Matt Gaetz, a disgraced former congressman turned conservative TV host, is drawing fresh ire for promoting a controversial antiparasitic drug on his broadcast. The move follows a scathing ethics report detailing alleged sexual misconduct and drug use, prompting a wave of backlash on social media.
Matt Gaetz Faces New Criticism Over Pharmacy Partnership
Disgraced ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was the target of mockery on Friday due to his bizarre new business relationship with a pharmaceutical company, in which he promotes an antiparasitic medication that was popularized by right-wing figures during the pandemic in an effort to "Make America Healthy Again."
Resigning from Congress in November, days before the House Ethics Committee was to vote on whether to release a damning investigation into his alleged wrongdoing, Gaetz-a former nominee to become Donald Trump's attorney general-was brought before the committee.
Damning Ethics Report Highlights Allegations of Misconduct
Still, the ethics panel issued the report on December 23. It said he had violated state laws pertaining to sexual misbehavior, used illegal substances, paid many women for sex (including an underage girl), and used his Capitol Hill office as a drug den. The accusations against Gaetz were a "smear" campaign by his political opponents, and he has strongly denied any misconduct.
Gaetz just got a job hosting his own show on One America News Network. His show airs every night.
Social Media Buzz Over Gaetz's Ivermectin Ad
The commercial that got people talking on social media was actually airing on that show.
"Medical freedom is important. You've probably heard about ivermectin, the medication that has been making the waves for years and helping so many people during COVID, but let's be honest, finding a reliable source to get it, that's not as easy as it should be," Gaetz said on his show.
Next, he began promoting an online pharmacy in Boca Raton, Florida, saying that their ivermectin pills are manufactured in the United States and not imported from countries like China or India.
Gaetz Warns About Medication Accessibility
After reassuring everyone that it is of great quality, created in the USA, and supported by a pharmacy that handles everything, Gaetz proceeded to warn that life-saving prescriptions are becoming more difficult to obtain due to the system. Stating that everyone has also witnessed firsthand how easily medicine availability can be limited.
This medication is effective against a wide range of parasite infections in both animals and people. When administered to people, ivermectin mostly alleviates parasitic worm infections, skin disorders like rosacea and scabies, and infestations of head lice.
Ivermectin's Controversial Pandemic Role
Some have called it a "miracle medicine" because of its efficacy in treating lymphatic filariasis and river blindness. However, right-wing figures like Joe Rogan and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) have spread conspiracy theories claiming that the medicine can treat or prevent COVID-19, despite the fact that the drug has not been licensed for this purpose by the FDA.
Critics on social media made fun of Gaetz's advertisement.
Critics Mock Gaetz for Selling Ivermectin
According to Judd Legum, who runs a nonprofit newsletter focused on accountability journalism, Matt Gaetz went from being a candidate for attorney general to selling horse tranquilizer for 10% off.
The online pharmacy's 10% discount is valid, Raw Story confirms.
"Matt Gaetz has been out of Congress all of five minutes and he's already hawking ivermectin with sponsored posts. The GOP official-to-grifter pipeline is strong," said Brian Tyler Cohen, a political journalist and MSNBC contributor.
"Beyond parody," was the verdict of Dr. Allison Neitzel, who established the non-profit organization MisinformationKills.