Disney has dropped the Covid vaccine requirement for several of its shows. Deadline reports that the mandate has been lifted from the sets of Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19, 911, and 911: Lone Star. Certain shows, such as The Rookie and The Rookie: Feds, will keep the vaccine in place. Until now, Disney had a blanket policy requiring all workers in “Zone A” and those who come into contact with them to be vaccinated. Vaccine mandates have stirred up some controversy in the entertainment industry. Canada’s nationwide mandate is believed to have played some role in actor Jordan Elsass’ decision to depart Superman & Lois. Disney has now turned away some controversy by dropping its Covid vaccine mandate.
Disney’s Covid Vaccine Mandate Controversy Is Not Quite Over
While the mandate has been lifted for several shows, Disney’s mandate for the Covid vaccine mandate brought up some legal issues that are not quite over. In February, former 911 actor Rockmond Dunbar (also known for Prison Break) sued Disney for dismissing him from the show for refusing to get the vaccine. Dunbar accused Disney of racial discrimination and blasted the company for not allowing him a religious exemption. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a federal judge trimmed the lawsuit so Disney and 20th Century Television will no longer face a disparate impact claim that accused them of discriminating against the Church of Universal Wisdom. However, they still face 10 claims that range from religious and racial discrimination to retaliation and breach of contract.
Dunbar isn’t the only Disney employee to disappear for refusing the Covid vaccine. Steve Burton, who portrayed Jason Morgan on ABC’s General Hospital, left the show on the Disney-owned network in November 2021. Whether or not he or other actors can return to their roles since Disney is dropping the vaccine mandate remains unknown. In Burton’s case, it wouldn’t be his first return.
Do you think Disney is doing the right thing by dropping the Covid vaccine mandate on numerous shows? Share your thoughts in the comments.