Wuhan lab leak theory was ruled out as China intimidated scientists with 'harsh' crackdown SCIENTISTS changed their tune on the theory that Covid originated from a Wuhan lab as China conducted a "harsh" crackdown on scientific transparency, a Government advisor has claimed during an exclusive chat with Express.co.uk. By Jacob Paul 09:01, Mon, Jan 17, 2022 | UPDATED: 10:52, Mon, Jan 17, 2022 Wuhan lab researchers handle bats in 2017 promo footage This comes as a chain of leaked emails exposed this week appeared to show that scientists had discussed the theory in the early days of the pandemic. But until now, the shocking claims were never brought to the public, reportedly due to soaring fears from researchers. Matt Ridley, a former Tory Peer and author of Viral: The search for the origin of COVID-19 , told Express.co.uk that there was a motive to “quash” the theory to save China’s reputation. Related articles China's Moon rover determines 'mystery