Rockmond Dunbar Exits ‘9-1-1’ Amid COVID Vaccine Dispute

Rockmond Dunbar has been written off of Fox drama 9-1-1 after deciding not to comply with the show’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Disney TV Studios’ 20th Television, which produces the series, requires all actors be vaccinated to continue working on set.

“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,” 20th Television said in a statement to the media on Tuesday. “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.”

Dunbar played Michael Grant (ex-husband of Angela Bassett’s Athena) for five seasons. He cited his faith as one of the reasons he did not want to get vaccinated.

“I applied for religious and medical accommodations pursuant to the law and unfortunately was denied by my employer,” Dunbar told TheWrap. “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.”

He added: “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.“

Dunbar had been on the show since the pilot episode, until his character was written off on the episode that aired Monday night. 

The series’ official Twitter account ran a statement about the loss of his character on Monday as well.

“We’re gonna miss you, Michael!” read the Nov. 16 statement, that included a picture the actor.

Since the episode aired, Dunbar has been retweeting messages from viewers offering their support and saying how much they will miss seeing his character on the show.