Who is RFK Jr.? Meet the controversial conspiracy theorist running against Joe Biden in the Democratic primaries

Talia LakritzJul 19, 2023, 18:21 IST

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visits "Fox & Friends" at Fox News Channel Studios on July 14, 2023, in New York City.John Lamparski/Getty Images

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., 69, is John F. Kennedy's nephew.
He is a lawyer known for promoting baseless anti-vaccine conspiracy theories.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer who has promoted baseless public-health conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine misinformation, is running against President Joe Biden in the Democratic primaries.

Despite his fringe views, Kennedy's lineage as a member of one of America's most prominent political families has helped boost his bizarre claims about vaccines, COVID-19, and other public health issues.

Here's a closer look at Kennedy's family history and controversial statements. Kennedy's campaign did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a member of one of America's most famous political dynasties.

President Kennedy with his nephew, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in the Oval Office in 1961.CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

As an environmental lawyer, his work focused on clean water.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a press conference for the 25th anniversary of Earth Day in 1995 in Washington, DC.Larry Busacca/Getty Images

A longtime anti-vaxxer, Kennedy continues to promote conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies during a public hearing about vaccine-related bills in 2015.Carl D. Walsh/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

He has promoted a number of other baseless public-health conspiracy theories, including claims that WiFi causes cancer and antidepressants are to blame for mass shootings.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks against legislation to narrow exemptions to state mandated vaccines during a rally in Albany, New York, in 2019.AP Photo/Hans Pennink

He has promoted a number of other baseless public-health conspiracy theories, including claims that WiFi causes cancer and antidepressants are to blame for mass shootings.

Kennedy is running against President Joe Biden in the Democratic primaries in a long-shot campaign.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces his candidacy for president of the United States in a speech at Boston Park Plaza in 2023.David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Other Kennedy family members have denounced his views and opposed his candidacy.

Kerry Kennedy speaks at the 2021 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award Gala.Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

He has been married three times and has six children.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Cheryl Hines, arrive at HBO's Post Emmy Awards Reception in Los Angeles, California, in 2018.Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Meet Jack Schlossberg, President John F. Kennedy's 30-year-old grandson who is the spitting image of his uncle John F. Kennedy Jr.

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Who is RFK Jr.? Meet the controversial conspiracy theorist running against Joe Biden in the Democratic primaries

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a member of one of America's most famous political dynasties.

As an environmental lawyer, his work focused on clean water.

A longtime anti-vaxxer, Kennedy continues to promote conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic.

He has promoted a number of other baseless public-health conspiracy theories, including claims that WiFi causes cancer and antidepressants are to blame for mass shootings.

Kennedy is running against President Joe Biden in the Democratic primaries in a long-shot campaign.

Other Kennedy family members have denounced his views and opposed his candidacy.

He has been married three times and has six children.