During a recent episode of the podcast “Million Dollaz Worth of Game,” Ice Cube revealed that he lost a $9 million acting part because he did not want to receive the COVID vaccine shot.
In October of 2021, rumors began to circulate that Cube had been removed from the cast of Sony’s upcoming comedy “Oh Hell No,” which was directed by Kitao Sakurai, the same director who helmed “Bad Trip,” and co-starring Jack Black and other cast members.
However, in order for cast members to participate in the movie, which at the time was intended to shoot during the winter in Hawaii, the film’s producers allegedly demanded that all cast members be vaccinated against the virus.
“I turned down a movie because I didn’t want to get the motherf—ing jab,” the actor and rapper said on a new episode of the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast. “I turned down $9 million. I didn’t want to get the jab. F— that jab. F— y’all for trying to make me get it. I don’t know how Hollywood feels about me right now.”
When one of the podcast hosts recommended Cube leave Hollywood for streaming, Cube answered, “That’s Hollywood thought. They’re on some shit. But me too, I’m on some shit too.”
Cube was asked, if he would leave Hollywood and make an independent production? “I’m working on it. I’m hustling,” Cube said. “Got a lot of things up my sleeve.”
Later in the podcast, Cube clarified that he “didn’t turn down the movie” per se, but “those motherf—ers didn’t give it to me because I wouldn’t get the shot.” He continued, “I didn’t turn it down. They just wouldn’t give it to me. The COVID shot, the jab. I didn’t need it. I didn’t catch that sh– at all. Nothing. F— them. I didn’t need that sh–.”
We also discover comparable occurrences like this one with Cube about the rejection of obtaining the Covid-19 jab:
Letitia Wright, who plays Shuri in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is suing The Hollywood Reporter following the publication of an article that compares her conspiracy theory about vaccination. The Reporter compared Letitia Wright’s vaccine conspiracy beliefs to “men who have been accused of abuse & sexual misconduct.”
Wright responded straight afterward, even mentioning THR senior editor Scott Feinberg in her Instagram Story.
“I had to unblock @hollywoodreporter just to post this. Scott Feinberg and all at this publication. You’re all incredibly disrespectful,” Wright wrote in her first post. “How dare you. You mentioned my name alongside men who have been accused of abuse & sexual misconduct. This is vile behavior. At this point a personal vendetta towards me.”
In a second Instagram Story, she added, “I’ve done nothing wrong but respectfully refused to do interviews with this publication. Stop your nonsense. I apologized TWO years ago. Remained silent on the topic. You lied and said I continued talking about it with my cast & crew on my set. THIS WAS NOT TRUE. ASK MY PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR. Your agenda towards me is now even more clear. I won’t remain silent. Stop your disgusting behavior.”
Previously, Wright had retweeted an anti-vaccination video and said she had found a “healthy way” to move beyond her 2020 pronouncements on COVID-19.
In an interview with The Guardian, the actress was asked about her opinions on vaccination, but she declined to detail her position on the subject,
“I feel it’s something I experienced two years ago and I have in a healthy way moved on. And in a healthy way I’ve apologized and deleted my Twitter,” she said “I just apologized for any hurt that was caused to anybody.”
Wright gave the following response when asked whether the retweeted anti-vaccine video mirrored her rationale at the time: “That’s exactly what my apology was. It was saying this is not me, and I apologize.”
Simon Hattenstone, a reporter, also inquired if Wright had been immunized against COVID-19.
She replied, “I have apologized and I have moved on. Next question. Thanks.”
On the sets of a number of different film and television productions, concerns about vaccination rates among the cast and staff members of Hollywood films have emerged. Laura Osnes, a Broadway superstar, has denied rumors that she was fired from the production because to her refusal to get the Covid vaccine. Also, the NBA penalized Houston Rockets star James Harden for failing to follow the league’s unique coronavirus rules.
In contrast, Disney no longer mandates immunizations for the casts of US shows, such as Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19, as of earlier this month.
What are your opinions on superstars refusing Covid-19 immunization and loose prominent roles in production houses as a result? Let us know in the comments section below!
Jane Davies
