Ex 9-1-1 Actor Rockmond Dunbar sues Disney
Last year in November, the news came out that actor Rockmond Dunbar will no longer be a part of 9-1-1. It was regarding the show’s COVID vaccine mandate and Dunar’s exemption from it.
It seems the Soul Food star didn’t take his character’s exit from the show lightly and is quite upset over the situation. Dunbar filed a federal lawsuit against Disney and 20th Television over firing him from the show.
According to his lawsuit, the studios discriminated against him. While the other cast and crew members who were not vaccinated were accommodated by the studios but he had to exit since he was Black.
Dunbar’s exit from 9-1-1
The Prison Break actor played the role of Michael Grant in 9-1-1 for 5 seasons. However, he requested a medical and religious exemption from the COVID protocol mandate on the show. Soon after, the studios wrote off his character from the show.
Disney reviewed Dunbar’s requests and rejected them. The lawsuit further states that the studio administrators never took his accommodation requests seriously. And they never engaged in any form of interactive communication with him to go over his religious beliefs.
Rockmond accused the studios for improperly dismissing him from the show, terminating his employment agreements and damaging his professional reputation. He added that the studios deliberately made it seem like he was anti-vaccination.
The actor is seeking around $1.3 million as compensation owed to him according to the contract.
Disney and 20th Television’s reaction to the lawsuit
Referring to the lawsuit, 20th Television responded in a statement that health and safety were their first priority. And hence they implemented a mandatory vaccination process.
The studio further added that they wouldn’t want to comment on any particular individual but they offer exemption after proper review of the request and grant accommodations accordingly. In conclusion, they added that they do not make a decision based on the individual’s race.
Also read: FORRIE J. SMITH FROM YELLOWSTONE BOYCOTTS SAG AWARDS 2022 OVER COVID VACCINATION MANDATES