Former “Deadwood” actor Brent Sexton has responded to Apple LLC’s motion to dismiss on free-speech grounds his lawsuit alleging the company cost him nearly $600,000 by denying him a starring role in a new series. He argues that Apple made no genuine effort to accommodate his objection to taking the coronavirus vaccine, which he claims is due to his long-standing disability that includes blood clots. In his sworn declaration, Sexton explains that he requested an accommodation based on his disability, as permitted by an agreement between Apple Studios and the Screen Actors Guild.
Sexton, who has been an actor for many years, states that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, he had never been required to get a vaccination as a condition of a role. He views the vaccine requirement as a violation of his privacy rights and right to bodily autonomy.
Back in February 2022, Sexton submitted an audition tape for the role of President Andrew Johnson in the “Manhunt” miniseries, which Apple Studios is producing. He was offered the role with a deal worth almost $600,000 and incentives, but was later informed that he must comply with the vaccination policy, despite its potential negative impact on his medical condition. Sexton requested an accommodation for regular coronavirus testing and provided a doctor’s note in support. However, within 48 hours, Apple denied his request and rescinded the job offer.
In other productions, Sexton has been able to avoid taking the vaccine by following a combination of testing, masking, and social distancing measures. He emphasizes that his presence did not pose a burden on those productions.
Sexton states that Apple’s refusal to accommodate him has caused significant financial and emotional harm, from which he has yet to recover. He asserts that he did not politicize the issue.
In his lawsuit filed on May 22, Sexton highlights the discrepancy in vaccination requirements between Apple’s corporate and retail store employees versus those working for Apple Studios, the Los Angeles-based subsidiary responsible for producing content for Apple TV+. While corporate and retail employees were allowed to undergo testing instead of vaccination, anyone working on an Apple TV+ production was required to be vaccinated and provide proof.
Sexton believes that Apple Studios caved in to pressure from the entertainment industry, which strongly advocates for universal COVID vaccination.
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