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Even before the Internet, the world was rife with outlandish conspiracy theories. When you consider the level of planning, execution, and secrecy required, such large-scale conspiracies seem almost impossible to pull off.
However, in today’s world, it seems like absurdity has become a regular part of the news cycle. So, have you heard about these recent conspiracy theories?
10. The Chipotle E. Coli Outbreak Was an Act of Bioterrorism
Chipotle Mexican Grill, the fast-casual chain, has faced multiple issues with foodborne illnesses, including a widespread E. coli outbreak in late 2015. Despite the FDA being unable to identify the exact source due to the variety of fresh ingredients used in countless combinations, some bold websites claimed the outbreak was an act of “food terrorism.”
Given Chipotle’s well-known anti-GMO position, some theorized that biotech operatives used spray bottles to disperse the virus onto the easily accessible ingredients across multiple locations. As one article’s subheadline declared, “The GMO industry often employs tactics reminiscent of terrorism or organized crime.”
Additionally, these so-called food terrorists might be framing top Chipotle executives for purchasing large quantities of cocaine, as suggested by the arrest of the executive responsible for mending the chain’s relationship with the FDA.
9. Prince and Merle Haggard Were Allegedly Killed Over Chemtrails
According to this theory, the vapor trails left by planes are actually “chemtrails” filled with harmful chemicals, part of a government/New World Order/Illuminati scheme to harm the population for various nefarious purposes. Music legends Merle Haggard and Prince, who passed away just two weeks apart in April 2016, were notable supporters of this idea.
Both artists referenced chemtrails in their work—Prince in his song “Dreamer” (2003) and Haggard in “What I Hate” (2011). Prince also spoke publicly about the topic. Believers claim that both icons were killed by a weaponized “chemtrail flu,” a milder version of what they allege is being sprayed on the public daily.
8. Pokemon Go Is Allegedly Spying On Us
As the augmented reality game Pokemon Go sweeps the globe, conspiracy theorists are raising alarms that the game and its parent company, Niantic, could be aiding the New World Order in mass surveillance.
The game relies on Google Earth for its functionality. Niantic’s founder, John Hanke, co-founded Keyhole, which Google acquired to create Google Earth. Theorists are concerned because Keyhole received partial funding from a CIA-backed venture capital firm.
The game’s privacy policy states that user data may be shared with law enforcement or “government officials.” Initially, the default settings allowed access to more data than intended, including contacts and photos.
Chinese bloggers are actively opposing the game’s release in their country, convinced it’s a scheme by the US and Japan to map China’s military installations. A newer twist suggests Japan is using the game to spy on the US, with “Go” allegedly standing for “Global Offensive.”
7. The 2016 NBA Finals Were Allegedly Rigged
In 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers defied the odds to win the NBA Finals in a thrilling seven-game series, securing the championship trophy. Their rivals, the Golden State Warriors, had dominated the league with the best regular-season record in NBA history. As defending champions, the Warriors were heavily favored, especially since Cleveland had not celebrated a major sports title in over 70 years.
The schedule, which was mistakenly posted and likely one of several drafts, was swiftly removed, but the controversy had already begun. A series of dubious calls during the Finals fueled speculation, especially after Warriors star Stephen Curry was ejected from Game 7 for throwing his mouthguard at a fan.
6. Rapper Gucci Mane Is Allegedly a Government Clone
In 2014, rapper Gucci Mane was found guilty on two counts of firearm possession by a felon, a serious offense that could have landed him 20 years in prison. However, he was sentenced to roughly 2.5 years and released 116 days early in mid-2016.
This early release—due to a miscalculation of time served while awaiting trial—sparked suspicion among conspiracy theorists. Within days, they concluded that a government-created clone had been released in place of the real Gucci Mane.
While incarcerated, Gucci had undergone a dramatic transformation: losing weight, getting fit, expanding his vocabulary, and removing his iconic ice cream cone facial tattoo. These changes were seen as undeniable proof that he had been cloned for mysterious purposes. When addressing the rumors, Gucci neither confirmed nor denied the claims and appeared to find the situation highly entertaining.
5. Katy Perry Is Allegedly JonBenet Ramsey
In the world of conspiracy theories, the murder of six-year-old JonBenet Ramsey in her Colorado home on Christmas 1996 remains a topic of endless speculation. The case fascinated the public due to her parents’ inconsistent statements to police and JonBenet’s involvement in child beauty pageants.
The strangest theory suggests that JonBenet wasn’t killed but instead grew up to become pop sensation Katy Perry. This idea claims that JonBenet’s name, rather than her life, was offered to Dark Forces in exchange for her rise to fame. Katy has remained silent on the matter—not because the theory is absurd, but because she supposedly has secrets to conceal.
4. California’s Drought Is Allegedly Engineered
As of mid-2016, California has faced a severe drought for four consecutive years. Reservoirs are drying up, water usage is restricted, and other states are stepping in to help, but the ultimate solution lies in the return of consistent rainfall. However, conspiracy theorists claim the drought is a result of geoengineering by the government, aimed at combating global warming.
Linked to the chemtrails theory, the alleged reasoning is that the government is spraying the atmosphere with a harmful mix of aluminum, barium, and other toxic chemicals to absorb sunlight and slow the progression of global warming.
To maximize the desired effect, clear weather conditions are essential. As a result, government agencies have allegedly intervened to halt rainfall. This raises the question: If they possess the ability to manipulate the weather, why not simply lower temperatures instead?
3. Donald Trump Is Allegedly a Plant
Finally, there’s Donald Trump, one of the most polarizing figures to ever secure a US presidential nomination. His campaign, built on xenophobia, racism, and nationalism, has stunned observers as his like-minded supporters emerged in unexpectedly large numbers.
This conspiracy theory suggests that Trump’s candidacy was never intended to succeed. Instead, it was designed to ensure an easy victory for Hillary Clinton by pitting her against the most unelectable opponent imaginable.
Considering the sheer number of Trump’s controversial and offensive remarks early in his campaign, this theory almost seems plausible. Trump was once on friendly terms with the Clintons and identified as a Democrat with relatively liberal views. He even donated to Clinton’s 2008 campaign.
Allegedly, a secondary objective of Trump’s supposed sham campaign was to leverage media attention to boost his brand and business influence. While this sounds believable, it wasn’t taken seriously until a former Trump staffer publicly claimed that everything stated is true.
2. NASA Allegedly Covered Up a UFO Sighting
In July 2016, a YouTube video capturing a live feed from the International Space Station (ISS) showed a small, glowing object moving across the screen and descending toward Earth. Suddenly, the feed was cut off. Naturally, the bright object was interpreted as an alien spacecraft, and the feed interruption was seen as a cover-up.
This theory quickly gained traction online. NASA spokesperson Daniel Huot calmly clarified that the ISS is equipped with seven HD cameras that automatically switch at timed intervals. The apparent “cut” was simply the system cycling to the next camera. As for the UFO, the effect could have been caused by reflective space debris or other natural phenomena.
1. Zika Virus Allegedly Spread by Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
In 2015, headlines emerged about a frightening new virus that typically causes mild flu-like symptoms in adults. However, when pregnant women are infected, the Zika virus can lead to severe birth defects, most notably microcephaly, characterized by a shrunken brain cavity and an undersized skull.
The virus is transmitted to humans through bites from specific infected female mosquitoes. Conspiracy theorists claim these mosquitoes were genetically altered to intentionally spread the virus. This theory focuses on Oxitec, a company that experiments with genetically modified mosquitoes. Their goal is to reduce mosquito populations by creating sterile males to prevent the spread of diseases. To date, their trials have shown promising results.
