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Holly Willoughby Faces Backlash Over Gifted AI MRI as Ezra Launches in UK

The episode underscores public unease over pricey private screening, uncertain benefit, celebrity advertising, NHS access.

Overview

  • Willoughby posted that Ezra Inc provided her a complimentary multi‑organ MRI for early detection and later disabled comments after criticism about cost and tone.
  • Her Instagram caption described checks for cancer and 500‑plus conditions and included the disclosure tag #gifted, prompting complaints that most people cannot afford such scans.
  • Ezra has begun offering AI‑enabled screening in London, with media reporting entry packages around £1,495–£1,500 and higher‑tier options up to about £5,495.
  • Company materials cited in coverage say scans take about an hour, assess 13 organs, and offer optional lung CT and heart screening, though experts caution routine full‑body scans are not advised for average, asymptomatic patients.
  • A senior coroner recently warned that high‑profile cancer announcements have contributed to a surge in NHS referrals, highlighting broader pressures on access to timely diagnostics.