‘RHOC’: Lydia McLaughlin Claims Mask Don’t Protect Against COVID-19

Lydia McLaughlin from The Real Housewives of Orange County is causing backlash on social media. She claimed that face masks don’t protect people from COVID-19. The conversation took place on her Instagram Stories. She also shared a copy of the Constitution to give her followers a “permission slip” to join their families on Thanksgiving.

On Friday, November 20, Lydia answered fan questions on her Instagram Stories. She even shared her thoughts on the coronavirus pandemic. One fan asked her how she felt about the mask mandate. Lydia claims that there is “no scientific evidence” that shows that masks protect against the fatal virus. She also thinks that people should celebrate Thanksgiving amid the outbreak.

Lydia McLaughlin shares her thoughts on the outbreak

The RHOC alum took to her Instagram Stories on Friday. On there, Lydia McLaughlin answered a wide variety of questions from her followers. One of her fans wanted to know her thoughts on the coronavirus pandemic. That’s when things went from fun to controversial.

“How do you feel about the enforcement of wearing masks?” the fan asked.

“There is no scientific data to support that masks protect you from Covid,” Lydia wrote. “I believe a masks [sic] main job is to remind us of the pandemic and perpetuate fear. If you feel safer because you are wearing a mask, you should wear a mask! In the same vein, it is your freedom not to wear a mask and breath [sic] fresh air.”

The television personality called the mask mandate political “propoganda” that she feels “is not based on science.” Then, she posted a copy of the Constitution. In the post, Lydia added: “Signed permission slip to enjoy Thanksgiving with your family.” She also included a study published on the Annals of Internal Medicine that shows the findings from a study that took place in Denmark.

Lydia quickly got backlash for her comments. As RHOC fans know, Kelly Dodd made controversial comments about the pandemic earlier this year. One fan shared a screenshot of Lydia’s posts from her Instagram Stories. In the tweet, the fan wrote: “Lydia is such a f***ing dumb a** oh my god.”

She’s just the latest RHOC co-star to cause controversy

Lydia McLaughlin has been partying and traveling a lot amid the coronavirus pandemic. She’s posted many photos and videos that show her with groups of people. Kelly Dodd made headlines for talking about the pandemic. Her comments echoed Lydia’s statements.

“Yay, we finally get to have a meal out,” she previously said on Instagram back in May. “Yay, no one is wearing a mask. I love it. Yay! No one is wearing masks here in Orange County. Yup, because no one is dying here of the virus. It’s not the government’s job to protect my health. The government’s job is to protect my RIGHTS. It’s my job to protect my health. When you trade liberty for safety you end up losing both.”

But that’s not all. Kelly also claimed that face masks don’t protect against the virus. In addition, she said the coronavirus is “God’s way of thinning the herd.” She has since apologized for her remarks.

Andy Cohen previously asked Shannon Beador which of her RHOC cast members are least likely to follow the COVID-19 guideliness. “Kelly Dodd,” she said, as per The New York Times report. Shannon and her daughters tested positive for the virus and have since recovered.

What are your thoughts on Lydia’s comments? Do you think people with a platform should make such comments about the coronavirus? Sound off below in the comments section.