Joe Rogan and Elon Musk force scientist 'debate' with anti-vaxxer

A Twitter exchange has unfolded, featuring an unexpected cast of characters: a renowned medical expert, a comedian, a billionaire, and a member of the famous Kennedy family. 

Adding fuel to the fire is none other than the platform's owner himself, who has become an active participant in the bizarre saga. 

The catalyst for this unfolding drama is Dr Peter Hotez, a distinguished vaccine expert. 

Dr Hotez is also the author of the thought-provoking book Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel's Autism: My Journey as a Vaccine Scientist, Pediatrician, and Autism Dad, published in 2018.

The commotion began when Dr Hotez took to Twitter on Saturday to share an intriguing Vice article Spotify Has Stopped Even Sort of Trying to Stem Joe Rogan's Vaccine Misinformation. 

Rogan's guest for the interview was none other than Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a controversial scion of one of America's most revered political families. 

During their three-hour conversation on Thursday's show, Rogan engaged Kennedy, Jr. in a discussion that delved into controversial and disputed claims about vaccines.

In response to Dr Hotez's tweet, he issued a challenge of his own, further igniting the already heated exchange.

In a tweet posted on Saturday, Rogan declared, "Peter, if you claim what RFK Jr. is saying is 'misinformation,' I am offering you $100,000.00 to the charity of your choice if you're willing to debate him on my show with no time limit."

Dr Hotez, known for his expertise in vaccines and previous interviews with Rogan, responded to the challenge with a measured reply. 

He wrote back, "Joe, you have my cell, my email, I'm always willing to speak with you." 

However, he dismissed this response as a "non-answer," evidently seeking a more direct and public commitment.

Rogan, eager to emphasize his point, pointed out that he had noticed a tweet from Dr Hotez that was subsequently deleted. 

The tweet, according to Joe, stated, "Be serious Joe, that's what you throw out for your hunting buddies on a weekend. 

A $50 million endowment, not for me but so we can continue making low-cost patent-free vaccines for the world's poor. Preceded by RFK Jr's public apology."

That prompted another apology of sorts, this time from Dr Hotez.