Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones ordered to stop peddling phony coronavirus cures by New York AG
Conspiracy theorist and far-right radio host Alex Jones was ordered by the New York attorney general to stop shilling phony coronavirus cures.
Attorney General Letitia James’ office sent Jones a cease-and-desist letter Thursday, calling his “latest mistruths” a “serious threat” to Americans’ well-being.
Jones has peddled colloidal silver-infused toothpaste, mouthwash, creams and dietary supplements, among a slew of other products, that he called a “stopgate” against the virus, according to a statement from the attorney general.
He also claimed, the statement said, that the federal government endorsed his toothpaste as a product that “kills the whole SARS-corona family at point blank range.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, colloidal silver may be dangerous – and no studies show its benefits as a treatment for any disease or condition, including COVID-19.
Fake coronavirus cures: Missouri attorney general files suit against 'Jim Bakker Show' over coronavirus 'cure'
This week: Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones charged with DWI in Texas
No treatment has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization to cure coronavirus. The National Institutes of Health says there is no scientific evidence to suggest alternative remedies can prevent or cure the illness.
“As the coronavirus continues to pose serious risks to public health, Alex Jones has spewed outright lies and has profited off of New Yorkers’ anxieties,” James said in a statement Thursday. “Any individual, company or entity that deceives the public and preys on innocent civilians will pay for their unlawful actions.”
As of Friday, the Infowars store featured a notice cautioning users that its products are "not for use in the cure, treatment, prevention or mitigation of any disease, including the novel coronavirus."
Jones, 46, was arrested Tuesday on a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated.
This isn’t the first time James’ office has fought an advertised coronavirus cure. Among other actions, the office ordered televangelist Jim Bakker to stop selling another product, also made with colloidal silver.
Contributing: The Associated Press
Follow Joshua Bote on Twitter: @joshua_bote.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Infowars' Alex Jones told to stop fake coronavirus cure by NY AG James
