Is Liam Neeson anti-vax? Actor responds to documentary backlash

Liam Neeson rejects anti-vax claims after documentary narration sparks criticism over vaccine misinformation

Liam Neeson is refuting claims that he is anti-vaccine following backlash surrounding his role as narrator in the upcoming documentary Plague of Corruption: 80 Years of Pharmaceutical Corruption Exposed. 

The film, directed by Michael Mazzola and based on the 2021 book of the same name, has drawn criticism for promoting vaccine skepticism and featuring discredited scientific claims. It also includes an interview with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and a known vaccine skeptic.

In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, Neeson’s representative emphasized that the actor “never has been, and is not, anti-vaccination.” The statement clarified that while the documentary examines corruption within the pharmaceutical industry, Neeson’s involvement does not signal agreement with any anti-vaccine messaging. “Corruption can exist in any industry, but that should never be conflated with opposition to vaccines,” the representative said, noting that Neeson did not influence the film’s editorial direction.

Clips from the documentary posted to social media have amplified concern, featuring disproven claims linking vaccines to autism and suggesting the polio vaccine contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Neeson’s narration is heard in several promotional segments, including one referencing the “politicization of science.”

Neeson’s long history of supporting vaccination efforts was also highlighted. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he has frequently advocated for global immunization campaigns. In 2022, he praised the success of vaccines in eradicating diseases such as polio, calling vaccination “one of the biggest collective achievements in human history.”

Variety has requested further comment from Neeson’s representative as discussion around the documentary continues.