Flat Earther who wanted to be ‘first woman on the moon’ explains why the globe is a ‘lie’
Shelley Lewis told UNILAD said she considers Flat Earth theory ‘scientific fact’ because she has ‘so much evidence’
Kit Roberts
A self‑proclaimed Flat Earther has opened up about what ultimately led her to believe the Earth is not a globe.
Shelley Lewis, a California-based teacher, says she balances her work educating children in science with creating online videos that promote flat‑Earth ideas.
“I don’t really call it a belief anymore, because I have so much evidence that it’s become more of a scientific fact,” Shelley told UNILAD.
Shelley Lewis is a self-described Flat Earther (Shelley Lewis)
She went on to say, “There’s something going on. Either we live in a simulation, the Earth is flat but whatever we’ve been told is definitely questionable.”
Before embracing flat‑Earth beliefs, Shelley once dreamed of becoming an astronaut and even earned admission to the prestigious West Point Military Academy.
After completing her service, she began splitting her time between making films about the flat‑Earth theory, writing vegan cookbooks, and working as a teacher.
Shelley currently teaches physics at a private school, though she emphasized that she does not introduce flat‑Earth ideas in the classroom and instead follows the approved textbook curriculum.
“I wanted to be an astronaut,” she said. “My dream was to be the first woman to walk on the Moon.
“I used to think people who believed the Earth was flat were ruining science.”
That perspective has since shifted, with Shelley explaining that a pilot friend was the one who first introduced her to the concept of a flat Earth.
“I started interviewing pilots, engineers and ballistics weapons experts, and all of that was pointing to a flat Earth,” she claimed.
Explaining how the flat‑Earth model works, Shelley said: “If you imagine a disc or even a clock it’s a contained system. So when people think, ‘Oh, Flat Earthers are going to fall off the edge,’ no.
“It could either be an infinite plane, or it could be a contained system with a dome.”
She went on to explain that the structure is supported by pillars, with the self‑contained system surrounded by water, as well as what she described as “the throne room of God” and “the River of Life.”
Shelley added that she identifies as a “Biblical” Flat Earther, but insists she is “still science‑based.”
Flat Earth theory is widely described as a form of science denialism, with supporters maintaining belief despite overwhelming evidence and centuries of scientific consensus.
Acknowledging this, Shelley said: “You’re going against science you’re going against the big names, you know, Newton and Kepler and all these major scientists. You’re basically questioning all these years.”
“Earthrise’, taken from lunar orbit by astronaut William Alison Anders on December 24 1968 (NASA/Bill Anders)
Nonetheless, she doesn’t let this deter her, adding: “But isn’t that what science is? Aren’t we allowed to question and when we find out new information, that is the scientific method to actually go and investigate and observe?”
As for the impact that her beliefs have had on her life more generally, Shelley said that her parents love her ‘no matter what’, but one of her in-laws ‘wants nothing to do with’ her.
Describing people’s reactions to her being a Flat Earther, she said: “There were a lot of raised eyebrows, like, what the hell? Is she OK? You know, do we need to have a welfare check on this girl?”
She went on to say that she thinks people are becoming more ‘open’ about a Flat Earth, saying: “It’s still a fringe topic, but there are a lot of people who are questioning it as well.”
She added: “I think people are more open to it, but it is controversial.”
The first people to figure out that the Earth is a globe were the Ancient Greeks.
Philosopher Eratosthenes calculated the Earth’s circumference with remarkable accuracy, a feat that was later repeated by Indian mathematician Aryabhata.
The International Space Station silhouetted over Earth (Getty Images)
Contrary to popular modern myths about the Middle Ages, it was widely accepted at the time that the Earth is round the oldest surviving globe dates back to 1492.
Flat Earth theory only gained traction in the 19th century and persisted into the 20th, culminating in the founding of the International Flat Earth Society in 1956.
One might assume that the space race and Moon landings would have settled the debate, but the theory has proven remarkably persistent. When shown a photograph of Earth from space, the society’s founder, Samuel Shenton, dismissed it, saying: “It’s easy to see how a photo like this could fool the untrained eye.”
Since then, countless images of Earth from space, along with technologies such as GPS satellites, broadcast systems, and aircraft navigation, have further confirmed the planet’s round shape.
Yet, in the era of social media, the number of Flat Earthers continues to grow.
UNILAD’s new Stripped Back series, released from September 23, explores conspiracy theories, featuring interviews with believers, experts, and those affected by the claims.
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