Elon Musk is facing backlash after he suggested that the Covid-19 vaccine could have been responsible for the cardiac arrest of LeBron James’ son, Bronny.
Musk made the comments in a tweet on July 24, 2023, in response to a news story about Bronny’s medical emergency. “We cannot ascribe everything to the vaccine, but, by the same token, we cannot ascribe nothing,” Musk wrote. “Myocarditis is a known side-effect. The only question is whether it is rare or common.”
Musk’s comments were quickly condemned by medical experts, who pointed out that the risk of myocarditis after a Covid-19 vaccine is very low. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the risk of myocarditis after a Covid-19 vaccine is about 1 in 10,000 for males ages 16-17. The risk is even lower for younger people and for females.
In contrast, the risk of myocarditis after a Covid-19 infection is much higher. The CDC estimates that the risk of myocarditis after a Covid-19 infection is about 1 in 4,000 for males ages 16-17.
Musk’s comments have been widely criticized as irresponsible and dangerous. Many people have accused him of spreading anti-vax conspiracy theories.
“Elon Musk is using a tragedy to spread dangerous misinformation,” said Dr. Leana Wen, a public health professor at George Washington University. “The risk of myocarditis after a Covid-19 vaccine is very low, and the risk of myocarditis after a Covid-19 infection is much higher. Musk’s comments are irresponsible and could have deadly consequences.”
Musk has not yet responded to the criticism of his comments.
