A federal jury has ruled against 9-1-1 actor Rockmond Dunbar, who claimed that he was fired from the show because he refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine due to his religious beliefs.
Per Variety, Dunbar was visibly in despair as the eight-member jury unanimously ruled in favor of 20th Television, the Disney-owned television studio.
“Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!” the actor shouted in court, per Variety, turning to his wife and children. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. We’ll be okay.”
When did Rockmond Dunbar file his lawsuit against 20th Television?
Dunbar filed his lawsuit against 20th Television in 2022, saying the company didn’t acknowledge his belief when it implemented a vaccine mandate on set. The 9-1-1 star, who follows the teachings of the Congregation of Universal Wisdom, said he is not allowed to take vaccines.
Dunbar told the court that his character, Michael Grant, was removed from the show in 2022 after he refused to take the vaccines.
“Man created the COVID-19 vaccine to separate you from God,” Dunbar said during a trial in Los Angeles, per 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.”
What did Disney’s lawyers say in their argument against Rockmond Dunbar?
While Dunbar argued that his religion doesn’t allow him to take injections or chemicals that “defy natural law,” Disney lawyers presented evidence to show various types of medications the actor has been taking. Per Deadline, the evidence showed that the 52-year-old star was getting testosterone injections eight times a month while also getting other drugs to protect himself from side effects such as breast growth.
The jury determined in the end that Dunbar was not sincere in his argument.
“We are pleased with today’s verdict, which affirms that 20th Television acted fairly and lawfully toward Mr. Dunbar,” 20th Television said in a statement after Friday’s decision, per Variety.