Greta Thunberg was added to CNN’s coronavirus live broadcast town hall special, a move that’s been met with confusion from critics, as support⁠ for the teenage climate change activist.

But Greta Thunberg says she’s not appearing as an “expert” on a CNN coronavirus town hall.

The climate change activist has hit back at critics on Twitter. “I am not an expert. I am an activist. The only people claiming that I’m an “expert” are those who are trying to ridicule me. My message has always been to unite behind the science and listen to the experts.

Tonight I’ll be interviewed on CNN to talk about the new campaign supporting during COVID-19 and about being an activist in a world altered by the coronavirus. It seems some people thought I was going to be on an expert panel, which of course has never been the case.”

Journalist Yashar Ali asked “What place does Greta Thunberg have in this town hall?” to his 618,000 followers. His rhetorical question was liked by more than 23,000.

In a follow-up tweet, Ali clarified his rhetorical tweet with an explanation: “I understand that but this is a panel of top health experts and administrators. A climate activist would be better suited on a different panel. She’s not a climate scientist. It’s a matter of placement.”

The Guardian rushed to Greta’s defence saying “ Thunberg’s activism gives her an undeniable platform which she has used to inform people about the pandemic. After showing mild symptoms of Covid-19 in late March after a trip around Europe, Thunberg chose to quarantine away from her family for two weeks and encouraged other young people to do the same.”