The health and wellness industry has seen a surge in alternative products and treatments. Among these are skincare lines associated with figures known for disseminating misinformation, particularly in the realms of medicine and vaccinations. This article aims to provide an objective review of skincare products linked to Charlene Bollinger, while also addressing the controversies surrounding the Bollinger family's broader activities.
Who are the Bollingers?
Ty Bollinger (born in 1968) and his wife, Charlene Bollinger, have become prominent figures in the realm of alternative medicine and conspiracy theories. Ty Bollinger, who refers to himself as a medical researcher despite lacking formal medical training, holds degrees in accounting and taxation from Baylor University and is a former bodybuilder.The Bollingers are known for spreading misinformation about cancer treatments, anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, and alternative medicine treatments for cancer and vaccine-preventable diseases.
Following his father's death from cancer at age 52, Ty Bollinger shifted his focus to alternative cancer treatments, eventually creating platforms like "The Truth About Cancer." These platforms have been criticized for promoting unproven and sometimes dangerous therapies. Charlene Bollinger is often seen alongside her husband in these ventures, contributing to the promotion and marketing of their products and ideologies.
Controversies and Criticisms
The Bollingers have faced significant scrutiny for their promotion of unproven or disproven treatments and conspiracy theories.
Ty Bollinger has a history of promoting unproven or disproven cancer treatments. One of his highly circulated 2017 videos features the viral treatment known under the name of Rigvir, which originated in a Latvian laboratory. Bollinger associated himself with osteopathic physician and conspiracy theorist Rashid Buttar to sell subscriptions to an organization (the International Association for a Disease-Free World) that appears to exist solely as a marketing device for doubtful cures sold by Buttar. He was involved in the case of Cassandra Callender, a young woman who refused chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma in 2015. In this rare case, the Connecticut Supreme Court ordered that the life-saving treatment be administered against the will of Callender and her mother. In one of his Truth about Cancer videos, Bollinger is seen coaching Callender on how to delay the medical treatments until she reaches legal age and arranging alternative medicine treatments for her cancer. Callender did stop her treatments when she turned 18 and went to an alternative medicine clinic in Mexico where she received ineffective treatments.
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Disinformation Industry
Professor Dorit Reiss has described the commercial alliance between companies and groups spreading conspiracy theories to sell products and information packages as a "disinformation industry". Top sellers for Bollinger's The Truth About Vaccines include prominent anti-vaccination promoters, including Sayer Ji, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Del Bigtree.
COVID-19 Misinformation and Political Activities
In May 2021, YouTube suspended the Bollingers' Truth About Vaccines channel, as part of the platform's efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 misinformation. The channel boasted some 75,000 subscribers, with one video featuring Kennedy getting more than a million views. The study found the page repeated many of the common COVID-19 false claims, including that the pandemic was planned, that the virus was built in a laboratory, and that COVID-19 is transmitted by 5G wireless technology.
Bollinger spoke at a "Stop the Steal" rally in Nashville on November 14, 2020, repeating accusations of election fraud. Such allegations of fraud were rejected by the courts due to lack of evidence, the suits being frequently characterized as being frivolous and without merit. He also spoke at a protest staged by pastor Greg Locke on November 23, 2020, against new restrictions imposed in Nashville to limit the spread of COVID-19. The couple played a significant role in organizing the pro-Trump demonstrations that culminated in a riot at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. They coordinated with leaders of the Stop the Steal movement to bring their supporters to the demonstrations. Bollinger has appeared as part of the ReAwaken America tour, a political protest movement centered on opposition to COVID-19 mitigation measures and in favor of the conspiracy theory that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Donald J. Trump.
Charlene Bollinger Skincare Products: An Overview
While specific details and ingredients of Charlene Bollinger's skincare line are not provided in the user's document, it is important to approach such products with caution. Given the Bollingers' history of promoting unverified health claims, consumers should critically evaluate any claims made about their skincare line.
Points to Consider
- Scientific Evidence: Look for scientific studies and evidence supporting the ingredients and claims made by the products.
- Expert Opinions: Consult with dermatologists or skincare professionals for their insights on the product's ingredients and potential benefits.
- Customer Reviews: While reviews can be subjective, they can provide insights into other users' experiences with the product.
- Ingredients: Be wary of products containing ingredients with no proven benefits or those that may be harmful.
Due Diligence
Potential buyers should perform thorough research before purchasing any skincare products, particularly those associated with controversial figures. This includes verifying the ingredients, understanding the scientific basis for the product's claims, and considering expert opinions.
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