A few days ago jli blogged about a movie that claims to prove the efficacy of Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski’s “antineoplastons” as a cancer cure.
After writing a post on Dr Stanislaw Burzynski, Andy Lewis of the Quackometer received legal threats from someone by the name of Marc Stephens, who claims to represent Burzynski.
This is not the first time this person threatens bloggers in this way. Peter Bowditch of Ratbags.com is another recent example.
The style of his emails does sound a bit lawyerish, but then again – not really.
What we do know is that Marc Stephens is a marketing representative for a Burzynski supporter group – and the Burzynski Clinic does have a link on their website to this group.
But like everyone else, Marc Stephens has a past.
Marc Stephens was heard of as early as March 2011 on Yahoo Answers, a question and answer forum where people can ask and answer questions on a large variety of topics. One of those sections revolves around cancer. There is also one that revolves around alternative medicine. In both of these sections questions on Burzynski appear from time to time and in one of them the poster “lo_mcg” gave a perfectly reasonable answer. Just below the answer there is a “comments button”. If you press that button you will see how the “Burzynski representative to be” behaved. The first thing he did was to reveal an email address which he thought belonged to lo_mcg. We do not know if he actually wrote an email to this unfortunate person. The insults he put forward in public were bad enough, but it didn’t stop there.
He also sent emails to lo_mcg, expecting that she would be the only one to see them. This email exchange took place between March 28 March and April 11. All the emails came through YA’s messaging system , and he was unable to continue his harassment because Yahoo deleted his account. Lo_mcg has offered those emails to the public, and we feel that people should know about Marc Stephens’s recent past. So here is the full email exchange, including the two replies lo_mcg wrote.
From: MAS
Subject: Dr. Burzynski
Message: You see I actually do research : ) Your in SCHOOL? You do absolutely NO RESEARCH before answering questions?
Dorothy Tuan Lo <— “Lo”_mcg..??
Email: DTUANLO@mail.mcg.edu <—-Lo_”mcg”?
Medical College of Georgia
706-721-0272
Is it you? : ) We are real people and you should be ashamed of yourself trying to defame a group of people that you know absolutely nothing about. How about visiting the website at www.burzynskipatientgroup.org and do some research.
View the MEDICAL RECORDS of the patients on the website. I am not politically correct..so you will not receive a sugar coated response from me. You are disrespectful and ignorant. DO THE RESEARCH. How about talking to the little kids that had brain cancer. How about looking at the news that followed them from initial diagnosis to being CANCER FREE.
I demand an apology from you on this matter. As well as reposting your answer after you do your research. The people you claim are DEAD are ALIVE and that is called DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER. The patients of Dr. Burzynski are in the public eye as well as your comment about them, and you could be held liable for your “MEDICAL ADVISE”, and defamation of character. I recorded the screen with your comment as well as conducted research to, if necessary, file a legal suit if your comment is not corrected immediately. These people have families and you are causing great emotional distress to them by your uneducated comments and medical advise. Thank you. Marc Stephens
Reply from lo_mcg:
Your ‘research’ is rather fanciful; no that’s not me. Have you been harassing that unfortunate person with emails and threats?
I left school 42 years ago; never been to med school; never been to Georgia – in fact never been to the US. I’m someone who was desperate to avoid harsh treatments when diagnosed with advanced cancer, and researched all possible options.
I have given no ‘medical advise (sic)’, nor would I ever.I have not ‘defamed’ anybody; in fact the only person I refer to by name is Dr Burzynski.
I have made no comments about any patients of Dr Burzynski. Please reread my answer carefully. The only reference I make to any patients of Dr B is contained within a quote, clearly credited and clearly enclosed in quotation marks.
The only ‘advise’ (sic) I gave was to ‘Be wary of unsubstantiated testimonials about miracle cancer cures. You have no way of knowing whether the person ever had cancer in the first place, much less has been cured’, advice I frequently give in replies on YA and will continue to give to people seeking internet advice on cancer treatment – ANY cancer treatment.
If you want clues for further ‘research’, my YA username is in fact a mixture of letters from my own name and that of my paternal grandmother. And I live in a country that is not the US
From: MAS
Subject: Re: Dr. Burzynski
Message: “His ”antineoplastons” -the substances he has isolated from human urine which he claims cure cancer – have never been shown to have any effect on cancer”.. It doesn’t matter what country your in unless your on Mars..you can be sued for Defamation of Character, dissemination of false information, and negligence if you give medical advice. Dr. Burzynski has a patent in multiple countries for Antineoplastons and that is your quote above.
If you claim to be educated you should know you can not patent a drug that does not work, or is illegal. If you actually did do research you would know the FDA and the US Government are trying to steal the patent to antineoplaston. In addition, Antineoplaston is being introduced to PHASE III clinical trials? Maybe you should do more research on the matter because you are giving FALSE information. You should also speak with the patients and the kids that were treated successfully visit www.burzynskipatientgroup.org. Also, you can watch the NEWS stories on the website. Be responsible and do the research or I will pursue.
Feel free to contact me anytime 562-843-9398 or mastephens1@gmail.com. Many people are unaware that Dr. Burzynski patients are treated and are doing great. Don’t fall pray to propaganda. There is also a movie out (documentary) about Dr. Burzynski which has won numerous awards..I suggest you watch it. Thursday March 31 I am very serious. Thank you Marc Stephens. fyi..Dont think your IP is not tracked. Good night.
***
From: MAS
Subject: Burzynski
Message: You are afraid of facing the truth. If you are as smart as you think watch the documentary.
The type of person you are…you would think all the lawyers, police, and patients were lying in court when they testified in favor of Burzynski.
Then Burzynski won ALL multiple cases against him filed by the Government. But I thought his treatment does not work. The JURY even started testifying and supporting Burzynski. You need to do more research.
Why are you afraid to watch the documentary??? COMMENT on the documentary. I would think that a person that gives advise on cancer would look into current and relevant information. You claim you had cancer. POST your medical records like Burzynski Patients are doing on their website. You are CLEARLY a fraud..as well as the rest of the people on your page.. which is probably you with multiple accounts. I dont believe you… so can you prove that Burzynski is a fraud. I thought you were here to help innocent people like me who want the truth about cancer cures.
THE BURZYNSKI DOCUMENTARY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S81PXHwjMAQ&feature=channel_video_title
***
From: MAS
Subject: Burzynski
Message: For someone that is 58 yrs old who supposedly had breast cancer, and suffer from Diabetes type 2 and Lymphoedema you sure are hard headed and have NO RESPECT for cancer patients. Is that how they raise people in London-UK? Are you afraid to watch these videos:
1. Jessica Ressel Interview Brain Cancer Cured by Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski with NO Chemo or Radiation Therapy.
Jessica followed by media at 11 yrs old http://www.burzynskipatientgroup.org/news/jessica-ressel-brain-cancer
Jessica at 24 yrs old http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwTonGa0kCg&feature=player_embedded
2. Kelsey Hill Interview Lung & Liver Cancer Cured by Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski with NO Chemo or Radiation Therapy..6 month old baby.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0tTt1GO9RU&feature=player_embedded
3. Jodie Gold Fenton Interview Brain Cancer Cured by Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski with NO Chemo or Radiation Therapy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNW5afr6vmM&feature=player_embedded
4. Lt. Col. James Treadwell Brain Cancer Cured by Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski with NO Chemo or Radiation Therapy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tai7oMXw-nY&feature=player_embedded
***
Reply from lo_mcg:
Becoming something of an obsession with you, aren’t I?
All the information you believe you have artfully gleaned is freely available from my YA answers – except that I was either raised in or live in London, which I wasn’t and don’t.
Please know that I am a person of principle and can’t be frightened or bullied into saying something I do not believe to be true.
If you wish to change my mind about something on which I have formed an opinion, harassment and personal insults are not the way to do it. Rational argument is.
If you read my posts about Burzynski carefully, and are honest, you will see that nowhere have I called anyone a liar or a fraud.
But replication is the proof that something is effective; and Dr B’s results have not been successfully replicated, and so my position remains the same. And yes, I have watched some of the videos you link to.
In your search though my YA contributions, you can’t fail to have noticed that I am actually unfailingly respectful of cancer patients in my answers. If you don’t feel you have seen enough, I will happily add you as a ‘contact’, which means my Q&A will be visible to you. That way you won’t have to waste any more time googling.
Please note that even if I wanted to (which I don’t), I could not now remove my answer
And be aware that I simply don’t care whether you believe what I say or not. I’m adult and secure enough not to spend time fretting about other people’s opinions of me.
I suggest you move on now
From: MAS
Subject: Re: Burzynski
Message: “If you read my posts about Burzynski carefully, and are honest, you will see that nowhere have I called anyone a liar or a fraud.”
Your context insinuates that Burzynski is a fraud and a Liar in the following statements of yours..which is defamation of character.
“Burzynski claims to cure cancer with extracts from human urine. THERE SHOULDN’T REALLY BE ANY NEED TO SAY MORE, but here goes.”
“His ”antineoplastons” -the substances he has isolated from human urine which he claims cure cancer – have NEVER been shown to have any effect on cancer…” Are you sure “NEVER”..?
This is called Defamation – LIBAL which means defamation by written or printed words, pictures, or in any form other than by spoken words or gestures. UK law allows actions for libel to be brought in the High Court for any published statements alleged to defame a “named or identifiable individual” or individuals in a manner that causes them loss in their trade or profession, or “causes a reasonable person to think worse of them”.
You are on Yahoo giving medical advice to THIRD PARTIES which people take your answers as TRUTH. Your statements are 100% incorrect which medical records can prove in court that patients are being cured with Antineoplastons. Its also FDA approved for clinical trials and considered NON TOXIC. So your “NEVER” statement qualifies as defamation. Opinions also fall under defamation..your being NEGLIGENT. yahoo is a PUBLIC forum and BURZYNSKI is a PUBLIC FIGURE. Be smart.
***
From: MAS
Subject: Re: Burzynski
Message: I am just giving you FACTS about your statements. These are not threats nor do I have to bully someone to change their mind or OPINION. I am just letting you know that OPINIONS and false information whether on purpose or being negligent can land you in court. Because you are on Yahoo answering medical questions since 2007 you are looked at as an expert to the average person. There are also other Members telling people to listen to you because you know what your talking about. I have that as well.
I am trying to show you the TRUTH about Burzynski but you seem to be running away. Its unreal being that you claim to have suffered the side effects of chemo, radiation, and surgery. I do respect you, but you have to understand that what you put on PUBLIC forums you are liable for. Dr. Burzynski is a public figure and I can give you numerous cases he filed in regards to this type of action. In addition, he won numerous cases against the government. You really need to stop with your opinion when it comes to medical advice on public forums..you also have no disclaimers.
Call the Burzynski clinic and ask for current statistics of their patients..its avail. Dont you think they would be out of business and in jail providing FAKE statistics for over 30 years?
Wouldn’t you be upset if I told the world you NEVER had breast cancer and you are a fake? All the pain you went through and for someone to make you look like a fool in public..you would be hurt. Feel better.
***
From: MAS
Subject: Burzynski
Message: I see you just dont quit. I was going to take it easy on you. I do investigations for a living. How about you do some more current reading and not from old *** government propaganda newspapers and BLOGS.
You are stubborn which is why god gave you so much pain in your life. God hate ugly as they say. This is also why your comments are filled with ignorance, hate, and lies. you work for the devil now.. Wake up miss cancer patient of the decade. You probably LIED about cancer as well..you need attention.
In the end I will be laughing at all of you psychos. Go drink a glass of chemo..on the rocks. You are psycho but at least you have an excuse. Radiation and chemo turned you out..you no longer think with logic.
I already know your name and address. So good luck if a suit is at your front door. You talk too much thats how I found you. Lol. Be a good girl..hope you dont have pain in your thighs anytime soon..your already a pain in the ***… Lol.
Soon I will contact the patients and the clinic and provide them with your silly statement of “antineoplastons NEVER being effective”..when his drug is CLEARED for FDA phase 3 clinical trials. This trial will test the effectiveness between Radiation therapy and antineoplaston therapy on brain cancer. So you may want to retract your statement. : ) When you stop being childish and ignorant I will do the same. Follow your own medical advice and stop eating junk and exercise to help with your type 2 diabetes. Take care
***
From: MAS
Subject: Burzynski
Message: Hey Lo_mein… Im starting to think Bruce LI, Dave and busted, Gary No, Rhianna does herself, and Tink who cant Think are ALL of your split personalities with its own Yahoo account..Lol! How can so many people be so ignorant..?
Can you all answer this question. Is Antineoplastons approved for Phase 3 clinical trials by the FDA? Yes or No….
***
From: MAS
Subject: Burzynski
Message: Lo_Mein. Can you please answer this since you are the expert on cancer here on Yahoo Answers. Is Antineoplastons approved by the FDA to commence Phase 3 clinical trials?
Phase 1 is it Toxic to humans? NO.
Phase 2 shows positive results? YES.
Phase 3 Effective and ready for Marketability?
***
From: MAS
Subject: Burzynski
Message: Just in case you didn’t read Yahoos Terms of Service.
You agree to not use the Yahoo! Services to:
upload, post, email, transmit or otherwise make available any Content that is unlawful, harmful, tortious, AND DEFAMATORY;
intentionally or unintentionally violate any applicable local, state, national or international law;
You acknowledge, consent and agree that Yahoo! may access, preserve and disclose your account information and Content if required to do so by law or in a good faith belief that such access preservation or disclosure is reasonably necessary to: (i) comply with legal process;
You agree to indemnify and hold Yahoo! and its subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, agents, employees, partners and licensors harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third party due to or arising out of Content you submit, post, transmit, modify or otherwise make available through the Yahoo! Services;
SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES OR THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. ACCORDINGLY, SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OF SECTIONS 19 AND 20 MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
I knew you would be searching for me so I answered the Spurs to let you know your acting like a COWBOY..slang for a Reckless person who ignores potential risks. Pretty smart huh?
You can offer to amend your statement..before I submit to yahoo. NEVER is a bad word when Phase 3 is FDA approved to commence.
***
Threats like this: “Thursday March 31 I am very serious.” can be frighthening, but as lo_mcg mentions:” March 31st came and went 8 months ago”
We would like to express our support to Andy Lewis, lo_mcg, Peter Bowditch and everyone else who has refused to yield to this sort of behaviour.
Update:
UPDATED 27.11.11:
The connection between Marc Stephens and The Burzynski Clinic appears to have been confirmed: 17 year old blogger Rhys Morgan received a legal threat similar to that of others, and in the process he contacted the Burzynsci Clinic for confirmation of this connection. The reply came from Marc Stephens:
… I represent Dr. Burzynski, the Burzynski Clinic, and the Burzynski Research Institute. I’ve attached Azad Rastegar, and Renee Trimble from the Burzynski Clinic for your confirmation.
This means that all the ridiculous legal threats and all the contempt for people with cancer expressed by Marc Stepehens is expressed on behalf of Burzynski.
UPDATED 30.11.11:
The Burzynski Clinic issued a press release regarding the recent internet activity.
See also:
Summary of information on Burzynski by Josephine Jones.
UPDATED 7.12.11
A blogging lawyer is looking into the legal aspects of Marc Stephens’s threats. And he has been in contact with him.
UPDATED 21.12.11
There has been further contact between MAS and Popehat.
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