"But it's horse dewormer- the science!" - Internet divided as Mel Gibson claims Ivermectin cured friend’s cancer in Joe Rogan podcast

Mel Gibson’s recent claims during his appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast that ivermectin cured his friend’s cancer have sparked a significant debate and division on the internet.

During an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast on Thursday, January 9, 2025, Gibson claimed how three of his friends were diagnosed with stage four cancer and were cured after taking ivermectin.

Rogan agrees with his statement and the two further discuss how studies have proven that Methylene blue, a textile dye “has profound effects on your mitochondria.” Rogan later questions the medical institutions for suppressing the potential drugs that could cure cancer.

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However, according to a 2023 fact-checking report by AP, none of the studies performed by the experts demonstrated that Ivermectin is a cure for cancer. Instead, it is an approved antiparasitic drug used to deworm livestock.

A statement issued by The National Cancer Institute said, that it

“disseminates evidence-based, scientifically accurate information about cancer to the public. It does not appear from a search of our resources that the NCI maintains any information supporting the claim that ivermectin is a ‘cure for cancer.’”

Mel Gibson’s recent claims about using ivermectin as a cancer cure have left netizens divided on the internet.

How are netizens reacting to the claims made by Mel Gibson in the Joe Rogan podcast?

People on the internet have given mixed reactions to Mel Gibson’s claims regarding a cancer cure in the recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. Some have mocked the actor for making an invalid statement as the drug has been largely used as a “horse dewormer.”

“But, but it's horse dewormer- the science!” One user said.

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“Stock up if you haven’t already.” Another mocked Gibson.

"I can’t take you serious if you listen to Mel Gibson podcast." A user wrote.

“This clown wears a NASA shirt and y’all believe him and his guests. Controlled op, just like everyone else.” Someone mocked Joe Rogan.

Some sided with Gibson and believed that there could be a possibility of a cancer cure.

“I believe that and they ar hoping to hid this information I guarantee it. You know how much they make of cancer patients going through chemo.” One wrote.

“Mel Gibson's right. alternative treatments like Ivermectin deserve a closer look. Big Pharma’s grip is real!” Someone else commented.

“I’ve heard similar reports. Wonder drug.” One more agreed.

“Wow. I took Ivermectin. Works against Covid. For me anyways #zelena” A user said.

“@LeadingReport Wow, that's incredible news Mel Gibson sharing his friends' remarkable recoveries from stage four cancer after taking Ivermectin is a testament to the potential of this treatment. It's time to explore alternative therapies and give hope to those battling cancer. God bless Mel for speaking out.” A person tweeted on X.

How did Ivermectin go viral as a cancer cure?

Social media has played a significant role in spreading the idea that cancer can be treated with ivermectin. According to a report in AP, the drug went viral when a false Facebook video peddled a story that suggested ivermectin, which was earlier labeled as an unproven treatment for COVID-19, was a cure for cancer.

“If you go to the NIH website and search for ivermectin and cancer, you will see that they have known for years — years, probably decades — that they have the cure for cancer,” the video claims. “And they had the cure for numerous other diseases and ailments and they’ve been hiding it from us.”

In August 2021, when Americans switched to ivermectin, instead of taking a Covid shot, the FDA asked them to stop taking the drug, as it is used for livestock as a dewormer.

“You are not a horse,” it said. “You are not a cow. Seriously, y’all. Stop it.”

A report published in The Guardian during that time stated.

“The best protection we have against Covid-19 is the vaccine, and if you get Covid-19, we actually do have treatments that work. Ivermectin is not one of them.”

US surgeon general, Dr Vivek Murthy, told CNN in the report.

The FDA mentioned in the report that it approved the use of ivermectin “for treatment of certain internal and external parasites in various animal species” and warned people that they should refrain from taking it as it could cause serious harm.