Photo via @javiermofficial/Instagram, @lauraosnes/Instagram
August 23, 2021, 11:27 am
Broadway actor and star of the hit musical Hamilton Javier Muñoz issued a powerful yet gentle response to a fellow actor who faced widespread criticism after the news broke that she dropped out of a show because they’re requiring everyone who works on it to be vaccinated. Laura Osnes, known for her roles as Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde and Sandy in Grease, put out a statement on her decision on her Instagram, downplaying her decision not to get the vaccine and claiming that she was never offered the option to get tested regularly before she quit.
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Osnes also refutes initial claims that she was fired, saying that she voluntarily withdrew rather than showing proof of vaccination, which people generally don’t seem to think is any better.
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“In early May, I accepted an invitation to perform in a one-night benefit concert at East Hampton’s Guild Hall,” she wrote. “A month ago, I was informed that protocols had changed, and I would not need proof of vaccination to participate. I was disappointed by responsed that I would have to withdraw, as I have not yet gotten the vaccine.”
Osnes did not explain exactly why she has so far refused the vaccine, but she dropped hints about “family planning” and lines about doing her own research that echo common anti-vaxxer falsehoods that the COVID vaccine affects fertility and that any real research wouldn’t lead to a vaccination.
“I stand by the decision that my husband and I, with input from our physician, have made for ourselves, our family planning, and our future,” she concluded. “There is so much that is still unknown. Someday, perhaps we will feel more confident in the research to consider a different position.”
What is also unknown is just how many future variants of the COVID-19 virus there will be, and just how much more contagious and deadly it can get—or how long the condition commonly known as “long COVID” will last and how much damage it will do in those suffering from it. What is known is that getting vaccinated reduces the chances of contracting and spreading the virus to others, including immunocompromised individuals such as Muñoz.
In response to his fellow Broadway star’s statement and anti-vaxxer sentiments, Muñoz put out his own Instagram text post telling the story of how his vaccinated roommate caught a breakthrough case of COVID-19 but recovered easily without infecting his live-in friend. He stresses that he doesn’t want to shame Osnes, as he believes this is ineffective in changing minds, but promises her that the vaccines work and offers to speak with her more on the topic.
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“The vaccines work Laura. They work. They save lives,” he wrote.
“Personally I’ve lost six loved ones to Covid. I’ve spent the majority of this year at memorials, finally getting to hug others and mourn together. So I am deeply grateful to our industry for taking this stand.”
Muñoz further thanked the Broadway League for mandating that all cast and crew, as well as audience members, show proof of vaccination in order to minimize the risk of any virus spreading and thanked Osnes for at least being honest on her position, now that it’s made the news.
“I thank you for your open letter to us all, I ‘liked’ it and appreciated your honesty. I offer more conversation to you. I’m not here to shame you.”
“But ultimately I hope you reconsider. I truly do.”
*First Published: August 23, 2021, 11:27 am
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