Zachary Levi was widely criticized after linking the COVID-19 vaccine to the recent death of Gavin Creel at age 48, with fellow actor Norbert Leo Butz saying he was “completely heartbroken” by the move.
The 44-year-old actor posted a controversial hour-long speech on Sunday on his Instagram, saying he believed Creel, his former co-star in the Broadway revival of She Loves Me, who died on September 30 after a battle with cancer , “would.” He would be alive right now if he hadn’t gotten vaccinated.
Butz, 57, left a comment condemning the show Shazam! star for mentioning Creel in his politically charged statement, after Levi endorsed Republican Donald Trump over Democrat Kamala Harris ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
“I’m incredibly disappointed that you politicized Gavin’s death,” the Tony winner said. ‘I really tried to give you the benefit here. I got halfway through, which was very difficult.
“But I was completely heartbroken, as he would have been, that you felt the need to use your life and legacy to promote this terrible platform.”
Zachary Levi, 44, was widely criticized after linking the COVID-19 vaccine to the recent death of Gavin Creel at age 48, with fellow actor Norbert Leo Butz saying he was “completely heartbroken” by the move.
Butz, 57, (left) left a comment condemning the show Shazam! star for mentioning Creel in his politically charged statement
In his statement on social media, the Chuck actor acknowledged that his words would receive significant rejection.
“I know this will offend some people and anger others, and I wish it wasn’t like that,” the Lake Charles, Louisiana, native said. —A few weeks ago my friend Gavin Creel died. He was 48 years old and one of the healthiest people I knew.
“You better believe that with everything I have in me, I believe that if these COVID vaccines weren’t forced on the American public, movie theaters wouldn’t be being squeezed and taken advantage of.”
In his statement, Levi said that “the people at the top” forced members of the Broadway community, including producers and theater owners, to enforce vaccination mandates stemming from the pandemic.
‘They knew the cost-benefit of these injections, and it was rubbish; “Guys, it was rubbish,” Levi said.
He added: “They knew there would be a lot of side effects, including turbo-cancers, they knew that.” “And I, without a doubt, believe that Gavin Creel would be alive right now, right now, he would still be alive if they didn’t put that thing in his body.”
Levi said he felt he was honoring Creel’s memory by ‘speaking out’ on the divisive issue.
The American Underdog actor faced criticism from several other social media users for attempting to link Creel’s death to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Butz left a comment condemning Shazam! star for mentioning Creel in his statement
In his statement on social media, the Chuck actor acknowledged that his words would receive significant rejection.
(LR) Peter Bartlett, Byron Jennings, Creel, Levi, Laura Benanti, Jane Krakowski and Michael McGrath photographed in New York for She Loves Me at Studio 54 in March 2016
Levi was photographed last month at a rally in Michigan speaking in support of the Trump campaign.
One user responded: ‘Some people shouldn’t be allowed to speak. How shameful you are using Gavin Creel’s passing to spread misinformation.
Another said: ‘I’ve been a fan since Chuck.’ I must admit that I am terribly disappointed.
One user said: ‘This…. I was crazy. I can’t believe you used Gavin’s passing to spread absolutely wrong information. I think I would be incredibly disappointed in you. As I’m sure much of the Broadway community is now.
One bewildered fan added: “Not followed…good luck with your new direct-to-DVD film career.”
Some fans praised Levi for taking the risky career step of making a controversial statement in support of his core beliefs.
The American Underdog actor faced criticism from other social media users for attempting to link Creel’s death to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Some fans praised Levi for taking the risky career step of making a controversial statement in support of his core beliefs.
One said: ‘Good for you for standing up for what you believe in!’ while another added: “I don’t agree with you politically, but I respect your bravery in expressing your opinion.”
Another said: ‘I’m not even a Trump fan (DEFINITELY not a Kamala fan) but I absolutely respect you for coming out in Hollywood and going against the grain!!! I’ve been a fan since Chuck.
Another user said: “I’m so proud that you’re using your platform to go against Hollywood.” Thank you for standing up for what is right. I’m sorry for the loss of your friend.’
