Nationwide — Actor Rockmond Dunbar broke down in tears after shedding his lawsuit towards Disney, the place he claimed he was fired from the hit TV present 9-1-1 for refusing the COVID vaccine attributable to his non secular beliefs. A jury dominated in favor of Disney, ending his two-year authorized battle.
In line with Selection, Dunbar, who performed Michael Grant on the present, shouted “Oh my God! I’m so sorry!” to his household as the decision was learn in a Los Angeles courtroom. The actor had been incomes $100,000 per episode earlier than his character was written off in 2021 when Disney enforced a vaccine mandate for solid and crew.
In his lawsuit, Dunbar mentioned Disney didn’t respect his beliefs as a member of the Congregation of Common Knowledge, a gaggle that rejects vaccines and medical remedies. He testified that taking the vaccine would go towards his religion, calling it “a religious struggle” and “towards God’s teachings.”
Disney’s authorized group questioned the sincerity of Dunbar’s beliefs, noting that he commonly used artificial testosterone and different prescribed drugs that his personal religion thought of “sacrilegious.” Throughout closing arguments, lawyer Maria Rodriguez offered an inventory of 37 drugs Dunbar had taken, arguing that his objections weren’t actually non secular.
Dunbar admitted on the stand that he was “not excellent” however mentioned he had adopted what he believed was proper. “Take my automobiles, my cash — I don’t care. You must go away right here together with your soul intact. That is my religious check and I handed,” he mentioned.
Since leaving 9-1-1, Dunbar mentioned he struggled financially and couldn’t discover regular work. “I’m underwater. I’ve spent my total retirement. This has taken my life right into a gap financially that I’ll by no means be capable to get out of,” he mentioned, holding again tears.
Disney referred to as Dr. Glenn Braunstein, a medical professional, who testified that claims concerning the vaccine containing fetal cells or “international objects” had been false, calling them “ridiculous.”
Dunbar’s lawyer, Scott Road, argued that his consumer’s beliefs had been honest even when they differed from mainstream faith. “What issues is whether or not he’s true to himself and true to his perception,” he informed jurors.
After the decision, twentieth Tv launched an announcement saying the choice confirmed that the corporate acted “pretty and lawfully.” Outdoors the courtroom, Dunbar merely mentioned, “God nonetheless received at present.”
