Greta Thunberg is a well-known environmental activist who has been campaigning for urgent action on climate change since 2018. She has inspired millions of people around the world to join her in protests and strikes, and has spoken at various international events and forums. She has also been the target of many critics and conspiracy theorists, who have accused her of being a puppet, a fraud, or a hypocrite.
One of the most persistent and bizarre conspiracy theories about Thunberg is that she is related to the Rothschild family, a famous European Jewish banking dynasty that has been involved in various political and economic affairs for centuries. The Rothschilds have also been the subject of many anti-Semitic myths and rumors, such as controlling the world’s money, media, and governments.
But is there any truth to this claim? Is Greta Thunberg really a descendant of the Rothschild family? And if so, what does that mean for her activism and credibility? In this article, we will examine the evidence and arguments for and against this conspiracy theory, and try to separate fact from fiction.
Contents
The origin of the conspiracy theory
The conspiracy theory that Greta Thunberg is related to the Rothschilds seems to have originated from a blog post published by Europe Renaissance in April 20221. The author of the post, Michael Walsh, claimed that Thunberg is the great-granddaughter of Lionel Walter Rothschild, the second Baron Rothschild and a prominent zoologist and politician. He also claimed that her great-grandfather was Joachim Rothschild-Thunberg, who was allegedly the illegitimate son of Lionel Walter and a Swedish woman, and later became one of the most successful bankers in Sweden.
Walsh did not provide any sources or evidence to back up his claims, but he suggested that Thunberg’s influence and fame were due to her Rothschild bloodline and connections. He also implied that she was part of a globalist agenda to promote environmentalism and socialism.
The blog post was widely shared on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, where many users accepted it as true without verifying its accuracy or authenticity. Some users even added more details or variations to the conspiracy theory, such as claiming that Thunberg was adopted by the Rothschilds, or that she was a clone or a robot.
The flaws and fallacies of the conspiracy theory
However, a closer examination of the conspiracy theory reveals that it is based on false or dubious assumptions, logical fallacies, and factual errors. Here are some of the main problems with the claim that Greta Thunberg is related to the Rothschilds:
- There is no evidence that Joachim Rothschild-Thunberg ever existed. According to genealogical records and historical documents, Lionel Walter Rothschild had only two children: Victor Rothschild, who inherited his title and became the third Baron Rothschild; and Miriam Rothschild, who was a renowned naturalist and author. Neither of them had any offspring with the surname Thunberg. Moreover, there is no record of any Joachim Rothschild-Thunberg working in the Swedish banking sector.
- There is no evidence that Greta Thunberg is descended from Lionel Walter Rothschild or any other member of the Rothschild family. According to her official biography, Thunberg was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on January 3rd, 2003. Her parents are Svante Thunberg, an actor and author; and Malena Ernman, an opera singer. Her paternal grandfather is Olof Thunberg, a famous actor and director; and her maternal grandfather is Lars Ernman, a retired chief financial officer. None of them have any known connection or relation to the Rothschild family.
- The conspiracy theory relies on guilt by association and ad hominem attacks. Even if Thunberg were related to the Rothschilds, that would not invalidate her activism or arguments. Her views on climate change are based on scientific evidence and consensus, not on her family background or personal interests. Moreover, being related to someone does not mean sharing their beliefs or actions. The Rothschild family is not a monolithic entity with a single agenda or ideology. It consists of many branches and individuals with different opinions and roles in society.
- The conspiracy theory reflects anti-Semitic stereotypes and prejudices. The claim that Thunberg is related to the Rothschilds is often accompanied by derogatory or hateful remarks about Jews or Judaism. Some users accuse Thunberg of being part of a Jewish plot to destroy Western civilization or Christianity; others mock her appearance or intelligence as being typical of Jews; others deny or trivialize the Holocaust or other atrocities committed against Jews. These comments reveal a deep-seated animosity and bigotry towards Jews, which has nothing to do with Thunberg’s activism or personality.
In conclusion, the conspiracy theory that Greta Thunberg is related to the Rothschild family is false and baseless. It is based on a fabricated story that has no evidence or credibility. It is also motivated by a malicious and irrational agenda that seeks to discredit and defame Thunberg and her cause. Thunberg is not a Rothschild, but a brave and passionate young woman who has dedicated her life to fighting for a better and more sustainable future for everyone.
