Eamonn Holmes branded 'conspiracy theorist' for suggesting media is pushing 'state narrative' on 5G

You've probably heard by now the conspiracy theory that 5G masts are the root cause of the coronavirus pandemic.

Rumours that these telecommunications towers either weaken the immune system or actually cause the disease have been so prevalent that Michael Gove was forced to deny them as "dangerous nonsense" during a government press conference.

But while the claims have been discredited by scientists, government ministers and fact-checkers, This Morning host Eamonn Holmes has given his two cents on the issue.

Responding to journalist Alice Beer, who called the conspiracy "incredibly stupid", he said:

I totally agree with everything you're saying but what I don't accept is mainstream media immediately slapping that down as not true when they don't know it's not true. 

It's very easy to say it's not true because it suits the state narrative. That's all I would say as someone with an enquiring mind. 

Because 40 years on TV doesn't make you part of the "mainstream media", apparently...

People are understandably shocked at what Holmes said.

And of course there were jokes too. Lots of jokes...

It might all sound very funny, but the spread of 5G conspiracy theories has been linked to suspected arson attacks on phone masts.

Their prevalence in some online communities began before the coronavirus pandemic, gaining traction when they were discussed by former broadcaster and conspiracy theorist David Icke in 2018.

Fact-checking charity Full Fact have been unable to confirm theorists's claims that 5G was first rolled out in Wuhan, coronavirus's original epicentre. Scientists have further debunked claims that 5G phone masts spread the virus, whilst the World Health Organisation explains that "no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use".

Multiple mainstream news organisations have investigated these conspiracies, speaking to experts in health and technology, and undermining Holmes's claim that they "slapped down" such ideas without scrutiny.

The thousands of lives being lost to coronavirus are heartbreaking and it's understandable that people are desperate for answers. But chalking up scientific fact to the "state narrative" is unhelpful to everyone in such a difficult and unprecedented time.