Fact Check: "Dr. Robert Malone testified as a paid expert witness in an antitrust lawsuit over Merck’s measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, earning $350 per hour."
What We Know
Dr. Robert Malone has been identified as a controversial figure in vaccine discussions, particularly regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Recently, reports indicated that he was involved as a paid expert witness in an antitrust lawsuit concerning Merck’s measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. According to Bloomberg, Malone, along with another individual, was compensated for their expert testimony related to the vaccine. The exact hourly rate of $350 mentioned in the claim has been referenced in various discussions surrounding his role in the lawsuit, although specific documentation of this rate is not readily available in the sources.
Analysis
The claim that Dr. Malone testified as a paid expert witness and earned $350 per hour is partially supported by recent reports. The Bloomberg article confirms that Malone was indeed involved as a paid expert witness in the context of Merck's vaccine litigation. However, it does not explicitly verify the $350 per hour figure, which raises questions about the accuracy of that specific detail.
Additionally, the credibility of the sources reporting on Malone's involvement varies. While Bloomberg is a reputable news outlet, other sources discussing Malone's compensation may not provide the same level of reliability. For instance, the BioSpace article also discusses Malone's compensation but lacks detailed financial specifics.
Malone's reputation as a vaccine skeptic and his controversial views on vaccines may also color the perception of his involvement in such lawsuits. His role as an expert witness could be interpreted differently depending on the reader's stance on vaccines, which may introduce bias into how the information is presented.
Conclusion
Needs Research. While there is evidence that Dr. Robert Malone served as a paid expert witness in an antitrust lawsuit regarding Merck's MMR vaccine, the specific claim of him earning $350 per hour lacks direct verification from reliable sources. More comprehensive documentation or official statements would be necessary to substantiate the exact compensation details.
