Mark Cuban is no stranger to controversy on social media, often defending his views on divisive topics on the timeline.
However, his latest spat took place outside the control of the algorithm and showed what he truly believes is not just for likes and engagement.
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In Instagram messages shared by cryptocurrency guru Layah Heilpern on her Telegram channel, the outspoken Shark Tank host and Dallas Mavericks owner gave her an ultimatum when she requested an interview on her podcast.
“When you get vaccinated and tell others to do the same, I will come on,” Cuban replied.
In an attempt to level with the billionaire investor, Heilpern assured him that he is “entitled to his view” and further extended an invitation to debate further on his show.
Cuban further defended his position, telling Heilpern, “The truth is in the data, not what either of us say. If the data hasn’t convinced you, I’m guessing nothing will.”
In an attempt to detract from the conversation and retain the last hope of opportunity to secure an interview, Heilpern asked to “readdress this conversation in 10 years from now when we have more conclusive data and the truth prevailed,” and suggested they talk about cryptocurrencies, blockchain entrepreneur Charles Hopkinson and “the future of the [Dallas] Mavericks,” to no avail.
“Nah. My choice not to support people who haven’t been vaccinated,” Cuban replied. “I’m happy to engage here or via email and share with you the data I have and you can do the same. I know math well enough. I have read enough about the science. I’m confident what the good and the bad of the vax is.”
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Among the other divisive and controversial opinions she previously expressed, Heilpern is a known critic of the covid-19 vaccine who has touted various “alternatives” in lieu of the vaccine in many of her tweets, including a recent one where she claimed her lifestyle choices to be “The only vaccine you need.”
Cuban has maintained a passionate stance on the covid-19 vaccine, requiring employees of the Dallas Mavericks to be vaccinated, as well as defending his stance on the jab on X in a spat against podcast giant Joe Rogan and Tesla founder Elon Musk last month.
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