Jenny McCarthy dumped from cancer fundraiser

The Ottawa Cancer Foundationhas reversed its decisionto hire actress and modelJenny McCarthyto headlineits one-day fitness fundraiserBust A Move.

In a statement released late Friday afternoon, the foundation said McCarthy would be replaced by Canadian celebrity fitness instructor and former CFL player Tommy Europe.

The statement said that since the announcement of McCarthy's appearance, "...attention has shifted away from breast cancer awareness and fundraising."

On Tuesday, McCarthy was revealed as Bust A Move'sguest fitness instructor, which caused many to question why an organizationsupporting cancer researchwould invitesomeone with a history of promoting erroneous ideas abouthealth and disease.

Despite reams of scientificresearch to the contrary, McCarthywrites and speakspublicly about thesupposed link between child vaccination and autism. The former Playboy Playmate alsoblames her son's autism onvaccinations.

Word of McCarthy's appearance at a charity cancer event sparked a #dropjenny hashtag on Twitter, which generated many comments about whether the actress was a credible choice. Similar online debate occurred on Bust A Move's Facebook page.

Othersupporters of the cancer foundation and immunologistsalso expressedconcern aboutits choice ofMcCarthy for this year's event. Ottawa resident Greg Mills said he'dthink twice before donating.

"She's been very vocal in support for reallyquackery rather than anythingthat could achieve results,"said Mills. "It is astounding that a breast cancer foundation, or activity would bring her on for that. I think there are better choices out there."

In an effort to equal or beatthe $350,000Bust A Moveraised last year, with thehelp of legendary fitness guru Richard Simmons, McCarthy was tapped to headline the March 2013 event.

Dr. Kumanan Wilson,Canada Research Chair for Public Health who has studied vaccine safety, sayscelebrities have a lot of influenceandthatMcCarthy's misinformationcould have negative health impacts.

Wilson said there has been significant research doneon thesafety ofvaccines and that there is absolutely no link between child vaccination and autism.

"Concerns need to be put forward and they need to be studied," said Wilson."But in this case it has been studied and there is no association."

On her Twitter feed Friday afternoon, McCarthy blamed the cancellation of her appearance on scheduling conflicts: "So, so sorry Ottawa! I had to pull out of (the) event because of my new show taping conflict but will be back in a few months to make up for it!"