The actor alleged he was wrongfully fired from ‘9-1-1’ for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds, but a Los Angeles jury ruled that Disney acted lawfully.
Former 9-1-1 star Rockmond Dunbar has lost his lawsuit against Disney’s 20th Television, with a Los Angeles jury ruling that the studio did not violate his rights when it dismissed him for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
After a three-day federal trial in downtown Los Angeles, the jury on Friday unanimously sided with Disney, rejecting Dunbar’s claim that he was unlawfully terminated over his religious beliefs. The actor, who appeared shocked by the verdict, was in court when the decision was announced.
“We are pleased with today’s verdict, which affirms that 20th Television acted fairly and lawfully toward Mr. Dunbar,” a Disney spokesperson said following the ruling.
Dunbar, 52, portrayed Michael, the ex-husband of Angela Bassett’s character, on the hit Fox drama 9-1-1 from its 2018 debut until his exit in 2021. His departure came after he declined to comply with Disney’s vaccination policy, which required all cast and crew working in “Zone A” areas to be fully vaccinated.
The actor sought both medical and religious exemptions, citing his membership in the Congregation of Universal Wisdom, a group that opposes the use of injections or chemicals that “defy natural law.”
In his 2022 lawsuit, Dunbar alleged that Disney had discriminated against him based on religion and race, claiming that non-minority employees who refused vaccination were treated differently. He sought more than $1 million in damages.
However, in March 2024, District Judge Dolly Gee dismissed parts of his complaint, narrowing the case to focus on whether Dunbar’s beliefs were sincerely held, whether Disney engaged in a fair process, and whether any reasonable accommodations were possible.
During discovery, Disney presented evidence that undermined Dunbar’s claim of religious sincerity. The studio revealed that joining the Congregation of Universal Wisdom required only a $1 fee, and that Dunbar himself regularly received testosterone injections and other medications, contradicting his stated opposition to injections.
As these details emerged, the jury found that Dunbar’s refusal to be vaccinated was not based on a sincerely held religious belief, but rather on personal choice.
Despite Dunbar’s claim that “God gave him permission” to reject the vaccine, jurors sided with Disney—ending the actor’s two-year legal battle against the entertainment giant.
