Steven Bartlett, the Dragons' Den star and host of the Diary of a CEO podcast, has been criticised by health experts for amplifying harmful health misinformation. An investigation by the BBC World Service found that guests on his podcast made unfounded claims, including that cancer can be treated with a keto diet and that evidence-based medication is 'toxic'.
Experts warned that such assertions could have serious consequences for severely ill patients, potentially discouraging them from following proven treatments. The BBC analysed 15 health-related episodes and found each contained an average of 14 harmful health claims that contradicted extensive scientific evidence.
Flight Studio, Bartlett's production company, defended the podcast, stating that guests are offered 'freedom of expression' and are 'thoroughly researched'. They noted that the BBC only examined less than 4% of the nearly 400 episodes published, calling the report 'misleading' and 'disingenuous'.
In a separate incident in August, two Facebook adverts for Zoe and Huel featuring Bartlett were banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for being 'misleading', as they did not disclose his financial interests in the companies.
