Rob Schneider recently sparked considerable backlash on social media after claiming that there were no children’s hospitals during his childhood, asserting, “There were NO Children’s Hospitals when I was a kid because kids weren’t sick.” His statement, made via X on Wednesday, has been met with widespread criticism for its inaccuracy.
Historically, pediatric hospitals have existed for centuries. Records indicate that the establishment of specialized care for children dates back to the Byzantine Empire with the creation of brephotrophias, or “baby shelters.” In the modern era, Paris’ Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades became the first dedicated children’s hospital in the early 19th century. Similarly, the New York Nursery and Child’s Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia opened their doors in 1854 and 1855, respectively. By the end of the 19th century, over two dozen freestanding children’s hospitals were in operation across the United States, long before Schneider was born.
Following Schneider’s remarks, Twitter users swiftly condemned him for spreading misinformation. This incident is not Schneider’s first controversial encounter regarding medical topics. He has previously expressed strong opposition to U.S. vaccine mandates, promoting discredited views linking vaccinations to autism. His rhetoric intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, advising the public to “just say no” to vaccines.
The comedian has faced significant backlash in the past for both his anti-vaccine stance and other controversial opinions. Notably, he was booed off stage for his remarks against vaccines and transgender individuals. Furthermore, he criticized NFL star Travis Kelce for endorsing Pfizer’s mRNA vaccines and suggested that Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo’s death was linked to the COVID-19 vaccine.
In a 2024 interview, Schneider addressed his ongoing controversies, claiming he has been blacklisted in the entertainment industry for his conservative views. “Hollywood doesn’t want any controversy at all,” he stated. “The decisions that the executives make are based on ‘what will delay my inevitable firing the longest?’ and if they work with somebody like me who’s outspoken, they might get fired.”
This controversy highlights the ongoing societal struggles in balancing public health messaging and individual belief systems, especially within the entertainment industry. As discussions about healthcare continue, it remains crucial to prioritize factual information to foster informed decisions.