Rob Schneider has ignited a firestorm of backlash following a series of tweets in which he made incorrect assertions regarding the history of children’s healthcare in America. On Thursday, October 23, the comedian shared several posts deriding the No Kings rallies, which protested Donald Trump’s presidency, while also expressing his Republican sentiments. Amidst these posts, he incorrectly claimed that children did not fall ill until recently, asserting, “FYI… There were NO Children’s Hospitals when I was a kid. Because kids weren’t sick.”
This statement, which has been widely criticized as factually inaccurate, drew immediate scrutiny from social media users, prompting a contextual warning that read, “The claim is false. Children’s hospitals in the US date back to 1855 (e.g., Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 1855; Boston Children’s, 1869).” The historical data also reveals that infant mortality rates were significantly higher in the past, highlighting that children have indeed faced health challenges over the years, contrary to Schneider’s claims.
Social media platforms erupted with users chastising Schneider for his remarks, with one follower sarcastically noting, “Lmaooooo you’ve gotta be trolling at this point. Polio, Tuberculosis, St Judes, the list goes on and on dude. You know better than this… Smh.” Another commenter urged him to “delete this tweet,” labeling it embarrassing, while other users expressed their disbelief, calling his allegations “absurd” and questioning his intellect.
In previous controversies, Schneider has claimed he faced industry backlash for his conservative views and political affiliations, alleging he was “blacklisted” from Hollywood for supporting Trump. In a 2024 interview, he elaborated on this experience, suggesting that Hollywood executives prioritize avoiding controversy over artistic merit when making decisions about projects.
Additionally, Schneider has controversially stated that he is banned from Canada due to accusations of “hate speech,” further underscoring the divisive nature of his views which draw intense reactions from the public.
Schneider’s comments on healthcare and his political beliefs continue to dominate conversations, reflecting the ongoing cultural debates around freedom of expression and the portrayal of healthcare history in American society. Despite the backlash, Schneider seems undeterred, previously stating he believes a time will come when people will “come around” to appreciate different perspectives. This incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between celebrity, opinion, and public discourse in today’s social media landscape.