General Hospital (GH) spoilers reveal that Steve Burton, who played Jason Morgan, has been let go from from the sudser for not complying with the show’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
The move has created waves of controversy among fans and on social media. But in the midst of the debate, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) posted a sweet tribute to his longtime scene partner on his Instagram Stories.
The rumor mill had been churning about this exit scenario for some time and Steve confirmed the news on his Instagram page this week. He stated, “I know there’s been a lot of rumors and speculations about me and General Hospital. I wanted you to hear it from me personally,” he said in the clip. “Unfortunately, General Hospital has let me go because of the vaccine mandate. I did apply for my medical and religious exemptions, and both of those were denied, which, you know, hurts.”
“But this is also about personal freedom to me. I don’t think anyone should lose their livelihood over this. But with that being said, you know me, I’ll always be grateful for my time at General Hospital, I love it there.”
He added, “Maybe one day if these mandates are lifted, I can return and finish my career as Jason Morgan. That would be an honor.”
Burton tested positive for COVID-19 in August and said he was exposed to the virus “at work.” Burton is the second GH star to be let go over refusal to have the vax; Ingo Rademacher (Jasper Jacks) has also been let go. Rademacher’s last episode aired on Nov. 22.
Benard posted a pic of him and Steve from their younger days, both in crisp white button down shirts and Benard in a dark blazer. They have a look on their faces like they could set the world on fire and know it. Under the pic Maurice put, “Love you buddy.”
A snippet of music plays with the words, “we got friendship, the kind that lasts a lifetime through all the hardship, you know you’re a friend of mine.”
Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) is another of Steve’s co-stars who has been vocal about the vax mandate.
In early November she tweeted that General Hospital is the lone soap to mandate the vaccine. She praised General Hospital Executive Producer Frank Valentini and Disney Studios saying, “smart leaders listen to science & protect their employees. As of Nov 1st entry to General Hospital requires proper vaccine card. No exceptions. General Hospital continues to lead with integrity.”
In contrast Steve’s costar Carolyn Hennesy (Diane Miller) expressed her sadness about seeing Steve leave and costar Kelly Thiebaud (Britt Westbourne) posted a message of support for Steve.
Be sure to catch up on everything happening with GH right now. Come back here often for General Hospital spoilers, news, and updates.
Image credit: ABC
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No one cares what nancy aka Alexis has to say looks like her Co stars be tired of her mouth tell her to shut the hell u0
you go Shelly not fair we are turning into to China so we have no freedom's anymore No covid me and I 'm not taking the vaccine don't need it I wear my mask and I wash my hands and I go out when I need to go out stay with just my family and church friends!!!!! God bless USA
Glad he's gone. Part of the problem NOT the solution. If he cared about his coworkers he'd have done the right thing. People need to stop living and thinking so selfishly.
Shelly, I TOTALLY AGREE!!
I’ve been sick of her loud opinions that no one cares about!
I pretty much FF through Alexis scenes I’m so tired of her.
Nancy Lee Graham should be the one gone from the show!
If any company is pushing mandates it's on them. The courts have ruled a big no go on Bidden and his mandates. Do not comply. GH was the only show I watched on ABC. I stopped watching Disney awhile back. I have no issue at all now in canceling GH from my entertainment line up.
FJB and ABC for your ridiculous over reach.
Stone cold I know The decision to leave or take the shot had to be hard I had the same situation happen to me I must say I took the shot I have a child mortgage car payment . You know what I mean I will miss you without a doubt. You are one of my favorite actors on GH I applauded you to stand by your believes I hope one day you will come back I would of loved to have seen you and Britt together and have a baby she was all you had may god bless you on your next adventure I love you
Stone cold I know The decision to leave or take the shot had to be hard I had the same situation happen to me I must say I took the shot I have a child mortgage car payment . You know what I mean I will miss you without a doubt. You are one of my favorite actors on GH I applauded you to stand by your believes I hope one day you will come back I would of loved to have seen you and Britt together and have a baby she was all you had may god bless you on your next adventure I love you
I am so proud of what Steve and Ingo have done. They have the back bone to stand up for the freedom to make a choice. I have watched General Hospital since it first started but this really puts a very black mark against them. The mandate is illegal and goes against the constitution that has made this a free country to chose what you want to do with your body. Besides all the lies being told about how this jab is supposed to save the world. That in itself should make a person stand up and say NO! I will miss both of these actors, they have been on the show for a long time. They will truly be missed
Be Patient he will return in a few Months. To big of a character to let stay away. When I heard of this said to myself maybe it's time to quit GH. but no I need to just be patient both sides will reconcile. GH Watcher for 6 yrs.
What GH did is Wrong on sooo many levels I’m Done watching! I got vaccinated, my son didn’t! We both made Our Own Individual choice and that’s the way it should be for Everyone! Tptb have ruined a show I have faithfully watched for nearly 40 years, but this garbage is reprehensible in my opinion. Good Luck Steve, you’re Not the only one leaving GH
This makes me not want to watch GH anymore..I am a American and believe in the our Country is founded on, so this is wrong and Violates the Rights of Steve Burton and all Americans.. I won't be watching anymore...I will stand for Freedom of Choice ! Not for the woke crowd !
Wonder what Miss Nancy will have to tweet back to THE Maurice Benard???? She has such courage from behind a keyboard. As Shelly above stated, I am sure her co-stars are tired of hearing her mouth.
I’m sure plenty of people care! He want to talk about losing his “ livelihood”! Well others should not have to lose their life because he is unwilling to get a simple vaccine. PERIOD!