Comedian and former Saturday Night Live cast member Jim Breuer announced on Facebook Live that he’s canceling two upcoming shows because the venues were requiring attendees to show proof of COVID vaccination.
“Two quick updates on shows that you may think you may be getting tickets to or you already have tickets to: The Wellmont Theater in New Jersey — not doing it,” Breuer said, according to NBC News. “Also the Royal Oak Theater in Michigan, due to the segregation of them forcing people to show up with vaccinations … I am also not doing those shows.”
Aside from calling the act of trying to ensure the safety of its guests in response to a still surging pandemic “segregation,” Breuer said he refused to be “enslaved to the system,” even if it meant he would “sacrifice a lot of money” by calling off bookings in these less than 3,000-seat capacity venues.
“If you have anything else to say, I honestly don’t care,” Breuer explained. “Due to, I have to stick to my morals, I have to stick to what I know is right.” The comedian claims guests are being “forced” and “bribed” into taking the vaccine, which he considers to be a “choice.” Breuer doesn’t take issue with the sites enforcing these requirements, but rather lawmakers who are holding them “hostage.”
Comedian Patton Oswalt also canceled several late December shows in Florida, and another in Utah slated for next year, but did so because the venues wouldn’t comply with his request to implement a proof of vaccination requirement or a negative COVID test.
“And by the way, if that is your philosophy, don’t die for me, go die seeing Lizzo. That’s a good last concert to see,” Oswalt said of the backlash to his cancellations on The Tonight Show Monday. “You shouldn’t die for any entertainer. But if you are, make it count. Don’t be in the hospital, (saying) ‘I’m so glad I got to see that fat nerd whine about The Mandalorian.”
“That shouldn’t be your last thing,” he continued. “Don’t roll the dice for that stuff.”
Related Stories
AEG Presents to Require Vaccination Proof for Show Attendees and Workers at Its Venues
The decision marks arguably the most significant such move yet amid sustained concerns over variants, as well as higher risk levels in undervaxxed regions.
New York City to Require Vaccine Proof for Variety of Indoor Activities Including Fitness Centers and Restaurants
During a press conference on Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio detailed the new Key to NYC Pass program, which requires proof of vaccination in certain areas.
Employers Can Require Workers to Get COVID-19 Vaccine, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Says
While exceptions to following these requirements can occur, the EEOC explained in updated pandemic guidance this week that such instances are rare.
