Former 'SNL' star Jim Breuer won't perform at venues requiring COVID vaccine
Julie Hinds"Saturday Night Live" alum Jim Breuer said on his Facebook page that he won't perform at venues requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
In his Sept. 10 video post, Breuer said he wouldn't be appearing at the Royal Oak Music Theatre in Michigan or the Wellmont Theater in New Jersey "due to the segregation of them forcing people to show up with vaccinations, to prove you're vaccinated, to prove that you've had a shot. I am absolutely not doing those shows."
Breuer added, "I know I'm going to sacrifice a lot of money, but I'm not going to be enslaved by the system or by money and nor should anyone that wants to laugh or be entertained."
AEG Presents announced in August that it would require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all of its U.S. venues — including the Royal Oak Music Theatre — and festivals. The policy is set to be in full effect by Oct. 1.
On its website, AEG — second only to Live Nation as the biggest U.S. concert promoter — states "the decision comes on the heels of the dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases as the Delta variant spreads throughout the United States." The Oct. 1 appearance by Breuer is still listed on his official site and that of the Royal Oak Music Theatre.
Facebook attached a link to Breuer's video that tells users to visit the COVID-19 Information Center for vaccine resources.
In the post, Breuer said he had to stick to his morals and professed that he doesn't care if someone is vaccinated or not.
"I don't care if you're vaccinated. I don't care, you know. That's great. It's a choice. And if you have anything else to say, I honestly don't care. So don't leave comments going, 'Oh, this is a good thing.' I highly disagree with you and I will always disagree with you."
Eric Clapton sings 'enough is enough' on new COVID policy protest song 'This Has Gotta Stop'
Breuer framed such vaccination proof rules as segregation, claiming, "The last thing we need is segregation. And if you try to segregate my audience or my following or any following, I'm walking away."
From 1995 to 1998, Breuer was part of the cast on "Saturday Night Live." He was best known for his Goat Boy character and his impersonation of Joe Pesci. Since then, he has focused on stand-up, podcasts and appearances on TV shows like "Kevin Can Wait."
An increasing number of theaters are requiring vaccination proof or measures like rapid COVID-19 testing to help stem the tide of of the pandemic.
Dave Chappelle, who co-starred with Breuer in the 1998 comedy "Half-Baked," required on-site rapid COVID-19 tests at his recent Detroit concerts at the Fillmore Detroit.
Nicki Minaj says she refused to get vaccinated for the Met Gala, fans respond with research
Patton Oswalt canceled tour stops in Florida and Utah after the locations involved wouldn't honor his request for vaccination proof or proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
On Tuesday, the Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, ran an extensive report addressing common concerns of those who have not been vaccinated. It stated, "While the virus is constantly changing and research into the infections among vaccinated people is ongoing, two things are clear: COVID-19 kills and the vaccines prevent hospitalizations and deaths."
'SNL' veteran and comedian Norm Macdonald dies of cancer at 61
