In a recent appearance on the podcast 'This Past Weekend', U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made headlines by stating that he is not afraid of germs because he once snorted cocaine off a toilet seat. This unexpected admission came during a discussion with host Theo Von about their shared struggles with drug addiction. Kennedy, who has been open about his years of heroin and cocaine abuse that began during his teenage years, revealed that the traumatic assassination of his father spurred his substance use.

Kennedy and Von also recounted their experiences attending support groups for addiction, which were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In an attempt to maintain their recovery, the two created their own group to continue meeting during lockdowns. Kennedy candidly acknowledged the severity of his condition, asserting that addiction is a disease that he must confront through daily engagement in support meetings to recover.

Following the podcast, the nonprofit organization Protect Our Care, which advocates for accessible healthcare in the United States, called for Kennedy to resign from his position, emphasizing the public health implications of his remarks. The controversy surrounding Kennedy's comments highlights the ongoing debate about addiction, recovery, and the responsibilities of public officials in addressing their past engagements with substance abuse.