Actor Fired Over COVID Vaccine Beliefs Heads to Trial

On October 14, 2025, actor Rockmond Dunbar is scheduled to stand trial over his claim that he was wrongfully terminated from the TV series "9-1-1" due to his religious beliefs. Dunbar, who played the character Michael Grant, was written off the show in November 2021, a month after studios began requiring COVID-19 vaccines for actors and crew.

Dunbar asserts that as a member of the Congregation of Universal Wisdom, he believes it is sinful to inject chemicals that "defy natural law." However, the studio, 20th Television, argues that Dunbar fabricated this religious excuse to avoid complying with the vaccine mandate. During the pre-trial investigation, the studio's lawyers discovered that Dunbar had been taking other drugs, including steroids and synthetic testosterone, which they claim contradicts his religious beliefs.

The trial is a stark reminder of the complex safety protocols that Hollywood productions navigated during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many have grown tired of these rules, the central issue in this case is whether Dunbar's religious beliefs are sincere enough to warrant an accommodation under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The founder of the Congregation of Universal Wisdom, Dr. Walter Schilling, is expected to testify, though he recently indicated he is too ill to travel to Los Angeles. Dunbar and his wife, Maya, as well as the "9-1-1" showrunner, Tim Minear, are also expected to take the stand.