Anti-Vaccine Group Sees Record Financial Growth
Del Bigtree, a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement, has reported a staggering increase in revenue for his nonprofit organization, the Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN). According to the latest tax filings, ICAN raked in an impressive $23 million in revenue for the year 2023, marking a substantial 74% surge from the previous year. The group allocated nearly $17 million towards various endeavors, including legal battles and anti-vaccine advocacy, representing a significant 25% uptick from the prior year. The tax documents, exclusively obtained by NBC News from ICAN, underscore the escalating prominence and profitability of the anti-vaccine movement in the ongoing discourse surrounding vaccine policies and public health.
Growth Amidst Controversy
The COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a catalyst for organizations like ICAN, with their revenue skyrocketing from about $3.5 million in 2019 to the present staggering figure. Despite numerous scientific studies confirming the safety and efficacy of vaccines, misinformation continues to permeate public discourse, fueling the anti-vaccine narrative. Conversely, revenue for Children’s Health Defense, another anti-vaccine entity founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., witnessed a significant decline of over 30% to $16 million last year. This downturn coincided with Kennedy’s hiatus from his leadership roles to pursue an unsuccessful presidential bid.
ICAN’s Rise and Bigtree’s Ascension
While Kennedy’s organization faced setbacks, ICAN’s revenue continued to soar, with Del Bigtree’s profile growing in tandem. The former television producer and anti-vaccine filmmaker has been instrumental in steering ICAN towards success, utilizing attention-grabbing tactics and strategic legal maneuvers to advance their cause. Bigtree’s affiliation with Kennedy’s political ventures, coupled with his advocacy for anti-vaccine sentiments, has solidified his position as a prominent figure in the movement.
Transparency Amidst Controversy
Despite their financial gains, ICAN remains shrouded in secrecy regarding individual donors, relying heavily on family foundations and donor-advised funds for funding. The organization’s strategic initiatives, including legal battles and advocacy efforts, have been funded through individual contributions. Bigtree’s role as the host of “The HighWire,” an anti-vaccine internet show, underscores ICAN’s commitment to disseminating their message through various platforms. The group’s significant expenditure on legal services, particularly to the New York law firm Siri & Glimstad, reflects their dedication to pursuing legal avenues to challenge vaccine mandates and policies.
In light of mounting criticisms and legal challenges, ICAN continues to champion their cause under the guise of advocating for informed consent. However, experts have questioned the ethical implications of their legal strategies, labeling them as exploitative and misleading. As the anti-vaccine movement gains traction amidst a backdrop of skepticism and misinformation, organizations like ICAN remain at the forefront of shaping public opinion and policy discourse.
