Psychologist warns Pete Evans he ‘needs help not publicity’ after 60 Minutes interview

Fears are growing for the mental wellbeing of anti-vaxxer Pete Evans, after he shared his bizarre conspiracy theories about COVID-19 on Sunday night’s 60 Minutes.

During his rambling interview with journalist Liz Hayes, the 47-year-old celebrity chef claimed he was ‘skeptical’ of the coronavirus pandemic, vaccines and billionaire businessman and philanthropist Bill Gates.

He even broke down in tears while ranting about how social distancing rules had robbed him of ‘free will’ by prohibiting him from hugging his elderly mum on Mother’s Day.

Later in the segment, Pete also suggested that he feared for his life due to his public profile and polarising opinions.

‘If I disappear or have a weird accident, it wasn’t an accident,’ he said. 

Melbourne psychologist Dr Rhonda Garad tweeted after the interview: ‘Pete Evans telling the world his is mentally sound while showing he is mentally unsound. He needs psychological help not publicity.’

Others also shared their fears for Pete’s mental health, with one tweeting on Monday: ‘Has anyone checked on Pete Evans this morning?’ 

‘Someone in his family needs to take him to his GP. Seriously, he is having a mental health crisis,’ another viewer wrote. 

Meanwhile, many more flocked to Twitter to express their frustration with 60 Minutes for giving Pete a platform to peddle his unscientific and absurd ideas.    

‘Why does the media keep giving him a soapbox? Seriously, NO sane person gives a flying f**k what he thinks and those who do, don’t access commercial media anyway,’ one viewer tweeted. 

Another added: ‘Why are 60 Minutes giving Pete Evans free advertising? The whacko conspiracy stuff, the anti-vaccine BS etc are all designed to harvest eyeballs to sell his books, his supplements and processed foods.’

Pete has faced mounting criticism for his dangerous anti-vaccination and COVID-19 conspiracy theories.

It comes after 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.

I’d really be a little bit keen to make sure that Pete is actually with his family or with someone else,’ Dr Nespolon said. 

Pete responded by writing on Facebook that he was perfectly fine, physically and mentally.

‘For the record, I am extremely happy, content and enjoying life, like I always do, and I have the most robust health (physical, emotional and spiritual) ever at the age of almost 47 years,’ he said.