New York Times Column Admits Scientists Misled Public on COVID-19 Origins

A recent column reveals coordinated efforts by scientists, officials, and media to suppress the lab leak theory during the pandemic's early stages.

The New York Times published a column by Zeynep Tufekci acknowledging that scientists and officials deliberately downplayed the plausibility of the COVID-19 lab leak theory.
Private communications show some scientists publicly dismissed the lab leak theory while privately considering it likely, including discussions about misleading journalists.
Peter Daszak, with ties to the Wuhan lab, secretly organized a 2020 Lancet letter discrediting the lab leak theory, later revealed to have conflicts of interest.
The CIA and Department of Energy have assessed the lab leak as the likely origin of COVID-19, though with low confidence due to limited evidence.
The revelations have reignited criticism of media outlets, including the New York Times, for amplifying the natural origin narrative and discrediting dissenting views.