NEW YORK, NY – A newly released video from O’Keefe Media Group (OMG) appears to show a current Johnson & Johnson employee, Joshua Rys, speaking candidly about ethical concerns and behind-the-scenes practices in the COVID-19 vaccine development. The footage, published on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), shows Rys discussing matters related to scientific transparency, regulatory strategy, and internal pharmaceutical dynamics.
While the exact context of the conversation is unclear, what’s clear is this: Joshua Rys is a real employee of Johnson & Johnson. According to the official Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS website, Rys appears to serve as a Science Engagement Lead, a position that involves liaising with startups and scientific partners in the company’s innovation division. This strongly supports the authenticity of the individual shown in the video.
Although O’Keefe Media refers to him as a “lead scientist,” that appears to be an informal or generalized label – his role is more likely aligned with scientific outreach and collaboration rather than internal research leadership. Regardless, the footage shows him making comments that align closely with the summary presented by the outlet.
James O’Keefe, the founder of both O’Keefe Media Group and the earlier Project Veritas, is known for using hidden camera tactics and undercover journalism. While these methods have been widely criticized- particularly by left-leaning media and political voices – the substance of what has been reported by O’Keefe-led investigations has rarely if ever been debunked as false. The primary objections to his work have focused on how the information was obtained, rather than on whether the facts were accurate.
As of this writing, Johnson & Johnson has not released any official comment on the video or the remarks made by Rys. The company also has not contested the identity of the individual in the video, further suggesting the story is based in fact.
It is ultimately up to the public to watch the video and decide for themselves how to interpret it. While some editorial skepticism is always healthy – especially with hidden-camera footage – the available evidence leans toward this being a legitimate conversation with a real Johnson & Johnson employee. Any further confirmation or clarification from the company will be reported as it becomes available.
Background: Johnson & Johnson and the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
Johnson & Johnson was one of the major pharmaceutical companies involved in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its vaccine, developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a J&J subsidiary), was granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February 2021.
Unlike the mRNA-based vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, the J&J vaccine used a viral vector platform, delivering genetic material via a modified adenovirus. It was initially promoted as a single-dose option, offering convenience for mass distribution.
While praised early on for its ease of storage and one-shot approach, the vaccine later faced public scrutiny due to reports of rare blood clotting events (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome), especially in younger women. This led to revised FDA guidance and a limited role in booster recommendations.
Despite these challenges, the J&J vaccine played a key part in expanding access during the height of the pandemic, especially in underserved areas and for populations where follow-up doses were less feasible.
Summary Snapshot:
- A video published by O’Keefe Media Group shows a man identified as Joshua Rys, a confirmed employee of Johnson & Johnson, making candid remarks about vaccine research.
- Rys is listed publicly as a Science Engagement Lead with Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS.
- The video appears authentic and has not been disputed by Johnson & Johnson as of this writing.
- O’Keefe Media has shared edited highlight clips publicly via X (formerly Twitter), while the full, unedited footage is available only to paying subscribers on the O’Keefe Media Group website.
- James O’Keefe and his prior organization, Project Veritas, have faced criticism mainly over their undercover methods – not for spreading false information, as the accuracy of their core claims has rarely been directly refuted.
- While the story seems credible based on the available evidence, viewers are encouraged to watch, research, and form their own conclusions.
