Trevor Noah says he got ‘death threats’ for interviewing Bill Gates

Daily Show host Trevor Noah says he has been receiving death threats for interviewing American billionaire Bill Gates about the initiatives his foundation has funded in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

This comes after News24 reported on Saturday that Gates proposed to test a “vaccine” in Africa, which turned out not to be true.

“On Saturday, we published a story about philanthropist Bill Gates’ support for SA with Covid-19. We wrongly reported that Gates wants to test a ‘vaccine in Africa,” said News24 on their Twitter account.

“This is false. The Gates Foundation will support SA with testing kits and research. We apologise for the mistake,” they added.

On Saturday, we published a story about philanthropist Bill Gates’ support for SA with Covid-19. We wrongly reported that Gates wants to test a “vaccine” in Africa. This is false. The Gates Foundation will support SA with testing kits and research. We apologise for the mistake.

— News24 🇿🇦 (@News24) April 5, 2020

The tweet prompted the New York-based comedian to comment, saying: “Now I see why I’ve been getting death threats for interviewing Bill”.

Now I see why I’ve been getting death threats for interviewing Bill. 😢 https://t.co/3UIeYQi2z0

— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) April 5, 2020

News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson said the matter would be investigated and they would take action if necessary.

Thanks General, we will investigate and take the appropriate action.

— Adriaan Basson (@AdriaanBasson) April 5, 2020

The matter also prompted responses from Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula and numerous other prominent figures.

Apologise Also to Bill Gates because his reputation is impunged out erratic reportage.

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) April 5, 2020

What an error. You should suspend & discipline your journo who compiled the story .

— Bantu Holomisa (@BantuHolomisa) April 5, 2020

The interview had sparked a major debate on Gates’ relief efforts and Noah – an African – being the one who interviewed him amid outrage over two French doctors’ suggestion for drug trials to be done in Africa.

Responding to one of his critics, Noah said: “Where in this entire interview do you hear either of us saying a vaccine will be tested in Africa? Are you confusing us with those French doctors or are you just trying to get retweets?”

It was evident that Noah may not have been aware of the News24 report.

EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi added to the furore and commented on Gates’ education qualifications, saying nothing qualified him to lead debates on vaccines and medical responses.

READ NEXT: Ndlozi’s criticism of ‘dropout’ Bill Gates’ Covid-19 Trevor Noah interview divides opinion.

(Compiled by Molefe Seeletsa)

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