© Getty Images

M.I.A. -

Musician M.I.A. revealed that she will no longer be involved with the GQ Men Of The Year Awards after the magazine cut ties with her over her controversial tweets about vaccines, NME reports. On October 13, the artist, whose real name is Mathangi Arulpragasam, shared a series of tweets that compared COVID-19 vaccines to Alex Jones’ reprehensible conspiracy theories about the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre, for which he was recently ordered to pay nearly US$1 billion in damages to the families of the victims he’d slandered for spreading falsehoods about the legitimacy of the shooting.

Arulpragasam asked that if Jones was to face consequences for his harmful lies, “shouldn’t every celebrity pushing vaccines pay too?” In a subsequent tweet she compared Jones’ misinformation to “Pfizer lying,” sharing a screenshot of her Twitter’s ‘trending’ page that showed an article about Jones’ trial next to one about the effect of vaccines on COVID transmission. She wrote, “if you have no critical thinking faculty, this is about as crazy as we should get before a nuclear war wipe out the human race [sic]”.

Her tweets went viral as most people called her out for making an absurd comparison and countered her comments with proof that vaccines are largely effective. Then she shared a message from a GQ rep who told her team that they were cancelling plans to collaborate with her “due to [the] controversial nature” of her “Twitter activity." In a caption shared with the screenshot, Arulpragasam wrote: “You print words for living [sic]. How do you judge man of the year when you don’t have balls?”

This isn't the first time M.I.A. has stirred backlash for her comments about vaccines, comments which she told The Guardian were rooted in the fact that “I know three people who have died from taking the vaccine and I know three people who have died from COVID," as she told the outlet. "This is in my life, in my experience. If anyone is going to deny that experience and gaslight me, saying: ‘No, that’s not your experience,’ then what is the point of anything?”

© Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers -

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has continuously made headlines over the past two years for his comments about COVID-19, the vaccine, and the NFL's pandemic mandates for their players. He spoke again about his infamous “I’m immunized” comment, revealing on 'The Joe Rogan Experience' podcast that he was intentionally misleading reporters. 

As his medical exemption had been denied by the NFL, Rodgers underwent an “immunization process through a holistic doctor,” telling Rogan he was uncomfortable taking the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and was allergic to an ingredient used in the Moderna and Pfizer, reports Sports Illustrated. He knew going into the memorable press conference in summer 2021 that he would be asked about his vaccine status, and told Rogan, “I’d been ready the entire time for this question and had thought about how I wanted to answer it. And I had come to the conclusion I’m gonna say, ‘I’ve been immunized.’ And if there’s a follow-up, then talk about my process."

“But, (I) thought there’s a possibility that I say ‘I’m immunized,’ maybe they understand what that means, maybe they don’t. Maybe they follow up. They didn’t follow up. So then I go the season (with) them thinking, some of them, that I was vaccinated," Rodgers said. That quickly became a problem when he contracted the virus, “And that’s when the s—storm hit," he added, "because now I’m a liar, I’m endangering the community, my teammates, all these people. And then, you know, attempted takedown of me and, you know, my word and my integrity began.”

© Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers -

Rodgers tested positive for the virus early in November 2021 and appeared on 'The Pat McAfee Show' on November 23. Rodgers said that he had no lingering symptoms except for "covid toe." Viewers were divided on whether this was a joke since there are no toe-related ailments listed as officially recognized side effects of covid-19, but the American Academy of Dermatology noted the possibility of "blisters, itch or pain" in that area. Rodgers was quick to clarify that he was not suffering from any condition called "covid toe." He addressed the confusion at a press conference and decided to put his bare foot on the table in front of the cameras so everyone could clearly see that his toes were just fine.

© Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers -

Prior to his infection, Rodgers resisted the NFL's policies and attempted to raise his antibody levels through homeopathic means to avoid getting the vaccine. Once he tested positive, he caused further uproar by revealing he was taking the discredited drug ivermectin as a treatment. To add insult to injury, he said that he was taking the drug after consulting with Joe Rogan, the controversial podcast host who has also gotten himself in trouble for spreading false information during the pandemic. 

© Getty Images

Bill Murray -

Bill Murray faced backlash after making controversial comments about the pandemic and safety measures. In an interview with The Independent about his concert film with celebrated cellist Jan Vogler, the pair spoke about how the show, which was shot in 2018, was like looking into a time capsule due to how carefree everyone was. But then Murray added, "We just went out with our friend to walk the dog, and you're wearing a mask, everyone's wearing a mask. The dog is the only one who's completely alive!"

He added, "He's living the dog's life. The rest of us are afraid to die, and afraid to kill, so we're masked up and we're injected, and so forth. It's the most challenging time of this life cycle for us." TMZ shared one Twitter user's response which sums up the backlash that ensued: "Bill Murray continuing to prove that old white guys really need to just stop talking. The dog is the only one that's 'truly alive' cos it's not wearing a mask? Really, Bill? Do you think shoes also mean we're dead, Bill?" 

© Getty Images

Evangeline Lilly -

'Ant-Man' actress Evangeline Lilly was rumored to have attended an anti-vaccine mandate protest in Washington D.C., and later took to Instagram to confirm. (This was the same rally where Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made an infamous speech comparing the modern-day US to Nazi Germany.) Lilly made a lengthy statement in which she expressed the opinion that no one should feel forced to get vaccinated, whether due to the risk of social alienation, loss of employment, loss of education, or any other kind of threat. The same day as her controversial post, her co-star David Dastmalchian, who plays Kurt in the 'Ant-Man' films, tweeted, "It's so unfortunate when people with a large platform use that platform to share irresponsible things." 'Shang-Chi' star Simu Liu also tweeted the same day as Lilly's post and wrote, "I lost my grandparents to COVID last year. They were still waiting for their vaccines. I'm fortunate to have been double-vaccinated and boosted when I got COVID 2 weeks ago. Felt like a cold." He continued, "The media needs to stop spotlighting opinions that are not rooted in facts or science."

© Getty Images

Evangeline Lilly -

"This is not safe. This is not healthy. This is not love. I understand the world is in fear, but I don’t believe that answering fear with force will fix our problems," Lilly wrote on Instagram. The actress previously came under fire for stating on social media that she was refusing to practice social distancing at the beginning of the pandemic. She compared COVID-19 to a respiratory flu and said she wouldn't be quarantining despite living with her father who was sick with cancer. She later apologized and said she was abiding by the rules. 

© Getty Images

Robert F. Kennedy Jr -

High-profile lawyer and member of the famous Kennedy family Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a public apology days after his infamous speech at an anti-vaccination mandate rally. He caused public outcry with the following comments: "Even in Hitler’s Germany, you could cross the Alps into Switzerland. You could hide in an attic like Anne Frank did." His sister, Kerry Kennedy, and his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, were quick to distance themselves and condemn his words.

© Getty Images 

Novak Djokovic -

Tennis champion Novak Djokovic stirred controversy at the Australian Border Force on January 5 with his application to be exempt from the COVID-19 vaccine as he arrived in the country to compete in the Australian Open, which he has won nine times in the past. He was detained upon arrival and his visa was canceled, and yet on January 10 a judge overturned the decision and released him from detention. However, it wasn't long before he was back in detention. In the interim, it was discovered that he incorrectly stated on his form that he hadn't traveled in the 14 days prior. He also admitted to meeting a journalist from L'Equipe after having received a positive PCR test result because he "didn't want to let the journalist down." He was subsequently deported. 

© Getty Images

Gal Gadot -

Nearly two years after the disastrous celebrity-filled 'Imagine' video went viral for how tone-deaf it was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizer Gal Gadot has finally admitted it was a mistake. As many remember, the video showed a roster of A-listers singing to John Lennon's famous song, and was heavily mocked as millionaires' response to a global crisis, singing "imagine no possessions" from their mansions. The 'Wonder Woman' star added, “It wasn’t the right timing, and it wasn’t the right thing. It was in poor taste. All pure intentions, but sometimes you don’t hit the bull’s-eye, right?”

© Getty Images

Denise Richards -

Actress and 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' alum Denise Richards posted a maskless selfie on Instagram telling her 1.4 million followers that she was on a plane and writing, "Anyone that is upset I [am] not wearing a mask I'm hiding under a hoody amd [sic] a huge winter coat. Please. Thicker than any mask!!" The strange refusal of CDC guidelines was naturally slammed online by viewers who wondered why she even had to reveal that she was on a plane since it was not visible in the photo. Apparently Richards, who has been seen wearing masks in the past, quickly realized how terrible of an idea the post was, and a source told People, "Denise realized it wasn't the right thing to do to post the picture. In reality, she wore her mask the entire time except when she was taking sips of water. She believes in masks, and she really does follow the rules." Another added, that Richards is "not one of those people who is anti-masks. The way she handled it was strange, posting the photo. She's ready to admit she was an idiot to post the photo!"

© Getty Images

Matthew McConaughey -

Shortly after the CDC approved the use of certain vaccines for children aged 5-11, McConaughey said in an interview that he doesn't think vaccines should be mandated for children that young. The actor is fully vaccinated himself, but is holding off on vaccinating his three children who are ages 13, 11, and 8. He believes that vaccination should be a matter of choice, saying "I'm vaccinated. My wife's vaccinated. I didn't do it because someone told me I had to — [I] chose to do it." He clarified that he's not an anti-vaxxer and that he doesn't believe in any conspiracy theories. When it comes to vaccinating young children, he said "I still want to find out more information." While McConaughey's stance is far from being the most controversial celebrity take on the vaccine, it has certainly inspired a lively debate.

© Getty Images

Kyrie Irving -

After Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving refused to get vaccinated, his team announced on October 12 that he is not permitted to play or practice with the team unless he changes his mind. On October 24, protesters supporting Irving swarmed Barclays Center in Brooklyn before the team's home opener holding signs that read "Stand with Kyrie," while chanting "No vaccine mandate, stand with Kyrie." At one point,  a group of protesters reportedly breached barricades and reached the arena's front entrance, and a reporter tweeted that the building briefly went into lockdown. When New York City had announced that anyone over the age of 12 entering a "covered premises" must prove they have received the coronavirus vaccine, Irving went on Instagram Live to express his feelings: "I'm staying grounded in what I believe in. It's not about being anti-vax or about being on one side or the other. It's about being true to what feels good for me." 

© Getty Images

Evander Kane -

Controversial NHL player Evander Kane was caught using a fake Covid-19 vaccine card, which is not only against the rules of the NHL, but also illegal. On October 18 the San Jose Sharks forward was suspended for 21 games without pay by the NHL for an "established violation" of the NHL/NHLPA COVID-19 protocol. The money he'll forfeit will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund. "I would like to apologize to my teammates, the San Jose Sharks organization, and all Sharks fans for violating the NHL COVID protocols," said Kane in a statement, per ESPN. "I made a mistake, one I sincerely regret and take responsibility for. During my suspension, I will continue to participate in counseling to help me make better decisions in the future. When my suspension is over, I plan to return to the ice with great effort, determination, and love for the game of hockey."

© Getty Images

Eric Clapton -

Eric Clapton has made his anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine sentiments clear. But Rolling Stone revealed he also put his money where his mouth is. Jam for Freedom is a group of UK musicians that plays free shows in public, spreading their anti-lockdown sentiments and singing lyrics like “You can stick your poison vaccine up your a***," and occasionally getting in trouble with the police. Their car, used to transport gear, was in an accident, so they set up a GoFundMe page to pay for transportation, gas, and legal fees. They certainly weren't expecting a £1,000 (US$1,362) donation from Eric Clapton. Clapton sent them a message complimenting their work, Jam for Freedom founder Caleb McLaughlin said, and on the phone the rock star reportedly offered his family’s VW Transporter van as a temporary replacement for the group's vehicle. He also apparently gave them money to buy a new van, ensuring that the group will be able to continue spewing their message across the UK. 

© Getty Images

Nicki Minaj -

Nicki Minaj didn't show up for the 2021 Met Gala because "they want you to get vaccinated for the Met. if I get vaccinated it won’t for the Met. It’ll be once I feel I’ve done enough research. I’m working on that now." That comment might've been fair enough, but then she shared an anecdote that her cousin told her about a friend who got the vaccine and "became impotent." This has all led to claims she is scaring her fan base off getting vaccinated, and spreading misinformation about the vaccine itself. 

© Getty Images

Carrie Underwood's Twitter controversy -

Carrie Underwood came under fire after a sharp-eyed fan noticed she liked a tweet from a far-right anti-masker. Matt Walsh is an extreme and outspoken individual who claims that obliging children to wear masks is equal to child abuse. Underwood liked a tweet where he had posted a video sharing these views.

© Getty Images

Chet Hanks' tone-deaf comments -

Chet Hanks, son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, stirred up controversy online when he posted a video in which he first calmly states the logical reasons why we should be getting vaccinated. "PSYCH, b—h!" he suddenly shouted. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I never had COVID. Ya ain't sticking me with that motherf—king needle." He then falsely claimed that COVID-19 is "the motherf—king flu," adding, "Get over it, okay? If you're sick, stay inside. Okay, why we working around y'all? If you're in danger, stay your a— inside. I'm tired of wearing a motherf—king mask." Many were quick to point out that more than 617,000 Americans have died after contracting the coronavirus, and many others asked if his parents, who famously had COVID-19, approved of this message. 

© Getty Images

The Offspring's Pete Parada gets kicked out -

The Offspring, a band known for their hits like 'The Kids Aren't Alright' and 'Gone Away,' have ousted their drummer Pete Parada after he refused to get the the COVID vaccine, reportedly due to his history with Guillain-Barré Syndrome. According to Variety, he's being replaced on tour and he's been told not to come to the studio, and Parada himself has made comments about “find(ing) a new way forward,” which suggest he may not return. He explained on Instagram that he's had COVID before and believes he has antibodies, and he supports those against the vaccine. "I have no negative feelings towards my band," he wrote. "They’re doing what they believe is best for them, while I am doing the same." His further comments about "coercion" by "those with the most power" to get people to take the vaccine have stirred some controversy.

© Getty Images

Eric Clapton pumps the brakes -

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that proof of vaccination will be required for customers to enter nightclubs and music venues. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Eric Clapton was quick to respond, stating that he refuses to play concerts under these conditions: “I wish to say that I will not perform on any stage where there is a discriminated audience present. Unless there is provision made for all people to attend, I reserve the right to cancel the show.” Clapton has previously expressed anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine sentiments that caused some controversy.

© Getty Images 

Joe Rogan on vaccines -

Joe Rogan's podcast on Spotify reaches millions of listeners. In an April episode, he made controversial comments about the coronavirus vaccine, saying he didn’t think that young healthy people needed to be vaccinated. Health experts were quick to criticize his false theory and he later apologized, calling himself a moron and clarifying that he’s not an anti-vaxxer.

Back in 2020, Rogan went so far as to brag about getting multiple coronavirus tests, two for himself in the same week, and one for each of his podcast guests. "I'm just going to test myself every three or four days. F— it," Rogan said, even after testing negative twice. The US was experiencing a shortage of tests for the virus, and he was called out for abusing his privilege.

© Getty Images

Bruce Willis' pharmacy fit -

Bruce Willis was asked to leave a pharmacy after "refusing" to wear a mask, a source told Page Six. The actor reportedly had a bandana around his neck that he could have easily lifted, but instead he chose to the leave the Rite Aid. What's more, the pharmacy is in Los Angeles—the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis in California.

© Getty Images

Kim Kardashian and co. -

Dr. Anthony Fauci revealed that Kim K organized a private Zoom call with him and 36 other A-listers in the early days of the pandemic. According to CNN, the virtual meeting with the US infectious diseases expert also included stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Orlando Bloom, and Katy Perry. Fauci felt these stars could reach many more people than he could with the accurate information, and yet, many Twitter users have pointed out, Kim K has been a repeat offender during the pandemic.

© Getty Images

Kim Kardashian's birthday party -

After posting her birthday photos, of her friends and family on a private island amid the pandemic, Twitter had a field day mocking Kim's caption, which read: “After 2 weeks of multiple health screens and asking everyone to quarantine, I surprised my closest inner circle with a trip to a private island where we could pretend things were normal just for a brief moment in time,” she shared, adding a description of all the fun things they did and acknowledging that "this is something that is so far out of reach right now, so in moments like these, I am humbly reminded of how privileged my life is." Twitter users mocked her tone-deaf concept of "normal."

© Getty Images

Alyssa Milano's questionable masks -

On May 23, Alyssa Milano posted a photo of her family wearing masks with the caption, "Masks keep people safe and healthy. Show me yours! Ready? Go! #WearAMask," which would have been fine if her mask didn't seem to be crocheted and sporting many, many holes. Naturally, Twitter had a lot of fun criticizing her, but the actress eventually wrote back, “A–holes, mask has a carbon filter in it. So, yes, it might be crochet but totally safe." Touché!

© Getty Images

Bryan Adams' insensitive rant -

On May 11, the Canadian singer posted a video of himself singing his hit 'Cuts Like a Knife,' which was all fine until he went on an angry rant after his concerts were canceled due to the pandemic. "Thanks to some f—ing bat eating, wet market animal selling, virus making greedy bast–rds, the whole world is now on hold, not to mention the thousands that have suffered or died from this virus," he wrote.

© Getty Images

Madonna's general behavior -

She already had some previous controversial thoughts about coronavirus, and after testing positive for antibodies, Madonna said she's going to go for a long drive and "breathe in the COVID-19 air." Some say it's performance art, many more say they're not a fan.

© Getty Images

Gal Gadot's second failure -

After initiating the highly criticized celebrity rendition of 'Imagine,' which you'll see later in this gallery, the actress was spotted ignoring social distancing guidelines, hugging friends and not wearing a mask, on her birthday.

© Getty Images

Ellen DeGeneres's unfortunate comparison -

When the talk show host joked that quarantine for her was "like being in jail," people were quick to point out that her lavish mansion was nothing like a prison, especially since real inmates were at increased risk of coronavirus.

© Getty Images

Singing 'Imagine' -

Gal Gadot invited friends like Natalie Portman, Will Ferrell, Jamie Dornan, Zoë Kravitz, Kristen Wiig, James Marsden, Kaia Gerber, Sia, Amy Adams, Mark Ruffalo, Ashley Benson, and more to sing John Lennon's 'Imagine.'

© Getty Images

Singing 'Imagine' -

The public response was overwhelmingly negative, with people mocking these millionaires for their literally and figuratively tone-deaf response to a global crisis. Many pointed out the irony of rich people singing "imagine no possessions" from their mansions.

© Getty Images

Vanessa Hudgens's nihilism - In an Instagram Live video, the actress said quarantining until July is "a bunch of bulls—" and added, "Yeah, people are gonna die, which is terrible, but, like... inevitable?"

© Getty Images

Evangeline Lilly refusing social distancing -

After the pandemic was announced and lockdowns began, the actress decided to post about how she was still taking her kids to gymnastics and how everything was "business as usual."

© Getty Images

Evangeline Lilly refusing social distancing -

"Some people value their lives over freedom, some people value freedom over their lives," she wrote. "We all make our choices." She has, however, since apologized.

© Getty Images

Arnold Schwarzenegger's lavish PSA - The star told his followers to stop going outside and start social distancing while he sat in his Jacuzzi, enjoying a cigar.

© Getty Images

Arnold Schwarzenegger's lavish PSA - Some Twitter users did not react well, commenting that it's quite easy to say that when your livelihood isn't on the line. To be fair, the actor has donated quite a lot to those affected by the virus.

© BrunoPress

Kim Kardashian's mistaken idea of distancing - Kim K posted a video telling her followers to take social distancing seriously, even though she invited her mom over to her house. To make it worse, Kris Jenner encouraged everyone to get outside and boasted about how happy it made her to visit her daughter.

© Getty Images

Sia's questionable contribution -

The singer posted a photo of the word "virus" but with the first three letters crossed out, which deeply confused everyone and inspired many parodies.

© Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra clapping for an empty yard -

The star posted a video of herself clapping from her balcony, as people around the world are doing to honor first responders. But her claps were received by an enormous and entirely empty yard. One user called the now-deleted video "simply a comedic masterpiece."

© Getty Images

Sam Smith's breakdown -

The singer shared emotional snaps of their "quarantine meltdown" to Instagram, after admitting they have been "bored s—tless" during the health crisis, and sympathy was not included in the overwhelming response.

© Getty Images

Sam Smith's breakdown -

Many pointed out the fact that Smith was sharing these photos from their US$14 million, five-bedroom home in London.

© BrunoPress

Celebrities taking coronavirus tests without symptoms -

The tests are in short supply and people with symptoms, even medical workers, are struggling to get tested, but stars like Idris Elba, Heidi Klum, and Kris Jenner are getting them without having had any symptoms. Only Elba of those three turned out positive.

© Getty Images

Idris Elba's wife's test -

Elba's wife, model Sabrina Dhowre Elba, knew her husband tested positive, then chose not to isolate from him, and took another test for herself. Of course, she tested positive.

© Getty Images

Lionel Richie had an unoriginal idea - The singer proposed a remake of the 1985 hit 'We Are the World' to raise funds for COVID-19 relief efforts, and while this idea at least aimed to raise money, many wondered why rich celebrities like him didn't just donate themselves.

© Getty Images

Madonna called coronavirus "the great equalizer" -

She spoke about how COVID-19 "doesn't care about how rich you are, how famous you are," and added: "It's the great equalizer and what's terrible about it is what's great about it."

© Getty Images

Madonna called coronavirus "the great equalizer" - The kicker was that as she spoke about all being equal and in the same boat, she sat in a luxurious milky bath dotted with rose petals. Many were offended she compared her experience to people losing their income, living off the bare minimum, and actually battling the virus.

© Getty Images

Elon Musk strikes twice -

On March 6, the tech mogul tweeted, "The coronavirus panic is dumb," and then on March 15 he added, "Fear is the mind-killer." Naturally, many disagreed.

© Getty Images

J.Lo's quarantine videos - After posting a video of her backyard, many pointed out that her house uncannily resembles the rich family's estate from Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite.'

© Getty Images

Jaime King thanking the virus - The actress shared a now-deleted video to her Instagram, originally created by Riya Sokol, thanking the coronavirus for various reasons, including the opportunity for people to analyze their priorities, slow down, and work together.

© Getty Images

Jaime King thanking the virus -

The comments targeted this privileged outlook, and one user wrote that it shouldn't take a pandemic for people to realize the toll they're taking on the planet.

© Getty Images

Drake's claustrophobic quarantine -

The rapper documented his quarantine experience on Instagram, writing "My life for the next however long," accompanied with a video of his private full-size basketball court.

© Getty Images

Jennifer Aniston's not-so-relatable quarantine content -

The actress posted a picture of her dog having "deep quarantine thoughts" while simultaneously showing off her stunning patio.

© Getty Images

Jennifer Aniston's not-so-relatable quarantine content -

Just for reference, this is her house.

© BrunoPress

Bella Hadid's bold service -

The model told her Instagram followers to stay inside while she ate a burrito topless in her beautiful country home.

© Getty Images

Kylie Jenner's not-so-equal comparison -

The star posted on Instagram about her quarantine, saying that staying in the house for months when she was pregnant prepared her for quarantine.

© Getty Images

Kylie Jenner's not-so-equal comparison -

Many commenters argued that firstly, those two things aren't the same, and that it was, in fact, money and her enormous house that prepared her for a comfortable quarantine.

© BrunoPress

Katy Perry's fake video -

The pop star re-posted a video of Italians in lockdown singing her song 'Roar' from their balconies, and wrote, "You cannot break the human spirit. We are one in this." It turned out the video was fake.

See also: The best lessons we can learn from social isolation

© Getty Images