Disney wins $100000 court battle as ‘9-1-1’ actor Rockmond Dunbar loses COVID vaccine case

Rockmond Dunbar loses $100000 Disney lawsuit over ‘9-1-1’ vaccine firing after jury sides with studio

Actor Rockmond Dunbar, best known for playing Michael Grant in 9-1-1, has officially lost his $100 000 lawsuit against Disney and 20th Television. The federal jury ruled on 17 October 2025 that the studio did not discriminate against the actor when he was removed from the show after refusing to comply with its COVID-19 vaccine policy.

Dunbar had filed the lawsuit in 2022, claiming religious discrimination and wrongful termination. He argued that Disney’s vaccine requirement violated his beliefs as a follower of the Congregation of Universal Wisdom, a little-known faith group that opposes vaccinations and other medical procedures. The case attracted attention not just because of Dunbar’s fame, but because it became a focal point in the broader Hollywood debate over vaccine mandates and religious freedom.

During the four-day trial in Los Angeles, Dunbar testified emotionally that he refused the vaccine because he believed it was “a spiritual war between good and evil.” He told the court he was acting under divine instruction and that his stance cost him his “dream job,” where he earned roughly $100 000 per episode of 9-1-1.

Disney’s legal team, led by attorney Maria Rodriguez, argued that Dunbar’s exemption claim was not credible. The defence highlighted that Dunbar regularly used synthetic testosterone and other prescribed drugs, which went against the teachings of his claimed faith. Rodriguez emphasised that Dunbar’s actions were inconsistent with a genuine religious objection and that Disney had acted fairly within its workplace safety protocols.

The jury ultimately sided with Disney, agreeing that 20th Television had acted lawfully. After the verdict was announced, Dunbar was visibly emotional in court, apologising to his wife and children and saying, “We’ll be okay.”

In a statement following the decision, Disney said it was “pleased with today’s verdict, which confirms that 20th Television acted fairly and lawfully toward Mr Dunbar.” Outside the courthouse, Dunbar maintained that his fight was one of faith, telling reporters, “God still won today.”

The verdict marks the end of a Hollywood lawsuit that has reignited discussions about personal beliefs, workplace mandates and the balance between religious conviction and corporate policy.