Actor Rockmond Dunbar is suing Disney and 20th Television over their vaccine mandate that cost him his job.
The former “911” star says he submitted religious and medical exemption paperwork in September 2021 that should have excused him from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. He shared an undisclosed disability, and his membership with the Church of Universal Wisdom was enough reason he should not have to take the vaccine to continue working on the set of the show. According to the complaint, Disney believed that Dunbar only used the religious exemption as an excuse if the medical exemption did not work. A Disney-affiliated physician eventually interviewed his doctor, and the request was denied.
Dunbar says he was assured by the producers of “911” that accommodations would be made since he was unvaccinated. Instead, Dunbar was fired and banned from the set. His last day on the “911” set was October 18th. In November, his contract was officially terminated, with Disney claiming he breached his contract by refusing to comply with the COVID-19 mandate. The deal still had approximately $1.3 million owed to Dunbar.
After his termination, Fox lawyers told Dunbar that his religious exemption was denied because his beliefs are insincere. They explained that his tattoos and piercings proved that he was not as religiously strict as he led on. They also claimed an unnamed source told the company that Dunbar believed his wife would leave him if he received the shot.
The 49-year-old, who portrayed the show’s only Black male lead, Michael Grant, says he was discriminated against because of his religion and race. Dunbar pointed out that people of other races requested exemptions and received them.
In addition to being singled out, Dunbar says the defendants accused him of being an anti-vaxxer, making it difficult to find other acting gigs.
A rep for 20th Television stated to TMZ defending their vaccination mandate and exemption consideration process.
“Each request for exemption is given a thorough review, and we grant accommodations consistent with our legal obligations,” the statement read.
Dunbar is seeking back pay and a restraining order to prevent the production company from imposing vaccination requirements on employees and actors.
Discover more from Baller Alert
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
