At a Glance
- Dr. Mehmet Oz posted a video on Wednesday accusing Armenian-owned businesses in Van Nuys of running a $3.5 billion fraud scheme.
- The clip sparked condemnation from the Armenian community and a statement from Governor Gavin Newsom’s office.
- Armenian National Committee of America officials say the video fuels “Armenophobia” and harms legitimate businesses.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, a former television host now serving as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, released a social-media video on Wednesday that has ignited backlash from the Armenian community and state officials. In the clip, Oz stands in front of a bakery in Van Nuys, accusing the shop and other Armenian-owned enterprises of being fronts for large-scale healthcare fraud. The video has prompted angry responses from community advocates, business owners, and the governor’s office.
The Video’s Claims
Oz begins the video by stating, “What we have learned, there’s roughly 3.5 billion dollars of fraud taking place here in Los Angeles, in hospice and homecare. It’s run quite a bit of it by the Russian Armenian Mafia, you notice the lettering and language behind me.” He then points to the bakery, labeling it a “fraudulent front.” The clip shows him holding a microphone while the storefront’s sign displays Armenian characters.
Key Points Highlighted by Oz
- Alleged $3.5 billion in fraud within Los Angeles hospice and home-care services.
- Accusation that the Russian Armenian Mafia is involved.
- Specific mention of a bakery in Van Nuys as an example of a fraudulent business.
Community Reaction
The Armenian National Committee of America’s Garen Janbachian expressed outrage, noting that Oz’s remarks “drive this Armenophobia, the fear of Armenians, the portraying Armenians as a negative portraying Armenians as bad people forward.” Janbachian added, “The store he’s standing in front of is a bakery, is like a family-owned bakery. They are of Armenian descent.” He emphasized that the statements are baseless and harmful to legitimate businesses.
Medical clinics and other Armenian-owned enterprises in the area reported feeling “extremely upset” and “harmful to their reputation.” One clinic spokesperson said, “Someone from the federal government comes and says, ‘Oh, these businesses are fraudulent.’ And no matter how baseless they are, they do have their effects.” The clinics also noted that patients are calling to confirm whether the claims are true, indicating a tangible impact on community trust.
Governor’s Response
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office released a statement saying, “Our office is reviewing reports that Dr. Mehmet Oz targeted the Armenian American community in Southern California recently, making racially charged claims of fraud outside Armenian-owned businesses, including a popular bakery. Given the historic sensitivities involved, we are taking these allegations seriously. Any and all acts of hate have no place in California.” The statement underscores the seriousness with which the state is treating the accusations.
Oz’s Counter-Statement
In response to the governor’s remarks, Oz fired back, stating, “If there were a real defense for California’s fraud crisis, we’d hear it. CMS and law enforcement will keep doing the actual work: going after fraudsters, period.” Oz’s comment was seen by many as dismissive of the concerns raised by the Armenian community and the state.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights the tension that can arise when public officials make broad accusations about specific ethnic groups. The backlash underscores the importance of accurate, evidence-based claims, especially when they can affect the livelihoods of legitimate businesses and the reputation of entire communities.
What This Means for the Community
- Reputational Damage: Legitimate businesses face scrutiny and potential loss of patronage.
- Community Trust: Patients and customers may hesitate to engage with clinics that are unfairly labeled.
- Political Accountability: State officials are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that hate-based rhetoric is not tolerated.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | Oz posts video accusing Armenian businesses of fraud |
| Wednesday | Armenian community leaders issue statements of outrage |
| Wednesday | Governor Newsom’s office releases a formal response |
| Wednesday | Oz releases a counter-statement defending his remarks |
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Oz’s video has sparked significant backlash from the Armenian community and state officials.
- The claims of a $3.5 billion fraud scheme are unverified and widely regarded as false.
- Governor Newsom’s office is treating the accusations with seriousness, emphasizing that hate has no place in California.
- The incident serves as a reminder of the impact that public statements can have on minority communities and their businesses.
Public officials are reminded that statements about specific communities can have real-world effects, influencing public perception and business operations.
