Rugby star Simon Zebo apologises for social media account ‘liking’ 9/11 and Russell Brand conspiracy posts

The former Ireland rugby international has suggested that his children may have been responsible for his X account liking the posts, some of which suggested that sexual assault allegations against Russell Brand were part of a conspiracy.

In a statement through his representatives, Zebo said he has now changed his social media passwords and removed any posts that were not ‘liked’ by him.

Representatives for the Munster star also said he “does not endorse” any of the conspiracy theories connected with the posts on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Over the last week, Zebo’s X account liked two posts which suggest that allegations of rape and serious sexual assault against Russell Brand are part of a conspiracy against the former comedian.

In one, it is suggested that Brand was targeted for claiming that the pandemic had been a profit opportunity for pharmaceutical companies. Another suggested rape allegations against Brand and controversial influencer Andrew Tate were a distraction from “evil ‘elite’ pedos”.

A number of posts also ‘liked’ by Zebo’s account promoted conspiracy theories against Bill Gates and Pfizer.

Another post, also liked by his account, suggests the war in Ukraine is a “scam” while another featured an antisemitic conspiracy theory inferring that Jewish people were responsible for 9/11.

All of the posts were ‘liked’ by Zebo’s account over the last week.

All of them were removed from his page after his representatives were contacted by the Irish Independent yesterday, but similar anti-vax and conspiracy theory posts were also liked from the same account in the past months.

A representative for Zebo said: “For clarity, we can confirm that Simon does not endorse any of the theories you have put forward below and did not engage with the posts attached.

“We have spoken to Simon today; he was very surprised and concerned to see the screenshots and passes on his apologies of how this may be perceived.

“He did mention that his children do have access to his phone and are frequently playing with it, including being on social media.

“He acknowledges that he needs to restrict access to relevant apps, has since reset passwords, added improved security measures on the phone and within the app specifically. He will also remove any likes from any posts that was not him.”