Viewers were stunned when Rockmond Dunbar‘s character, Michael Grant, made a sudden departure from FOX series ‘9-1-1’ this week.
Indeed, there was little lead-up and his exit seemed abrupt.
Now, it’s emerged why the actor, who has been starring alongside the likes of Angela Bassett on the popular series for four seasons, has left.
Full story below…
Deadline reports that a newly implemented COVID-19 vaccination mandate is at the center of Dunbar’s departure.
Citing a source close to the situation, Dunbar is not anti-vaccinations. Yet, cited religious and medical exemptions that ultimately were rejected after review by the network’s parent company.
Dunbar confirmed as much in a statement. The 48-year-old wrote:
“I applied for religious and medical accommodations pursuant to the law and unfortunately was denied by my employer,” he said. “My sincerely held beliefs and private medical history are very intimate and personal aspects of my life that I do not publicly discuss and have no desire to start now. I’ve been an actor in this business for 30 years, but my greatest roles are as a husband and father to our 4 small children. As a man that walks in faith, I look forward to what the future holds.
I have enjoyed the last 5 seasons with this wonderful cast and crew and will cherish the time I’ve been blessed to spend with this series and wish everyone involved nothing but the best.“
20th Television followed with these words:
“We take the health and safety of all of our employees very seriously, and have implemented a mandatory vaccination confirmation process for those working in Zone A on our productions. In order to ensure a safer workplace for all, Zone A personnel who do not confirm their vaccination status and do not meet the criteria for exemption will not be eligible to work.”
Vaccination mandates are becoming increasingly the norm as Hollywood attempts to bounce back after the global health crisis.
Noooooooo! I love him on the show! 💔
Me too! I don’t understand why he couldn’t just be tested daily/weekly. Isn’t that what they were doing prior to the vaccines? Ugh I’m gonna miss Michael!!!!
It’s ridiculous! 💔
Is the exemption religious or medical? You cannot have it every which way.
Boooo these mandates are so stupid! The vaccine doesn’t prevent the spread of C**** anyway! It was QUIETLY reported that 45% of hospitalizations in my home state were fully vaccinated. So what’s the truth here?????????????
The vaccine does not 100% prevent contracting COV, but it will keep you from experiencing the most severe aspects of the v****. Just like a seat-belt – which we are legally forced to wear – won’t prevent a car crash, it will help save your life.
Then why are almost half of hospitalizations in my home state those of vaccinated people? If your statement were true, the percentage would be under 10%. The truth is people are still dying with and without the vaccine. That’s why it should be a personal choice.
No one should be forced to take the vaccine. It’s been said that it will last a year at best, yet no one is required to monitor the date of vaccination; just show your papers and pretend like you can’t still get and spread the v**** to anyone who is not a good candidate for the vaccine.
Totally behind you. Its sad that the Network is picking political sides.
You are a role model to our young people. So proud you stood your ground.
Love 911 but no longer watching.
Good for him. Nothing in this world is worth ur mind, body & soul. All this sh** will return to dirt.
You already are dirt. Woman-abusing advocate.
YET you stan a woman who has relations with abusive men. BUT for whatever reason, you ignore this.
I stan her?! I couldn’t even name you a single ONE of her songs. Get it right.
That sucks. I love him on the show
I thoughy religipus reaso?s would be accepted
I thoughy religipus reaso?s would be acceptedno dontnwant him to leave
Dont want him to leave
I think its stupid to have mandates.
Aww, man…Michael Grant is one of my favorite characters on 911 and I’m sad that he is leaving. However, I do respect Mr. Dunbar’s decision and his reasons that led him to make that decision. I wish him all the best!
WOW these mandates are total BS!! His character will be missed 😠
Good for you best wishes for you and your family.
never getting that vaccine, I stand with this man 100%
I think it’s ridiculous that they waited until 2 years after Co vid was proclaimed a disease to implement this. I feel really bad for him and his family. The freedoms in this country are lessening and lessening. It is scary to live here now.
The world needs to start thinking why our government is mandating it’s not because they love us so much if I choose not to take the vaccination I know what my wrist will be no one is going to make me take cancer treatment but if I don’t take the cancer treatment chances I’ll probably die people that are vaccinated is supposed to be protected so if I choose not to be protected who are you to choose for me
I stand with Rockmond. Do what’s best for you and your family! You’re not gonna force me to put anything into my body. Thank God I’m self employed. The govt doesn’t care about us. It’s all a money grab.