Brendan Cole deletes face mask post but insists he's 'entitled to opinion'

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Brendan Cole has issued a statement after he came under fire for a controversial post about face masks.

The dancer shared a photo of face masks on Instagram, and questioned whether they are having an impact amid the coronvairus pandemic in the caption.

Many of his followers were left fuming, blasting him for sharing dangerous information which could harm others.

His post was flagged by Instagram, with the platform issuing a sign which read: ‘Independent fact-checkers say this information has no basis in fact.’

Brendan, who left Strictly in 2018, has since deleted his post, writing in a statement: ‘I have deleted the post that I reposted earlier as I am not in the business of causing offence to people and clearly it has p**sed many of you off.

‘I am entitled to my opinion on the subject but if I have offended you, for this I am sorry. If you are indeed upset by it, I do understand. I will point out that there is plenty of evidence on the contrary and it is up to each of us to believe what we believe.

‘I am doing as I am told and wearing but have the right to protest…or at least I used to!

‘We now see to be living in a world where we are not allowed different views and will simply abuse anyone who thinks differently. I will continue to believe in the information from many medical practitioners and professionals in the know and continue to believe that this has been the wrong way to handle things, not only regarding the info in the post but with the various measures put in place.

‘If you disagree with me, I will listen and debate but I will not abuse you for thinking differently.

‘My intention was not to offend, simply to have a voice. I wish you all well and hope that the many people who’s lives are in ruins because of the various measures put in place will stay strong and somehow recover [sic].’

Brendan, 44, had reposted a snap from Dr Joseph Mercola, which read: ‘The first randomised trial of more than 6,000 individuals to assess the effectiveness of surgical face masks against SARS-CoV-2 infection did not statistically significantly reduce the incident of infection.’

The health expert’s comment continued: ‘The so-called “Danmask-19 Trial”, published November 18, 2020, in the Annals of Internal Medicine, included 3,030 individuals assigned to wear a surgical face mask and 2,994 unmasked controls.’

There was a message from Instagram over the top, which stated that the post contained ‘false information’, and had been ‘reviewed by independent fact-checkers’.

A further sign said: ‘Independent fact-checkers say this information has no basis in fact.’

Face masks and coverings are vital in controlling the spread of coronavirus.

Government officials have stated that they are mandatory in some public areas, including shops, public transport and schools.

Metro.co.uk has contacted reps for Brendan Cole for further comment.

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