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BMJ Retracts Excess Mortality Study After COVID-19 Claims

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

BMJ retracted the 2024 BMJ Public Health study on excess mortality after COVID-19 in the United Kingdom.
The study, led by Saskia Mostert of Princess Máxima Center, reported excess deaths in 47 countries from Jan 2020-2022 and said mortality stayed high despite vaccines.
Mostert testified in June 2026 that BMJ called the paper misinformation with methodological flaws, the Máxima Center’s 2025 report said authors breached integrity, and the backlash sought to silence researchers.

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Story summary

BMJ retracted the 2024 BMJ Public Health study on excess mortality after COVID-19 in the United Kingdom.
The study, led by Saskia Mostert of Princess Máxima Center, reported excess deaths in 47 countries from Jan 2020-2022 and said mortality stayed high despite vaccines.
Mostert testified in June 2026 that BMJ called the paper misinformation with methodological flaws, the Máxima Center’s 2025 report said authors breached integrity, and the backlash sought to silence researchers.