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
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
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