The annals of far‑out conspiracy theories run deep even before the internet, but the most insane recent claims push absurdity to new heights. If you think about it, the planning, execution, and silence required make such massive plots extremely unlikely.
10 The Chipotle E. Coli Outbreak Was Bioterrorism
Why This Theory Ranks Among the Most Insane
Fast‑casual chain Chipotle Mexican Grill suffered a multistate E. coli outbreak in late 2015. The FDA never nailed down a single source because the menu’s fresh ingredients are mixed in countless ways. Yet a handful of daring websites declared the episode a deliberate act of food terrorism.
Because Chipotle publicly opposes GMOs, conspiracy writers claim biotech operatives sprayed the bacteria onto the easily reachable toppings using nebulizing bottles. One article even warned that the GMO industry “routinely resorts to tactics that resemble terrorism or criminal mafias.”
The plot supposedly thickens with accusations that top Chipotle executives were being framed for cocaine purchases, allegedly tied to the arrest of the individual tasked with repairing the chain’s relationship with the FDA.
9 Prince And Merle Haggard Were Killed Over Chemtrails
If you buy into chemtrail lore, the vapor trails trailing airplanes are laced with chemicals deployed by a shadowy government cabal to poison the populace. Two iconic musicians—Prince and Merle Haggard—are said to have fallen victim to a weaponized “chemtrail flu” just weeks apart in April 2016.
Both artists referenced chemtrails in their work: Prince on the 2003 track “Dreamer” and Haggard on 2011’s “What I Hate.” Prince also spoke publicly about the phenomenon, fueling the belief that a covert chemical weapon ended their lives.
8 Pokemon Go Is Spying On Us
When Pokémon Go exploded onto the scene, conspiracy buffs warned that the game and its parent company, Niantic, could be a front for the New World Order’s surveillance network. The game runs on Google Earth, and Niantic founder John Hanke helped launch Keyhole—the precursor to Google Earth—partially funded by a CIA venture‑capital firm.
The game’s privacy policy admits data may be shared with law‑enforcement or “government officials.” Early versions of the app accessed far more data than intended, including contacts and photos. Chinese bloggers claim the app is a U.S./Japan plot to locate China’s military bases, while a newer twist suggests Japan is using the game to spy on the United States, with “Go” secretly standing for “Global Offensive.”
7 The 2016 NBA Finals Were Rigged
The 2016 NBA Finals saw the Cleveland Cavaliers pull off a dramatic seven‑game victory over the record‑breaking Golden State Warriors. The controversy ignited when the NBA mistakenly posted the entire Finals schedule on Facebook before the Eastern Conference semifinals were even decided.
Although the post was quickly removed, the error sparked speculation. The series was already marred by a string of questionable calls, culminating in Warriors star Stephen Curry being ejected from Game 7 after he tossed his mouthguard at a fan.
6 Rapper Gucci Mane Is A Government Clone
In 2014, rapper Gucci Mane was convicted of two firearm‑possession‑by‑a‑felon counts, facing a potential 20‑year sentence. He was released early—116 days ahead of schedule—in mid‑2016, a move that conspiracy enthusiasts seized upon.
Theorists argue that a government‑engineered clone, not the real Gucci, walked out of prison. They point to his rapid weight loss, newfound fitness, expanded vocabulary, and the removal of an ice‑cream‑cone facial tattoo as proof of a covert replacement. When asked, Gucci neither confirmed nor denied the rumors, seemingly amused by the speculation.
5 Katy Perry Is JonBenet Ramsey
The 1996 murder of six‑year‑old JonBenet Ramsey captured the nation’s imagination, thanks to inconsistent statements from her parents and her involvement in child beauty pageants. A wildly bizarre theory claims the girl wasn’t killed but instead grew up to become pop star Katy Perry.
Proponents argue that JonBenet’s name—rather than her body—was offered to dark forces, granting her a path to stardom. Perry has never addressed the claim, which conspiracy circles interpret as a sign she’s hiding something.
4 California’s Drought Is Engineered
By mid‑2016, California was entrenched in a multi‑year drought, with reservoirs dwindling and water rationing in effect. Some conspiracists contend the drought is a deliberate geo‑engineering project aimed at slowing global warming.
Coupled with the chemtrail narrative, the theory posits that governments are spraying aluminum, barium, and other toxic substances into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight. To maximize the effect, they allegedly keep skies clear by halting rainfall, effectively controlling the weather.
3 Zika Virus Spread By Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
In 2015, the Zika virus emerged as a frightening health threat, causing mild flu‑like symptoms in adults but severe birth defects—most notably microcephaly—in babies born to infected mothers.
Conspiracy theorists allege that the disease’s spread is intentional, blaming genetically modified mosquitoes engineered by the biotech firm Oxitec. While Oxitec’s real goal is to curb mosquito populations by releasing sterile males, skeptics claim the modified insects were designed to disseminate the virus on purpose.
2 NASA Covered Up A UFO Sighting
In July 2016, a YouTube video captured a live feed from the International Space Station showing a bright dot streaking across the frame before the feed abruptly cut. Conspiracy circles instantly labeled the object an alien spacecraft and accused NASA of a cover‑up.
NASA spokesperson Daniel Huot clarified that the ISS is equipped with seven HD cameras that rotate automatically. The “cut” was simply the system switching to the next camera, and the mysterious dot could have been any piece of reflective space debris.
1 Donald Trump Is A Plant
One of the most divisive figures in recent U.S. politics, Donald Trump, is alleged to have been a plant placed by the establishment to hand the 2016 election to Hillary Clinton. The theory suggests his campaign was designed to present an unelectable opponent, making Clinton’s path to victory appear effortless.
Supporters of this idea point to Trump’s early rhetoric—filled with xenophobia and racism—his past friendship with the Clintons, his self‑identification as a moderate Democrat, and his financial contributions to Clinton’s 2008 campaign. Some claim the ultimate goal was to boost Trump’s personal brand and business empire via relentless media exposure. The narrative gained traction after a former Trump staffer publicly asserted these claims.