It’s been four years since actor Rockmond Dunbar was fired from Fox’s “9-1-1.” He refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine citing religious reason, and ever since then, he’s been entangled in a nasty lawsuit against 20th Television and its parent company, Disney. Now, we finally have a verdict.
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An eight-person jury ruled in favor of Disney last week, prompting an emotional response from Dunbar. “Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!” he shouted before turning to his family. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry,” he reportedly told them. “We’ll be okay.”
We previously told you Dunbar was written off “9-1-1” after five seasons playing alongside Angela Bassett. He reportedly sought an religious exemption from the vaccine, but during the height of the pandemic, the higher-ups weren’t having it. Months later, the actor sued.
Dunbar claimed he’d been blacklisted in Hollywood after the show, which led to some serious financial problems. He promised he’s not an anti-vaxxer– although he admitted in court that none of his kids have had any vaccines. Still, he claimed Disney “wrongfully leaked negative information” about him. This led to him becoming “persona non grata in his industry.”
The “Prison Break” star pleaded with the court during the trial saying, “I’m underwater. I’ve spent my entire retirement.” He added, “This has taken my life into a hole financially that I will never be able to get out of.”
On top of wanting production to take responsibility of his financial ruin, Dunbar also noted his religious beliefs weren’t taken seriously, Deadline reported. He’s reportedly a member of The Congregation of Universal Wisdom, and one of the major tenets prevents believers from getting vaccines or any other medical intervention.
“Man created the COVID-19 vaccine to separate you from God,” Dunbar said, according to Variety. “This is a spiritual war. This is a war of evil against good. I stood on the side of good. I stood on the side of God. I stood on the shoulders of God.” He went on to say he got permission from God to take his anti-vax stance. “Take my cars, my money — I don’t care. You have to leave here with your soul intact,” Dunbar said. “This is my spiritual test and I passed.”
His faith didn’t hold up in trial after the defense repeatedly noted Dunbar’s history with taking synthetic testosterone and anastrozole, which would fall under the same vaccine mandate of his faith, the publication reported. In fact, during closing arguments, lawyers listed 37 medications taken by the actor.
In response to the court’s ruling, 20th Television said, “We are pleased with today’s verdict, which affirms that 20th Television acted fairly and lawfully toward Mr. Dunbar.” Since leaving the Fox show, Dunbar has been slow to work. He recently starred in Tyler Perry’s “Straw” with Taraji P. Henson.
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