Lebanese singer Carole Samaha under fire after posting anti-vaccine message amid coronavirus pandemic

Lebanese singer Carole Samaha came under fire this week after posting a controversial anti-immunisation message on her Twitter profile, as researchers around the world grapple to find a vaccine to tackle the novel coronavirus, which has killed just under 400,00 worldwide.

Samaha took to the social media platform on Thursday to reveal she's an anti-vaxxer and to also warn others against the "conspiracy" of the coronavirus outbreak - something rejected by the scientific community.

"Corona[virus] vaccine is the deal of the century! The game is now clear! #NoVaccination #NoImmunisation," the pop star posted on Twitter, where she has nearly 5 million followers.

Many took to Twitter to refute Samaha's comments, highlighting the dangers behind a celebrity using their platform to spread misinformation during the outbreak of the novel disease.

"Spreading conspiracy theories may have disastrous effects on societies, especially by someone who has millions of followers," one Twitter user wrote in Arabic. "To spread the message of anti-vaccination lobbyist is even more dangerous. Vaccinations save lives and they have enabled humanity to wipe out many diseases, which could have wiped us out!"

Another Twitter user wrote: "All vaccines and medicines have side effects. Even food has side effects. Does that mean we stop eating? Had it not been for vaccines then the world would not have been able to get rid of smallpox, tuberculosis and many other diseases.

"Will you be accountable for those who die because they have refused to be vaccinated? A message like yours during a pandemic is irresponsible."

Another Twitter user said: "Medical decisions are based on E V I D E N C E. #Evidence #Evidence #Evidence When they're not, feel free to spread any opinion of yours! Sing about it too! @CAROLE_SAMAHA. Let's make a song about research please!"

Others blamed the social media platform for allowing celebrities to use their accounts to spread misinformation without censorship.

"#Lebanon is getting out of hands with #FakeNews . Artists and singers are sharing false information to millions of their followers through @Twitter and we have yet to witness any official response from @TwitterMENA," one Twitter user said.

The backlash forced the pop star to backtrack on her view on immunisations. 

"I am not generalizing that all vaccine are bad! And I never said it has been surely confirmed that all vaccines cause autism to kids, it is a big debate worldwide! Some studies show that SOME vaccines are harmful to kids& some vaccines can contain substances harmful to humans!" 

She concluded saying: "We are always fearful of listening to other opinions. My friends, having different views is something positive. We gain from living with those who are different to us, more than we would gain from living with those who share our outlook."

However, many remain disgruntled. 

"This is not a difference in opinion. This is an opinion based on little knowledge, which will pose great danger on people who may take your view and act on it," a Twitter user said.

According to figures provided by the health ministry, Lebanon has recorded 1,233 Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic and only 27 deaths.

The country of 6 million has had a remarkably low number of cases and the official death toll is around ten times lower than some countries with roughly the same population.

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