Behind the Bastards: Part Two – The Grifters Behind The Fake Autism 'Cure' Industry

Release Date: April 3, 2025

Introduction

In the second installment of "Behind the Bastards," host Robert Evans, along with co-hosts Mangesh Hattikudur and Sophie, delve deep into the troubling world of pseudoscientific treatments marketed as cures for autism. This episode meticulously unpacks the harmful practices, manipulative figures, and devastating consequences of the fake autism 'cure' industry.

The Misuse of Chelation Therapy in Autism

The episode opens by examining the misuse of chelation therapy—a legitimate medical procedure for heavy metal poisoning—as a supposed treatment for autism. This segment highlights several alarming cases where such treatments led to tragic outcomes.

At [06:19], Mangesh confronts Dr. Rimland’s defense of Dr. Usman and Dr. Kerry, stating, “We killed him because we cruelly administered a deadly dose of the wrong drug.” This powerful statement underscores the negligence and malpractice within the industry.

Tariq’s Tragic Death

A focal point is the case of Tariq, whose death underscored the dangers of unregulated chelation therapy. Originally, the Autism Research Institute (ARI) claimed Tariq died from a medication error, administering disodium EDTA instead of calcium disodium EDTA ([05:56]). However, co-host Mangesh sharply criticizes this defense, asserting that the fatal error was a direct result of unethical medical practices ([06:21]).

Dr. Usman’s Malpractice

Further scrutiny is cast on Dr. Anju Usman, who faced repercussions for administering medically unwarranted chelation treatments. As Robert narrates, “In reaching a consent order with Usman, medical regulators alleged that Usman failed to disclose her financial interests…” ([10:33]). Usman’s minimal punishment—a $10,000 fine—elicits strong disapproval from the hosts ([11:44]).

Jordan King and Misleading Diagnoses

The episode also recounts the story of Jordan King, a child subjected to chelation therapy for purported high levels of mercury and tin. Evan emphasizes the absurdity and danger of such diagnoses, questioning how a child could be excessively exposed to tin ([07:32], [08:22]). The hosts highlight the flawed scientific methodologies employed, where chelation is administered before testing leads to artificial elevations in heavy metal levels ([09:54]).

The Role of Celebrities and Influencers

Jenny McCarthy and Generation Rescue

Jenny McCarthy emerges as a prominent figure in promoting fake autism cures. The hosts critique her involvement with Generation Rescue, where she advocates for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) despite lacking scientific backing ([19:14], [17:31]). McCarthy’s claims, such as “We are educated, caring parents who have done thousands of hours of research,” are dissected for their disconnect from genuine medical evidence ([17:32]).

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO2)

The promotion of HBO2 is scrutinized, revealing that despite some inflammation being present in autistic brains, HBO2 has no proven benefits and can be harmful ([15:12], [19:14]). Testimonials from families who suffered negative outcomes further illustrate the therapy’s dangers ([20:53]).

The Biomedical Movement and Pseudoscientific Treatments

Rise of Alternative Treatments

The hosts explore how the biomedical movement leverages social media and community groups to spread unverified treatments. The reliance on anecdotal evidence and manipulated studies fuels the persistence of these dangerous practices ([14:02], [15:45]).

Stem Cell Therapy and Other Fads

Stem cell therapy is presented as another grave concern, with parents rushing to foreign clinics offering unproven and expensive treatments. The psychological desperation of parents drives them to bypass rigorous clinical trials, risking their children’s health ([29:20], [30:00]).

Ethical Implications

Robert and Mangesh discuss the ethical breaches, where treatments are administered without proper consent or scientific validation, leading to cognitive and physical harm in children ([10:47], [15:12]).

The Story of Jeffrey Bradstreet

One of the most harrowing narratives in the episode is that of Dr. Jeffrey Bradstreet, a former Christian preacher turned biomedical grifter.

Background and Rise

At [35:03], Robert recounts Bradstreet’s transformation from a family doctor to a radio talk show host promoting fake autism cures after his own son was diagnosed with autism. Bradstreet founded the International Child Development Resource Center (ICDRC) and later the Good News Doctor Foundation, blending evangelical Christianity with unscientific medical practices ([35:43]).

Promotion of GCMAF Therapy

Bradstreet became infamous for advocating GCMAF (globulin component macrophage activating factor) therapy—a pseudoscientific treatment with no proven efficacy. He falsely claimed high success rates and marketed the substance as a cure-all, including for autism and cancer ([44:35], [45:04]).

Downfall and Tragic End

Despite his facade, Bradstreet’s methods were exposed as fraudulent. At [54:32], the hosts describe how Fiona O'Leary, a vigilant mother, uncovered Bradstreet’s deceit, leading to raids on his facilities. Facing legal jeopardy and public backlash, Bradstreet fled but tragically took his own life in 2015 to escape prosecution ([55:30], [56:07]).

Conspiracy Theories Posthumously

Bradstreet’s death did not silence conspiracy theories; instead, it fueled further misinformation among biomedical advocates who falsely claimed he was murdered by pharmaceutical interests ([55:17], [55:35]).

Real Stories of Parents Fighting Back

Fiona O’Leary’s Stand

Fiona O’Leary’s relentless pursuit of justice against Bradstreet highlights the importance of accountability. Her efforts led to regulatory investigations that ultimately exposed the fraudulent practices behind fake autism cures ([43:42], [53:27]).

Emma Zurcher’s Transformation

The episode shares Emma Zurcher’s story, a child who initially underwent numerous harmful treatments but later benefited from genuine occupational therapy. Emma’s mother, Ariane, reflects on the wasted years and the eventual realization that embracing her child’s neurological differences was the true path to support ([33:05], [34:11]).

Emma poignantly states, “You thought my autism was hurting me and that you needed to remove it, but you did not understand that it is a neurological difference. Fear caused you to behave with desperation.” ([34:38])

Conclusion

Part Two of "Behind the Bastards" serves as a critical exposé of the fake autism 'cure' industry, illuminating the devastating impact of grifters and unregulated treatments on vulnerable children and their families. Through harrowing stories, expert critiques, and poignant testimonies, the episode underscores the urgent need for evidence-based medical practices and robust regulatory oversight to protect those most at risk from pseudoscientific exploitation.

Notable Quotes:

• “We killed him because we cruelly administered a deadly dose of the wrong drug.” – Mangesh Hattikudur ([06:21])

• “This is the punishment.” – Robert Evans ([11:44])

• “You thought my autism was hurting me and that you needed to remove it, but you did not understand that it is a neurological difference.” – Emma Zurcher ([34:38])

Key Takeaways:

• Chelation Therapy Risks: Misapplied chelation therapy can be deadly, highlighting the negligence within the fake autism cure industry.

• Influence of Celebrities: Figures like Jenny McCarthy leverage their platforms to promote unverified and harmful treatments.

• Pseudoscientific Practices: Treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy and GCMAF lack scientific backing and pose significant risks.

• Accountability and Advocacy: Stories like Fiona O’Leary’s emphasize the critical role of vigilant parents in exposing and combating fraudulent medical practices.

• Psychological Impact: The desperation of parents can lead to harmful decisions, underscoring the need for better support and reliable information.

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Behind the Bastards" is a sobering reminder of the lengths to which unscrupulous individuals will go to exploit vulnerable families. It calls for increased awareness, stringent regulation, and compassionate support systems to dismantle the fake autism 'cure' industry and prevent further tragedies.