I was ridiculed for my views on Covid-19 – it turns out I was right
3 min read
In March 2020, as the world grappled with the emerging Covid-19 pandemic, I found myself in an unexpected position, participating in a TV debate style show to discuss the right approach to tackling this new virus.
Little did I know that my views would later be referred to as the "Caprice view" in Parliament, and would resurface again at the official Covid-19 Inquiry last week.
Back in the early days of the pandemic, like the rest of the world, I was glued to the news. I was intrigued by countries like Taiwan and Singapore, which had somehow managed to keep the virus at bay with minimal deaths. I couldn't help but wonder, what were they doing differently? This led me down a path of intense research, delving into the strategies and measures these nations had put in place.
Little did I know that my views would later be referred to as the 'Caprice view' in Parliament
They were introducing mandatory face masks, restricting travel, and implementing containment strategies. It wasn't rocket science; it was a logical approach based on the available evidence at the time. With my newfound knowledge, I felt compelled to share my thoughts. This was well before the first lockdown was implemented and no one knew just how damaging this unknown virus would be.
Now we are revisiting the decisions taken by the government at the Covid Inquiry, I was pleased to hear Dominic Cummings acknowledge: “A lot of people, public health experts, mocked her as if she was an idiot…the dismissal of Caprice, I would say, was reflected in Number 10 by the public health system.”
He is right, at the time I was immediately shut down and met with widespread mockery. People up and down the country ridiculed me for daring to offer my opinion on a global health crisis.
Everyone tried to discredit my stance. I faced relentless trolling on social media for months as my views were deemed outlandish and unrealistic.
It’s clear that in fact the TV “expert” doctor was wrong and my predictions were correct – the very measures I advocated for back in 2020 – face masks, restricted travel, and containment – were implemented by the government and helped us contain the pandemic.
I believe that my background led many to underestimate me. However, I've always embraced this underestimation. It's essential to remain resolute in the face of scepticism, and it's a quality that has served me well throughout my career.
I have always had a strong interest in politics, not just in British but also in American politics. The Covid-19 pandemic brought politics to the forefront of everyone's minds, and like many, I followed the events and news around the world, very closely.
The idea that a successful model could be passionate about politics may come as a surprise to some, but I have been underestimated all my life and it's a quality that has served me well. I come from humble beginnings in California but embraced many opportunities that came my way and earned by first million at 25. The modelling industry allowed me to establish myself and have since diversified into other areas, such as property and films.
I hope others who are stereotyped in society or in the world of business and belittled are inspired by this story.
My experience, in retrospect, serves as a reminder that it's essential to trust your own research and the facts at hand, even when faced with scepticism and doubt. In the end, what matters most is the pursuit of solutions that can save lives and protect our loved ones, regardless of anyone's upbringing, education, or profession.
Caprice Bourret, supermodel, actress/producer and founder of By Caprice Home
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