avenues of appeal have been exhausted.”
The message also quotes Mr Kennedy: “This success was only possible thanks to the international cooperation of a large number of lawyers and scientists. Of course, this ruling sets an international precedent.”
The message ends with a call to action, urging people to publicise the supposed ruling,
“Let us promote rebellion against the dirty and unpunished death business. For the good of our children and grandchildren, we must resist.”
A link purportedly supporting the claim is also included.
Due to the claim’s potential to mislead, DUBAWA conducted a fact check.
Verification
DUBAWA identified and verified four claims from the message.
Claim 1: COVID-19 vaccines are gene therapies that have caused damages
This claim has been widely debunked. According to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, mRNA vaccines are not gene therapies. They work by teaching the immune system to recognise and fight specific pathogens without altering genetic material.
Reputable sources, FactCheck.org, the National Institute of Health, and Reuters confirm no evidence supports the assertion that mRNA vaccines have caused widespread harm.
Verdict: False.
Claim 2: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled COVID-19 vaccines are not vaccines.
The U.S. Supreme Court has not issued any rulings declaring COVID-19 vaccines are not vaccines or that they cause irreparable harm. A review of Supreme Court case records shows no evidence that such a case has been heard or decided.
Verdict: False.
Claim 3: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. won a lawsuit against pharmaceutical lobbyists.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has denied the statements attributed to him. In an interview with the Associated Press, Kennedy stated that the claim was fabricated. He clarified, “The article about the Supreme Court is misinformation,” adding that it has been repeatedly recycled online. Furthermore, no record exists of Kennedy filing or winning such a lawsuit in the Supreme Court.
Verdict: False.
Claim 4: A link provided verifies the claim
The link in the forwarded message leads to an unrelated Fox News article discussing a 2022 New York State Supreme Court ruling that reinstated unvaccinated workers. The article does not address vaccine safety or involve the U.S. Supreme Court.
Verdict: Misleading.
Conclusion
The WhatsApp message contains multiple false claims and misrepresentations. Neither the U.S. Supreme Court nor Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has supported or made rulings or statements as alleged.
