Pete Evans says George Floyd protests were ‘staged by the elites’

Pete Evans has sparked further outrage on social media following his endorsement of President Donald Trump’s threats to use the military against Black Lives Matter protesters.

The celebrity chef, 47, shared a Facebook post on Wednesday stating that the riots across the U.S. in response to the death of George Floyd are part of a media conspiracy staged by ‘the elite’ to distract citizens from the coronavirus pandemic. 

‘With the wave of a wand the media diverted your attention from a “deadly” pandemic to racial riots, and you didn’t even stop to notice,’ the post reads.

‘Stop taking the bait and being spoon fed by the media. They are here to misinform you. Think critically and research for yourself,’ it continues.

‘Do not mistake rioters with protesters. There is plenty of evidence showing you that the riots were instigated by organisations affiliated with the elite.

‘It is no accident that videos of police brutality have suddenly gone viral. I hope you see the pattern. Stay vigilant, be prepared, don’t fall for the new world agenda. And once again think, it’s not illegal yet.

‘We are waking up, and the elite are afraid.’

Evans captioned the post: ‘I invite you to read and feel into these words that someone sent me. Or simply scroll on.’

The origins of the meme are unclear, but Evans probably sourced it from a Facebook page dedicated to conspiracy theories – which he has done before.

The post sparked backlash from Evans’ once-loyal fans, several of whom were appalled by how he was portraying the anti-racism protests.

‘Jesus dude, do you mind? People are facing physical violence from the people who are supposed to be protecting them, and you’re too busy rEaLIsinG tHe tRUtH that you suddenly think hate crimes shared via organic reach are just the “lamestream” media,’ one person commented.

‘Just because you can suddenly share your thoughts without breaking a contract, doesn’t make them any less cracked.’

Another wrote: ‘I really liked you Pete until this post. This movement has the ability to bring never seen before change for black people in many countries, especially ours.

‘And you, a person who has the power to influence others, is choosing instead not to see the possibilities for miraculous positive change and instead vilify it.’

Others pointed out there was no conspiracy behind the recent wave of police brutality, saying that such behaviour was just being caught on camera more regularly.

One Facebook wrote: ‘I’m sorry, but unless you’ve lived it, you will never understand and it’s no new world, it’s an old world for many that’s finally being exposed.’

Several conspiracy theories about the George Floyd protests have surfaced on social media since the African American’s death in custody last Monday.

One example of the misinformation is the baseless rumour that Floyd is alive and that his death was a hoax designed to cause social division.

Another false claim is that George Soros – the Hungarian-born billionaire investor, philanthropist and Holocaust survivor – is secretly funding the protests. 

A spokeswoman for Mr. Soros told the New York Times: ‘We deplore the false notion that the people taking to the streets to express their anguish are paid, by George Soros or anyone else.’

Aryeh Tuchman of the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish organisation that opposes antisemitism, also told the Times of Israel: ‘It has been very common among right-wing pundits and leaders in the media to ascribe the activity on the ground to Soros, who they claim is paying protesters to show up and advance his alleged anti-American agenda.’

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Pete Evans for comment. 

Anti-police brutality demonstrations have erupted in more than 400 cities in all 50 states in the 10 days since Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed black man, died in custody in Minneapolis after being forcefully restrained by a white officer for eight minutes.

The riots have so far resulted in more than 9,000 arrests and major cities, including New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. 

In recent weeks, Evans has shared dozens of social media posts vaguely hinting at a global conspiracy, encouraging his followers to ‘join the dots’. 

Meanwhile, he has faced backlash for spreading false information about 5G technology and the non-existent link between vaccines and autism, not to mention his wildly off-brand pro-Trump rhetoric.

His views have become so bizarre since quitting Channel Seven earlier this year, that a leading doctor has expressed concerns for his mental health. 

Dr Harry Nespolon, the president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, said last month he feared Evans was ‘in trouble’ and advised him to book an appointment with his GP.

The chef insisted he was perfectly fine, physically and mentally.

Evans drew criticism earlier this week when he shared a video of U.S. President Donald Trump saying he would use force to ‘take back the streets’ in the wake of America’s race riots.

He captioned a video of Trump announcing new measures to stop violent protesters  with a red love heart emoji, despite the president facing widespread condemnation for his handling of the demonstrations.

‘I have no respect left for you Pete! How can you agree with him when black people don’t have the same rights?’ one person commented. 

‘How can anyone support Trump! He’s clearly incompetent in COVID-19, contributed to such division in the States and gives tax breaks to the very rich while the poor get poorer,’ another wrote. 

Similar comments included, ‘I’m so confused, what is to love about this?’ and, ‘A Trump supporter? Yuck.’

One disappointed fan added: ‘You have always been someone I’ve looked up to with your consistent messages of peace and love. So the fact that you’re endorsing this man and his fight fire with fire proposal is truly appalling.’

Evans has used his page to share posts in support of Trump in the past.

This comes after broadcaster Ben Fordham revealed that the celebrity chef may be considering a career in politics.

Speaking on his 2GB radio show on Monday, Ben explained that a fan had suggested the idea to Evans on social media and he responded with: ‘Stay tuned’.