[VIDÉO] Actor Mel Gibson controversy: Ivermectin, a fake cancer cure gone viral

Public health experts are sounding the alarm over fake cancer treatments that have no scientific validity and have infamously gone viral on the web because of an interview with American actor Mel Gibson.

• Also read: United States: seven doctors promoting a false cure for COVID-19 tested positive

“I have three friends, all three had stage 4 cancer. All three of them are cancer free now and they had serious problems,” Gibson said in a video broadcast on January 9 on the popular podcast by comedian Joe Rogan, known for spreading conspiracy theories.

In this sequence seen more than seven million times on YouTube, the 69-year-old actor claims that his loved ones were cured of the disease by taking ivermectin. It is a drug given to animals, such as cows or hair, to fight intestinal parasites.

“Nothing in the scientific literature supports that ivermectin cures cancer, this is completely false and dangerous. There are a few exploratory or preclinical studies that have looked at the drug to treat the disease, but there is no data to prove that ivermectin cures cancer. Journal Kevin L’Espérance, doctor in public health and epidemiology.

Dangerous false hopes

The Canadian Cancer Society was quick to denounce Mel Gibson’s false information in a long publication on social networks. The latter, among other things, argued in the controversial podcast that fenbendazole, another antiparasitic agent used in medicine veterinarian, would have made it possible to treat his cancer-stricken relatives.

“Such misinformation is dangerous, cruel and irresponsible, and gives false hope to people with cancer and their loved ones. […] The medications mentioned in the podcast are being studied, but additional research is needed to determine their effectiveness and safety,” explains Isabelle Girard, director of communications for Quebec at the Canadian Cancer Society.

Kevin L’Espérance, who is also a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University, fears that we will see cancer patients who will forgo their treatment in traditional medicine and who will choose to follow the actor’s “false miracle solution.”

“Mel Gibson is an authority because he’s a public figure and some people want to believe in that simple solution. On the other hand, these comments are degrading to researchers who invest a lot of time and money to cure cancer. […] Patients should especially consult their doctor before taking any medication,” suggests the public health specialist.

Several Quebecers poisoned

According to the Quebec Poison Control Center (CAPQ), nearly twenty people have been poisoned with ivermectin in the province since 2020.

“Note that these are mainly accidental exposures to veterinary products, therapeutic errors or self-medication in the context of COVID-19. None of these cases is linked to cancer treatment,” specifies Mariane Lajoie, spokesperson for the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale.

An increase in cases was noted in 2022 (9 poisonings) and 2023 (10 poisonings). The Journal has also found dozens of testimonials from Quebecers wanting to obtain this medication online, in recent days, after listening to Mel Gibson.

Remember that ivermectin was falsely presented in 2021 as a cure for COVID-19. This hypothesis had no scientific basis, just like the misinformation surrounding the drug to cure cancer in 2025.

Number of people poisoned by ivermectin in Quebec:

• 2020: Less than 5 cases
• 2021: Less than 5 cases
• 2022: 9 cas
• 2023: 10 cas
• 2024: Less than 5 cases

Source: Quebec Poison Center