Violet Affleck's Fiery UN Speech: Long COVID Tops Asthma in Kids – Calls for Mask Mandates

On September 23, 2025, Violet Affleck, the 19-year-old daughter of actors Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, addressed the United Nations during an event titled "Healthy Indoor Air: A Global Call to Action." In her speech, Affleck highlighted the ongoing effects of long COVID on children, noting that the condition has surpassed asthma as the most common chronic illness among those under age five, according to research by Yale immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki. She advocated for measures including reinstated mask mandates, improved air filtration systems in schools and public buildings, and the recognition of clean indoor air as a fundamental human right.

Affleck, who wore a mask during her remarks, drew comparisons to past public health efforts like the campaign against indoor smoking and criticized the insufficient information provided to young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her appearance has sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising her emphasis on airborne transmission risks and others questioning the relevance of mask mandates in 2025.

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