David Icke is a British author and public speaker known for promoting a range of conspiracy theories. Born in Leicester, England, in 1952, Icke began his career as a professional footballer, playing as a goalkeeper for teams including Coventry City and Hereford United. His athletic career was cut short in 1973 due to arthritis, leading him to transition into sports journalism. He gained prominence as a sports presenter for the BBC, notably co-hosting the program "Grandstand" in the early 1980s.
In the late 1980s, Icke entered politics, becoming a spokesperson for the UK Green Party. However, his trajectory took a dramatic turn in 1990 after a series of personal experiences that he described as spiritual revelations. He claimed to have received messages from a higher consciousness, leading him to publicly declare himself the "Son of the Godhead" during a 1991 interview on the BBC's "Wogan" show. This pronouncement attracted widespread public ridicule and marked the beginning of his association with fringe theories.
Icke has authored over 20 books, self-published since the mid-1990s, in which he outlines his worldview and various conspiracy theories. Central to his narrative is the belief in a secretive global elite manipulating world events. One of his most controversial assertions is the "Reptilian Thesis," which posits that shapeshifting reptilian aliens control Earth by assuming human form and gaining political power to manipulate human societies. He has alleged that many world leaders and influential figures are, in fact, these reptilian entities.
His theories have been met with significant criticism and have been labeled as unfounded and lacking credible evidence. Additionally, some of his narratives have been accused of containing antisemitic elements, leading to further controversy. For instance, in 2017, Manchester United canceled an event featuring Icke at Old Trafford following a social media backlash and concerns over his views.
Despite widespread criticism, Icke has maintained a substantial following. His lectures and presentations, often spanning several hours, have attracted audiences worldwide. In 2019, a documentary titled "Renegade: The Life Story of David Icke" was released, offering an authorized exploration of his life and beliefs.
In recent years, Icke has continued to promote his theories through various platforms, including social media and public speaking engagements. His presence on some platforms has been curtailed; for example, in 2020, his YouTube channel was deleted for violating policies related to COVID-19 misinformation.
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