Congressman Jamaal Bowman has come under scrutiny for allegedly maintaining a personal YouTube account under the name “Inner Peace” that subscribed to users promoting outrageous conspiracy theories with roots in antisemitism. The account, as reported by the Daily Beast, followed channels that spread theories about aliens, flat earth theory, UFOs, and the Illuminati. Some of the channels, like BreakThrough News, have been known to spread Chinese and Russian propaganda, as well as anti-Israel content, aligning with Bowman’s views on the Jewish state’s war against Hamas.
One of the most concerning channels allegedly followed by Bowman, Afripost, frequently shares speeches by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, known for making derogatory remarks about Jews. Another account promoted content from the fringe Black Hebrew Israelite sect, pushing an antisemitic conspiracy theory. Other accounts featured content promoting New Age beliefs, such as the idea of leaving the matrix for a new earth and signs of not being from this world, as well as claims about aliens and Atlantis by author Dolores Cannon.
Bowman denied knowledge of these accounts and videos, stating that he was not familiar with them and had not watched any of the content. He emphasized that there are more pressing issues, such as the ongoing conflict killing innocent people and economic struggles faced by many. However, Bowman previously mentioned being an avid consumer of YouTube videos, even introducing controversial figures like Norman Finkelstein at events and expressing admiration for his work. Some of the channels followed by Bowman have tens of thousands of subscribers.
Earlier this year, Bowman faced controversy after a blog from the early 2010s was uncovered, containing a poem hinting at conspiracy theories about the 9/11 attacks. The congressman distanced himself from these writings, attributing them to a time when he was exploring various political ideologies and processing his thoughts in a personal blog. Despite the backlash, Bowman remains engaged in a difficult primary challenge from Westchester County Executive George Latimer. His office and campaign have been contacted for comment on the recent allegations.
While the specific details of the “Inner Peace” YouTube account could not be verified as it may have been taken down, the reports of Bowman subscribing to accounts spreading conspiracy theories and hateful content raise concerns about his beliefs and associations. The connections to antisemitic, anti-Israel, and extremist content, as well as the promotion of fringe theories about aliens and alternate realities, have led to questions about Bowman’s judgment and priorities as a public figure. As the primary election approaches, voters will have to consider these revelations in deciding whether Bowman is fit to continue representing them in Congress.
