How did the controversy start?

The controversy surrounding the origins of SARS-CoV-2 and the theory that it might have escaped from a lab started with significant skepticism and suppression. Early on, discussing the lab leak theory was labeled as a conspiracy theory and was even banned from platforms like Facebook, though Twitter allowed some discourse. Media outlets were hesitant to cover the topic; for instance, CNN and BBC largely avoided interviews with proponents of the lab leak theory 1.

Despite public interest, major scientific and media institutions displayed self-censorship and reluctance to openly debate the topic. Privately, many scientists encouraged further exploration, but publicly few were willing to support the theory. Efforts to hold formal debates were stymied due to the perceived controversial nature of the topic 1.