General Hospital
ABC Asks Judge to Throw Out Ingo Rademacher’s Lawsuit Over Firing for Covid-19 Vaccine Refusal
In an update on the lawsuit between former General Hospital star, Ingo Rademacher and ABC, it appears that the network is asking an L.A. judge to toss out the case citing that Rademacher’s beliefs as related to the vaccine were not ‘religious’ in nature and that he was more than likely going to be written off the daytime drams series, anyway.
As soap fans know, Rademacher was fired from GH back in November of 2021 after his failure to comply with the network’s vaccine mandate. Ingo then sued the network in December of 202, with claims that included: religious and disability discrimination, invasion of privacy, political retaliation, to which ABC argues against.
According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter and court documents they procured from a December 28th, 2022 filing, ABC’s lawyer Steven Marenberg says the vaccine policy was the result of “an extensive deliberative process at Disney,” which included a process for evaluating religious and medical exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
Rademacher had addressed his concerns when he submitted for vaccine exception citing his, “deeply and sincerely held moral belief that my body is endowed by my creator with natural processes to protect me and that its natural integrity cannot ethically be violated by the administration of artificially created copies of genetic material, foreign to nature and experimental.”
However, the network cites that Ingo had stonewalled the employee relations department during the review process and refused to give details about his religious views, claiming the questioning was discriminatory and a violation of his civil rights.
In the filing, ABC lawyer Marenberg, added, “Although Rademacher provided little information to ABC in the interactive process, what limited information he did provide, revealed that his opposition to vaccination was rooted in secular, philosophical/moral beliefs … to summarize succinctly, at no point did Rademacher mention that his beliefs are based on, related to, or even loosely connected to any religious text or teaching.” The network argues that this was more about a lifestyle choice for not adhering to the vaccine mandate than a religious one.
ABC also noted that at the time he was terminated, Rademacher was under a three-year contract. Marenberg argues that Ingo was not “assured” of a full three-years, since ABC had the right to cancel the contract in six-month increments as long as it gave the actor six weeks notice. It also required Ingo to comply with ABC’s policies.
he filing also claims that in July 2021, Chris Van Etten, (co-head writer, GH) was preparing to lay out long-term story plans and that he identified Jax, among several characters who would be or might possibly be written off the show. The attorney cites: “At that time, Jax’s role in the ongoing storyline was negligible and Van Etten did not see a role for Jax going forward.”
What do you think of ABC’s argument in the legal case against Rademacher? Do you think the case will be eventually dismissed? Comment below.
I agree
Ingo’s an arrogant ass. He should have been fired for his trans retweet, and then for his asinine and disgusting comments comparing covid vaccine status with what the Jewish people went through during the Holocaust. What he really needs is a brain.
Well put!!! Especially the arrogant ass description!
Thanks. But I think it was an understatement. 😉
As CVE alludes to, there was little need for Jax on the canvas. As Nina was committed to Sonny at that point, there was a chem-test with Britt but that fizzled. There was enough “talk-to” characters on the show that it was necessary to keep Jax on for Joss.
You’re not critical for story when you easily be written out in one-two episodes.
Don’t go away mad – just go away.
the network is overstepping in the decision about what makes a stance religious or not. Religious beliefs don’t need scripture to back them up. This harkens back to the dubious task of making prisoners who desire kosher meals to quote the scriptures that describe it. It makes science of something mystical.
If you cannot name the religion that objects to the vaccine, then it is not a religious objection. It is, however, a personal morality exemption that you are seeking, which was not included in the list of possible exemptions from the vaccine.
Please; Ingo didn’t want to take it and used religion exemption as an excuse like many tried. The vaccines don’t even contain fetal cells. He chose not to take the vaccine which was his right; the company chose to require it which was their right. Done. I’ll tell you what though; any “religious” person who is as bigoted and ignorant as he is, a German comparing the Holocaust victims to having to take a vaccine,and mocking trans people, shouldn’t be suing on religious “discrimination.” He obviously doesn’t even know the meaning of the word.
The character is needed for his daughter. But, the role could be played by another competent actor. I was hoping for the long ago rumor that Trevor St. John was going to take over the part. He would have added an interesting dimension to Jax.
TSJ would’ve been a good Jax. Regardless of who plays Jax – other than a talk to for Joss – what is there for him to do? They’ve got the corporate stuff covered with the Qs and the Cassadines. Romantically, who do you pair him with? Selina would be interesting but Jax has been so anti-mob through the years it wouldn’t work. Sasha would be like robbing the cradle. Jordan would be a good option but the recent chem test with Finn is a clue of where that’s going.
That leaves Carly. The right actor could make that work and would be better than the snooze fest that os Carly and Drew.
OG Steve
I was thinking Carly or Nina, not too many in his age group.
Lew S
I would have liked him better than the conniving jerk he’s playing on Y&R.
I totally agree! It seems like he’s playing Todd/Victor from OLTL.
Yes! Trevor would have been great!
I don’t agree with the decision to mandate vaccines for this virus. Ingo has the right to refuse the vaccine in my opinion. I will not watch General Hospital anymore because of this.
He does have the right to refuse as does Disney/ABC have the right to protect their employees. He chose not to follow their protocol.
It’s taken you 1.25 years to make that decision? This is nothing new. Though I will absolutely agree with you. Ingo does have the right to refuse the vaccine. It’s not even your opinion. It’s a human’s right to have autonomy over one’s own body. But there are consequences. And the consequence was losing his employment. It’s like when people claim “free speech” over something. Free speech prevents the gov’t from acting. It doesn’t prevent the consequences such as being fired from a job.
Thank you!! Finally someone gets it!
Well then whats the reason the fired Steve Burton ( Jason)? He also got fired for not taking the vax.
Steve didn’t burn his bridges behind him though, didn’t sue them, and didn’t make any bigoted insults towards his cast members on the way out. That’s the difference between him and Ingo. And besides that, Jason is far more essential to GH than Jax ever was. You can bet your soul that Jason will be back one day. And it won’t be a recast… because nobody’s going to believe Susan Moore had triplets!!
Steve is about to show up in Salem again, but Days tapes 6 months in advance, so he might already be done over there. Don’t see his character Harris Michaels being long term, but he’s a big part of the storyline that was left in a “cliffhanger” on the second season of “Beyond Salem”.
Wouldn’t it be ironic if Steve ended up being a big part of “February sweeps” on both Days and GH??
At this point, May Sweeps would be the best you can hope for – GH is filming for February this week and is probably written through March or early April (60th anniversary).
Jason will eventually return, but if it happens look for it much later in 2023 or after. Before then, we’re likely to have either a new Lulu or Lucky, a recast Nikolas, a temporary return by Tracy, Lucy being found and maybe perhaps a Luke Spencer alive reveal as well.
Odds are that Lucy, Luke, and Jason are all being held prisoner in the same location. Unless there’s another Cassadine dungeon that’s located somewhere other than their private island off the coast of Greece. They could tie all that in with a Nikolas recast, because the island is where he’s likely to end up if he has to suddenly leave Port Charles in the next couple of weeks, which seems to be the case.
I don’t miss him (Jax or Ingo) at all. GH doesn’t need the character and he did very little while he was there any time he’s been brought back.
He has a right to his beliefs but so does ABC.
I think Jax is right. This is still supposed to be a free country (for now) and he had the right to choose. Doctors and nurses in real life were not fired over the vaccine. The people that are so worried about it should wear the stupid masks. Plus he was under contract. Whether or not he may have been written out is a moot point. I wish Steve Burton had sued too.
Well, it’s Ingo, not Jax. And it is a free country. He had a right to choose and ABC/Disney had a right to choose. It’s a free country for both sides of an issue, not just the side you agree with. He was under contract, but I’m assuming there was a provision in the contract that covers these types of things. As for your “Doctors and nurses in real life were not fired” first, is not accurate and second your usage of “in real life” and the name “Jax” makes me wonder if you are confused… As for Steve Burton suing, why do you wish that? He obviously read his contract and understood the consequences of his actions. Ingo just wanted to be a troublemaker.
Correct, it is a free country and so ABC/Disney is free to set safety measures in its workplace. Steve and Ingo were free to follow those safety measures or choose to look for work elsewhere. And that’s what happened. By declining the vaccine, they made themselves ineligible to keep working on “GH.” That’s how a free society works. There’s no guarantee of a job at any time, and personal decisions have consequences.
Doctors and nurses were fired in real life if they refused. Craziness since the vaccine didn’t stop the spread or keep people from getting the virus.
I’m not getting into his weird personal beliefs about anything other than the covid vaccine. He is absolutely right that his civil rights were violated by trying to force him to do something he did not agree with. I am surprised Steve Burton hasn’t joined him in this lawsuit. Some would call this poetic justice by stating his racist beliefs, but I would actually like to see him win this.
There were absolutely no civil rights violations. First of all, there were no government agencies involved in his firing. This was a Disney corporate policy. You can argue as to whether or not that policy was justified, but you can’t call it a “rights” violation, because there’s no such thing as “Disney civil rights” (or any other corporation).
No. His civil rights were not violated by trying to force him. If they actually forced him, that’s another story. By the way, I’m a lawyer. I’m assuming you’re not. Keep your legal opinions out of your argument unless you are a lawyer. And if you are one, well based on your comment, you’re not a good one.
Except no one forced him to do anything. He was free to sacrifice his employment to follow his conscience, and that’s what he chose to do. That’s how freedom works, and then choices have consequences. His civil rights were completely unaffected. The sad part is burned so many bridges for no reason. As the new information shows (and was obvious from the lack of story line and screen time once Nixon Falls ended), Jax was on the verge of being written out anyway.
Just leave him alone please stop it! He chose to not take the jab ok ! How does that have anything to do with you??? Nothing stop it ! Now think of something else to drive yourselves crazy
I really hope the judge does throw it out.
My body my choice! There are treatments for covid that this company and government refuse to acknowledge. Anybody fired for this over reaching mandate should get their jobs back.
The legality of the vaccination mandate was simple. Covid 19 was a dangerous world pandemic that claimed lives. ABC had a legal requirement to protect everyone connected to the show. Religious objection is a belief that is constitutionally not sound. Ones belief doesn’t protect the liberty of life which was being protected.
Plus his role was questionable and limited to writing a path forward. His charecter wasn’t relevant or needed
Well it’s kind of like abortions doesn’t protect the murdered babies! The babies right to a life doesn’t matter to some people! Which is a sick society we live in!
Good grief Charlie Brown… these are totally different subjects!
I say Go Ingo!! Government and corporate overreach during the plandemic was horrific and tyrannical. No one has ANY right … Legal or ethical … to force medical procedures onto any person! Bodily autonomy is our right, as is our privacy and nondisclosure of medical conditions. At a time when people are screaming “My Body My Choice” when it comes to murdering children in the womb, it is highly hypocritical that the “My Body My Choice” mantra is not adhered to regarding these untested, unproven “vaccines”.
General Hospital
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
It was just over 13 years ago on General Hospital when Ava Jerome (Maura West) shot and killed Kate Howard/Connie Falconeri (Kelly Sullivan) in an effort to keep her quiet from revealing that Derek Wells was actually Ava’s back-from-the-dead brother, Julian Jerome (William deVry). It’s a crime that somehow Ava never has quite paid for either.
The episode back aired on August 13, 2013 and viewers had to say goodbye to Kelly Sullivan who played Kate and her alter, Connie. In the story, just before she died, Kate/Connie scrawled the letters AJ in her own blood, initially making the PCPD and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) think that it was AJ Quatermaine (Sean Kanan) who did the deed.
Now, Sullivan recalled sharing scenes with the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning West, during a live conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel. Kelly was the special guest talking about her recent return to the soaps in her new role as The Bold and the Beautiful’s Darcy Dylan.
Photo: JPI
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF MAURA WEST
Speaking of her final GH scenes and working with Maura West, Sullivan gave her then GH co-star major props. “If you’re going to be shot by somebody (on the soaps), you want to be shot by Maura West, c’mon!”
Maura West debuted back in May 2013 as Ava, and Sullivan remembered when the As the World Turns favorite began on GH. “I remember when Maura West first arrived at GH. She walked in with this cute little bob (hairdo) and she’s just delicious,” shared Sullivan.
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Kelly revealed more about Maura, adding “I think she’s amazing! I remember right before I left the show, someone suggested, and I would still love to do this with her, if she ever want to, but someone suggested that they wanted to direct the stage play A Streetcar Named Desire with Maura and I, where I would play Stella and she would play Blanche! Wouldn’t that be great?”
Speaking of the Ava/Connie showdown scenes, Sullivan expressed, “On television and on General Hospital specifically, Maura West is able to play a character who does the most horrendous things and you still care about her and that’s the mark of a really great actor. In other words, you’re able to be liked in the midst of the most horrendous things, and as a performer not shying away from that, and to just have the courage to do what’s on the page (in the script).”
Photo: JPI
KELLY SULLIVAN PARTING THOUGHTS AS SHE LEFT GENERAL HOSPITAL
Kelly also shared her sentiments when she walked off the set of General Hospital after her run back in August of 2013. “I really was honored. Every day I would go to work and I would say a little prayer, which is I want to do justice for my character, explained Kelly. “It’s between me and my character. I get to walk this path with her and to leave the show on that note, which is, I left every out there. I just gave it my all and again what an honor it was to play Kate/Connie.”
You can catch the full conversation with Kelly where she talks about her time on General Hospital, The Young and the Restless where she played Sage Warner and now The Bold and the Beautiful below.
So, do you remember the Ava and Connie scenes where Ava shot and killed her? What did you think of Kelly Sullivan’s sentiments about Maura West? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first, watch the reveal where Ava recalls murdering Connie below!
The question of will Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) stay awhile at General Hospital after his recent extended hiatus from the show earlier this year, has reportedly been answered.
TMZ via court documents obtained in Burton’s ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife Sheree Gustin, shared that Steve actually inked a new three year deal with the ABC soap opera back in June.
That is significant because it was June when Burton returned back to work as Jason. In addition, the court filing confirmed that Burton had already moved back to California from Tennessee.
Photo: ABC
STEVE’S HIATUS AND HIS RETURN TO PORT CHARLES
GH fans will recall, it was back in February of 2026, that Burton announced via his Instagram that he was stepping away from his role of Jason Morgan for short break and pointed to wanting to spend quality time with his new wife, Michelle Lundstrom Burton with whom he tied the knot back on May 17, 2025.
Steve expressed at that time, “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.” It was back on March 25 that viewers saw Jason carted away by the WSB after taking the fall for Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) who shot then WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Burton returned to work on June 1, and due to General Hospital taping roughly six weeks ahead of air, made his on-screen comeback on the July 13 episode.
GOING FOR GOLD AT THE UPCOMING DAYTIME EMMYS
Then, Steve and his enduring fans got an extra special treat on the same day, when it was revealed on Extra that he was nominated for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
Steve previously won in the Supporting Actor category for his work as General Hospital’s Jason in 1998 and as The Young and the Restless’ Dylan McAvoy in 2018.
Now with Jason and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship seemingly hitting the skids, plus Jason’s commitment to staying out of mob life to focus on being present for his son Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), what does the future hold for the fan favorite character? Stay tuned.
So, happy to hear that Steve Burton signed a new three year deal with General Hospital? Knowing that, what storyline would you like to see Jason get involved and with who? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?
On the Friday, September 11 episode of General Hospital, Jason (Steve Burton) and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship becomes strained to potentially the point of no return.
Things take a turn when an unglued Britt having been traumatized by almost being killed by Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) asks Jason to back her up with the PCPD when she reports Anna for attempted murder.
However, Jason told Britt, he can’t. Jason shares that he does not believe Anna would have gone through with shooting her. Therefore, Britt was not in any real imminent danger. Britt is flabbergasted and hurt that Jason is refusing to tell the police what he actually witnessed for himself on Mount Emerson.
Courtesy/ABC
BRITT WANTS BACK UP FROM JASON
Jason counters that he can’t believe that Britt would want Anna punished. or sent to prison, or a mental facility after the trauma she endured while being locked up and mentally tortured while at Wyndemere.
He asks Britt, “How could you even say that you want her locked up or prosecuted for what she did when you knew she was being held prisoner and you did nothing to save her?” Britt is stunned by Jason’s response.
Coming up, official General Hospital spoilers share that on the upcoming Monday, September 14 episode, Jason confides in Carly (Laura Wright), while Britt is stung. In the video preview that aired at the end of the Friday, September 11 episode for this coming Monday, Britt says to Jason, “You don’t believe me. Do you?”
General Hospital head scribes, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte previously teased in their fall preview of the soap, “Britt and Jason have come a long way and fought a lot of enemies to be together. But the most stubborn obstacle to their happiness isn’t without, it’s within. Decisions Britt made to stay alive while under Cullum’s thumb will come back to haunt her and may prove too difficult for this unlikely couple to survive.”
So, what do you think will happen? Will Jason and Britt break-up over Britt’s lies and Jason’s unwillingness to report Anna’s crime against her? Do you want Jason and Britt to go their separate ways? If they do, will Britt become romantically involved with Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) ? If so, who do you pair Jason with? Anyone? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
Steve Burton Reportedly Signs Three-Year Contract with ‘General Hospital’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Song ‘Pray’ Now Available on Major Streaming Platforms with Music Video Forthcoming
‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Vivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
‘Beyond the Gates’ vs. ‘The Young and the Restless’ in a Soap Opera Showdown on ‘Flip Side’ Season 3 Premiere
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Heather Tom Talks Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and What’s Behind Katie’s Deep-Seated Issues with Dylan (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Did Brook Lynn Deserve Chase Walking Out on Her?
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Song ‘Pray’ Now Available on Major Streaming Platforms with Music Video Forthcoming
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
-
News7 days agoVivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
-
News1 day agoJess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
-
General Hospital6 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Braedyn Bruner Reveals Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and How Emma is Getting Her ‘Edge’ Back
-
General Hospital4 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Bluesy Burke Marks 1 Year as Charlotte Cassadine: ‘It’s The Best Gift I’ve Ever Received’
-
News4 days ago‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Drops First Look 40th Anniversary Opening Title Sequence
