Heartstopper star slams Trump’s claim that paracetamol linked to autism
Bradley Riches has hit back at Donald Trump over his claim that paracetamol is linked to autism. (Karwai Tang/Getty)
Bradley Riches has hit back at Donald Trump over his claim that paracetamol is linked to autism. (Karwai Tang/Getty)
Heartstopper star Bradley Riches has slammed US president Donald Trump’s claim that paracetamol is linked to autism.
Riches, who previously opened up to PinkNews about finding love and the difficulties he has experienced dating as an autistic person, has spoke out about Trump’s claim that use of Tylenol – also known as paracetamol – during pregnancy is linked to autism among children.
Trump claimed on Monday (22 September) that the medication “is no good”, urging pregnant women to “fight like hell” and only take it in extreme cases of fever.
Speaking at the White House alongside Health Secretary Robert Kennedy, he said at the lectern: “The FDA will be notifying physicians at the use of… well, let’s see how we say that.
“Acetaminophen – which is basically commonly known as Tylenol – during pregnancy can be associated with a very increased risk of autism. So taking Tylenol is not good. I’ll say it: it’s not good.”
His remarks spared backlash from medical experts and members of the neurodivergent comment, including Riches, who took to Instagram to post a statement that called Trump’s claim out for being “simply not true”.
“The evidence is weak, poorly done, and high-quality research shows no link at all. Pregnant people should stick with NHS advice, not fear mongering.
“Autism isn’t caused by painkillers, vaccines, or any of the myths that keep getting recycled. The rise in diagnoses is because we’re finally recognising autistic people, not because something is ‘wrong.’”
The actor, who stars in Emmerdale as the soap’s first neurodivergent character, added that the “real issue” is “every time a government pushes out misinformation, it doesn’t just distract from progress – it fuels stigma”.
He added that “autistic people deserve better than to be used as political scare stories” and urged leaders to focus on “chasing justice, support and opportunity for autistic people,” rather than “chasing myths”.
In a statement, Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, clarified: “There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.
“Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy.
“Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment.”
Cave added that advice on medicine is “based on rigorous assessment of the best available scientific evidence,” and noted that medicines are “continuously monitored” to ensure safety.
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