In the new Netflix docuseries, What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates, the tech billionaire directly confronts one of the more bizarre conspiracy theories surrounding him—that he’s actually dead and has been replaced by a clone.
The episode in question features Gates reading out several outlandish conspiracy theories, including one about him being involved in a plot to force people to eat bugs, and another even stranger one where he is allegedly part of a “shapeshifting lizard” race alongside Tom Hanks and Lady Gaga.
In one memorable moment, Gates humorously addresses the theory that he and his ex-wife Melinda were replaced by clones after a fatal car accident, reading the claim aloud with a smirk.
Gates wittily remarks that he hasn’t heard this theory before but jokes that Melinda seems “real” to him.
This five-part series, which explores critical issues like AI, global warming, and economic inequality, takes a lighthearted approach to the wilder rumours that have spread about Gates over the years.
The show doesn’t just focus on debunking conspiracy theories, though.
Despite the absurdity, this segment offers an interesting reflection on how disinformation and conspiracy theories spread in the age of social media, a key theme of the docuseries.
Gates uses the platform to engage with global challenges and the future of humanity, from AI advancements to the fight against climate change.
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