"Have some decency": Appalling reaction to Magda's health news

Australian comedian and national treasure Magda Szubanski has revealed her battle with a rare and aggressive blood cancer – only to be met with a wave of online vitriol and conspiracy theories, drawing widespread condemnation for the lack of compassion.

On Thursday, the 64-year-old star announced she had been diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a rare form of stage-4 blood cancer. The diagnosis came unexpectedly during a routine breast screening, prompting Szubanski to begin the “Nordic protocol”, which she described as “one of the best treatments available”.

In a candid Instagram video, the Kath & Kim actress addressed her followers with honesty and humour. “Hello, my lovelies. The head is shaved in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks,” she said. “It’s pretty confronting… But new treatments keep coming down the pipeline all the time.”

Despite the seriousness of her condition, Szubanski reassured fans that she was in good hands, supported by her loved ones and an exceptional medical team. “To be honest, I’ve been feeling pretty ratsh*t for ages. So I asked for extra bloods and – voila!”

However, the warmth of her message was quickly overshadowed by a torrent of cruel remarks and baseless conspiracy theories on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Some users linked her cancer diagnosis to her vocal support for COVID-19 vaccinations during the pandemic, reviving the discredited “turbo cancer” myth – a fringe theory suggesting COVID vaccines cause rapid-onset cancers.

“Very sad to hear another experimental vaccine pusher has been diagnosed with something horrible,” one user tweeted. Others echoed similar sentiments, with one post reading, “Zero sympathy,” and another claiming, “It’s good to see that karma still works.”

Szubanski was a prominent proponent of vaccination during the pandemic, even donning her beloved character Sharon Strzelecki in a government campaign to encourage Victorians to get the jab. That effort, once celebrated, is now being weaponised by some online as supposed justification for her illness.

The backlash sparked swift condemnation from more compassionate voices on the platform. “As if cancer didn’t exist before Covid and vaccinations. You guys are seriously cooked,” wrote one user. Another added, “Classless of you to post this. Why drop to the level?”

Many others pointed out the lack of basic human decency in mocking someone for a life-threatening diagnosis. “The posts here are highly disrespectful… Have some decency. BTW, these things can happen to anyone.”

Szubanski’s diagnosis has drawn an outpouring of support from fans, friends, and fellow celebrities who praised her courage and vulnerability in going public. As she begins treatment, the beloved entertainer remains focused on her recovery and grateful for the support surrounding her.

“I’ll be lying very low while my immune system takes a hammering,” she said. “For now, just know I’m in good hands, good spirits – but I reserve my human right to be a cranky old moll.”

Image: Supplied