The Big Lie: How One Doctor’s Medical Fraud Launched Today’s Deadly Anti-Vax Movement

by Kurt Eichenwald

Set against the backdrop of a global pandemic and growing conspiracies aimed at so-called fake news and false science, The Big Lie takes an unsparing, inside look at the fraudulent doctor who’s lies gave birth to the dangerous-and escalating-war on vaccines. A timely, cautionary tale on how deceit and misinformation can lead to distrust, public panic and even death.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, History, Science, Medicine, Health, Research

187 pages, ebook

Published April 20, 2021

Reviews

[Brian Deer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm shocked by what Kurt Eichenwald has done. He has plagiarized my investigation of Andrew Wakefield, using material he found on my website and in disclosures I made in a lawsuit.

He falsely claims that his book is based on scores of interviews and then covers up the falsity of this with the bizzare claim that to identify the purported sources would reveal others who he can't disclose. I've never heard such a preposterous argument. I spent fifteen years on my investigation, know all the sources, and know that there is nobody hiding their identity in the Wakefield matter.

Mr Eichenwald also claims that he's drawn on a mass of documents. This is true. They were my documents that I filed in court and published on my website.

I can tell you that Kurt Eichenwald found out nothing about Andrew Wakefield that he didn't take from my work. Yes, he credits me in his book, but he does so in a way that would make you think he was standing on my shoulders, seeing futher, with insights and information of his own. This simply isn't true. He's simply got a flat precis - a kind of Readers' Digest compression - of what I've published, but without acknowledging this.

If you want to know the Wakefield story, you'll find it in my book The Doctor Who Fooled the World: https://briandeer.com/doctor-who-fool... Mr Eichenwald claims he's never read it. This isn't true.

I'm utterly astonished by what he's done. This is Jayson Blair stuff. It's truly shocking. What he has done is a pale shadow of the Wakefield story, which he has skimmed and pretended to have done the work himself, when the entire exposure of Wakefield was my journalism, summarised at https://briandeer.com/mmr/lancet-summ...

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5*

Vaccinate your damn kids.

[Tim Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read (well, listened in this case) to this book out of spite.

I know that's stupid. But I read the reviews on Scribd, and they were split between high ratings from people who seem to have read it, and one star ratings from those who almost certainly hadn't.

So to spite the conspiracy theory spouting, angry one star spewing crowd, I decided to pick it up.

It is a good analysis into this Wakefield guy and the history on the latest edition of the anti-vaccine hoopla. I really like how he steps through the history, laying out who knew what and when.

I completely understand why people who buy Wakefield's "MMR = Autism" theory. My son has autism, and it can be hard. He's now 11 years old, and even yesterday he shattered a mirror in frustration because we didn't add his Nintendo account to the new Switch we got RIGHT IN THAT VERY INSTANT. To see a boy who is clearly intellectually intelligent being held back by his inability to find the least amount of patience is extremely frustrating.

In a way, we're lucky. We can point to a cause of his behavior: premature birth with Level 3 & 4 Interventricular Hemorrhaging at birth that the doctors only gave him about a 25% chance of NOT being wheelchair bound and virtually nonresponsive his whole life. The fact that he does as well as he does is nothing short of a miracle.

If he had these same issues with a typical birth, we likely would have spent years and years desperately trying to find a reason, not even to mention a solution.

Enter men like Wakefield, who have the right credentials (at the time) and give an explanation that sounds reasonable, even if it's based on nothing but handwaving, unethical tests, and invalidated results.

While it was discussing Wakefield, it make me think of Never Split the Difference, the negotiating book I recently read. One section of that book mentions how the person across the table isn't crazy, even if the demands seem that way. They likely just have different information than you have, which may or may not be correct.

I couldn't help wondering what's going through Wakefield's mind through all of these. We have his public statements and comments, and he seems like a zealot with a mission. Like the saying goes, you can't reason someone out of an argument they haven't been reasoned into. So is that what it is? Is that why he ignores all the issues from his own team? It seems unlikely it was a hope for fame and money from the start, but I suppose to it be that, too, though it's not like in the early part of his research he couldn't have taken his early renown and started researching more promising avenues. We don't get those answers, and, unfortunately, it's unlikely that Wakefield will ever go on record with someone who will be able to get those kinds of answers.

Also, I have a complaint about the introduction. The book begins by linking Wakefield's "research" to the far right's view on science today. While there's clearly something to that, it was definitely a bridge to far, especially since the book doesn't do the work later on to build that bridge. My concern is not whether or not that point is valid, but that the intro will push away people who might otherwise be willing to hear the argument about the anti-vax problem. Especially considering that anti-vaccine belief is hardly a single party issue. It could have taken that moment to urge everyone to challenge some of their pseudo-science beliefs, but instead risks giving one side a free pass and the other side an excuse to pass on digging more into the information.

The actual reporting piece, though, was top notch.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an INFURIATING read about how one man started the anti-vax movement based on lies, and in order to enrich himself. It is very well done, but MAN am I angry after listening to it. I wish the anti-vaxxers (who are out in force post-COVID) would read this and see the complete lack of any data actually showing a causal connection between vaccines and autism.

[Ginger Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Andrew Wakefield, whose fraudulent study linking childhood vaccines to autism fueled much of today's anti-vaccine movement. Wakefield has been stricken from the UK medical register (meaning he lost his license to practice medicine) and _The Lancet_ has long since retracted the article that brought him to public notice. Multiple studies have found no link between vaccines and autism.

Nonetheless, Wakefield has become a hero to anti-vaxxers and has re-emerged in the past year to claim that COVID-19 is "no worse than the flu." The 3 million-plus people who have died from it so far, and the many others who have suffered its long-term effects, would probably disagree with him.

Other books have been published about Wakefield. This one has the virtue of being a short, quick read.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough examination and analysis of Andrew Wakefield and his spurious and damaging claims that the MMR vaccine caused autism. Meticulously researched, and clearly and accessibly written, the book is an all too frightening reminder of just how many people chose to so gullible and how, as Covid has shown, often still choose to be. I found the book so alarming about how such a fraud could have been allowed to continue for so long, and that in fact Wakefield still has his followers. A chilling thought. Compelling and important reading, and certainly one that all medical practitioners and researchers should read.

[Mohamed Qasem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew about Wakefield, and his including of misleading data in his research, but I had no idea the lie went this deep. This book sheds light on things most articles do not, Wakefield's behavior towards results, intentionally fabricating them, hiding them, and profiting from them.

Dishonesty wasn't about the results only, but it was an integral part of his behavior throughout. Wakefield not only mislead the general public, but he also mislead his team. It reminds me of the story of Theranos.

This book should be turned into a movie.

[Sally Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a long article than a book; I remember the MMR safety debate well and I know one parent who elected to have 3 separate vaccines as opposed to the combined vaccine. I am not convinced that Andrew Wakefield is actually evil just narcissistic and convinced in his own theory/belief despite being unable to establish any correlation with his hypothesis and scientific findings. This book is very much anti him and I think without doubt he has caused great harm. It is tragic that we do not know what causes autism nor how to support the children and their families - every case is different and whilst our knowledge improves there is no specific manual. The media also has to take some responsibility for lauding Andrew Wakefield and then when his research was found to be fraudulent they have not exposed him with the same vigour. Everyone is entitled to make their own choices but in vaccination decisions it should be a balanced/ informed decision and not swayed by charismatic orators.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is absolutely infuriating. The Big Lie talks about the doctor that really lit the fire for the anti-vax movement. He had so much bias and conflict of interest in his studies, even his results were altered to show what he wanted. My interpretation- “After he became the laughing stock of London he thought ‘Aw yes I will go to America and they will believe me.’”

rating a 4 and interested in more books on the topic.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read. Using narrative format of the history behind the "studies" linking vaccines and autism, this book blows them wide open and shows the frankly horrifying consequences of unethical research, bad medical practice, blatant conflicts of interest, and outright lying in the field of science.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting. I knew bits and pieces of this story but was fascinated to learn the full scope.

[Camilla Leurs · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a difficult book to get through because it's so incredibly frustrating to realise the anti vaxxer state we find ourselves in now is purely based on one man's ego and desire to gain fame and acclaim. I was vaguely aware of the fraud behind the movement but to have all the facts laid bare and to have first hand accounts of the lies, conflicts and fabrications was awful to learn. I do hope more people read this and even more see reason. Before it's too late and we undo all the work we have done for global health.

[Salam Kabbani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Scribd original and it seems like that is the only place you can access the audio and print versions. My friends get your Scribd on and listen to the true story of Andrew Wakefield a literal scum bag who projected so many fallacies into the world (which he was financially compensated for by the way) that resulted in many children not receiving their MMR vaccines, increased measles outbreaks, and oh yeah absolutely no decrease in autism rates. He is responsible for one of the biggest anti-vaxxer movements in this century, and despite everything that was proven against him he is actively advocating against the COVID vaccine. It is a shame that a medical degree was wasted on such an anti-humanitarian, but more importantly, this accurate representation of his story and the alleged link between vaccines and autism is so important to read because facts are our only hope to continue our fight against diseases and our support for vaccinations.

[Maxytiff · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to hear what actually happened....if this is what happened. I don't doubt the events, only this book was written from one perspective only.

[Gregory Eakins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Big Lie is a great summary of the origin of the whole, "vaccines cause autism" claim.

This story centers almost entirely around Andrew Wakefield, a physician who was conducting research on a link between measles and Crohn's disease. Eventually the MMR vaccine and autistic kids got roped into the endeavor and, due to a complete lack of ethics and a single minded push to confirm a conclusion, Wakefield managed to turn an absurdly small amount of biased data into a worldwide movement.

Most of us know generally where this claim came from - some iffy and unreproducible study in the late 90's with an n=12. This story expands on that a bit and reveals just how biased and deluded the author behind that paper was.

The tale is extremely repetitive, though probably not by much fault of the author. Wakefield just seemed to deceive and defraud people over and over and got away with it for a surprisingly long time.

While this look at the origin of some of the vaccine mistrust out there won't convert anyone from their views, those curious about the story will be able to gain a more nuanced view of the matter.

[Derek Kreider · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this four stars because it is definitely an informative piece, but it's also a good piece for an investigative piece. It doesn't draw out the story, but it provides all the pertinent information, and it does so in an engaging way. It was an easy piece to work through.

When it comes to these sorts of pieces on controversial, conspiratorial issues, I'm always skeptical of a work on either side as being dismissive of the other side without grounded justification. However, Eichenwald lays out a very clear case using well-documented interviews, press conferences, etc. I also did some digging on Eichenwald and he not only has quality credentials and peer-reviewed journalism, but he has also done several pieces on other corporate conspiracies. What's interesting about those is that he comes down on the side against big business and their manipulation. So to frame Eichenwald as a big business, journalistic hack like a lot of the reviews on SCRIBD did is just insane.

[Deirdre Clancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sets out the sequence of events that led to Andrew Wakefield becoming a renegade doctor who ultimately took refuge in the US, a career path common to people who have been exposed as frauds in the UK and Ireland. It is a matter-of-fact account, but the facts alone are quite damning. His career as a medical researcher was rife with conflicts of interest and half-baked studies that did not stand up to scrutiny. These studies involved invasive procedures on children who were already experiencing medical problems and were in distress.

We now know that children have died of measles because of the harmful misinformation he helped spread about a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. He has made millions as an anti-vaccine public speaker in the US, where he eventually left his wife of three decades to shack up with fellow anti-vaccine campaigner and former model, Elle Macpherson.

A well-written and informative account of a deeply questionable man.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, but very informative read. This is an accessible account of how Andrew Wakefield sparked the MMR vaccine panic through various nefarious means such as inventing evidence and performing unnecessary, unethical tests on young children with autism in an attempt to prove his theories. Absolutely shocking how he is still making money from this, especially at the moment. Some meticulous research went into this.

[Shiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my wonderment of what would cause seemingly smart and educated people to question science and the efficacy of vaccines to protect themselves and their family I chanced on this book. Loved it. It also left me pondering on how we counter misinformation especially in this age and have a forum to debate, discuss and then agree based on facts and logic

[DVA · Rating 1 out of 5]

A case study of emotive conjugation.

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to listen too. I enjoyed the naration and how accessible the book is. Id like to see how the information was visualy show in a book version and the ressources at one point.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lesson of the story: when you have been proven a liar, get louder and find a new, hopefully more pliable audience, and request donations to get rich quick.

[Shawne Seignious · Rating 1 out of 5]

Infuriating book! Infuriatingly narcissist man...

[Leigh Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[David Dietrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and disturbing book.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

The journalistic piece was well done and succinct. However, the clear political bias that I happen to lean towards is frustrating to read. This could not be used as a persuasive text for that reason.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

simple minds need simple stories. complex events have a single point of failure. the rest is a chorus hating on Emmanuel Goldstein.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good compilation of information on how studies can be twisted to what you want and why double blind studies and studies from different angles are needed.

[Christopher Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subtitle: How One Doctor’s Medical Fraud Launched Today’s Deadly Anti-Vax Movement

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

The current controversy stirred up by opponents of the Covid-19 vaccine has brought the anti-vax movement to the forefront of political and medical discussion. What most people don’t know is that most of today’s anti-vaxxer movement can be attributed to the bogus results of the fraudulent medical research study in the late 1990s.


The Big Lie tells the story of Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a British doctor who became so convinced of a link between MMR vaccinations for children and the development of autism in those children that he committed multiple medical-ethics violations. Eichenwald presents a damning case again Wakefield, who eventually lost the ability to practice medicine in the U.K., and would up in the United States, where he and his anti-vax lies were embraced by Donald Trump and the American right wing. Wakefield also became involved in the Covid-19 crisis (I bet you can probably guess which side of that debate he took).

I gave The Big Lie five stars on Goodreads. It was a quick read, and while entertaining might not be an appropriate word to describe it, it was certainly not boring. Wakefield’s case is proof of how much farther and faster lies spread than truth does.

[lucy♡]

The case of Andrew Wakefield, the fraud who claimed vaccines cause autism, fueling the deadly anti-vax movement that is so relevant today.

Following his initial hypothesis to the conclusion of his paper being retracted and being completely struck off the medical registrar, this is a mistake that will haunt people for years to come, causing more deaths from preventable illnesses (such as: measles, mumps, rubella) than ever before.

It is also worth mentioning the ableism that is clear throughout this entire study? Autism is not a death sentence, it is not a disease, it is not something to be ashamed about, the fact parents would rather allow their children to die slow and painful deaths from something easily treated than risk them 'getting' autism (which is not possible, the injection of a dead pathogen cannot rewire your brain) is shocking and so, so disgusting.

It's 2021, people, let's stop acting if autistic people are another breed.

Besides that, if you're interested in understanding this case in detail, this book was extremely informative and concise, explaining everything that happened and the dire consequences that followed.