General Hospital
ABC to Stand Trial for ‘General Hospital’ Firings During Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate
In a lawsuit filed by two former crew members of General Hospital, ABC will now have to face trial. The crew members are suing ABC on religious discrimination claims after they were fired for refusing the COVID-19 vaccination.
The Los Angeles judge’s ruling marks the first time there would be a trial over terminations due to the vaccine mandates adopted by major studios during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, in the ruling delivered on Tuesday February 20th, involving ex-GH crew members, James and Timothy Wahl, it is said they may have had “sincerely held” religious beliefs that ABC should have accommodated by affording them exemptions, and allowing them to follow safety protocols implemented before the mandatory vaccine policy was rolled out.
Photo: ABC
This lawsuit began in 2022 when father and son James and Timothy Wahl, who previously worked in the special effects department of General Hospital, sued ABC after their requests for religious exemptions were denied. At the time, it was noted that ABC had uncertainty as to whether their objections to taking the vaccine were based on their Christian faith.
ABC had argued that the Wahls did not have genuine religious beliefs and that, even if they did, it could not have accommodated them without undue hardship. It also claimed that IATSE (union for crew members and behind the scenes personnel) waived any rights members had to object to mandatory vaccination policies.
Photo: JPI
In the summary judgment, the Los Angeles court came to the conclusion that ABC may have actually discriminated against the Wahls on the basis of their religion by failing to find a workaround situation for them when they refused to be vaccinated.
Unlike the case of Ingo Rademacher (ex-Jasper Jacks), in which the former General Hospital lost his lawsuit, the court noted that workarounds were not possible for actors performing onstage as it required him to work in very close proximity with other cast members without a mask, which could endanger their safety. The case for the Wahls also does not apply to the termination of Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) back in 2021. Burton is now back on the ABC soap opera following the lifting of the mandates.
However, in the case of the Wahls, they worked in the construction and special effects shops for GH, and while they, at times, had to go to “Zone A” of the production, where the cast films, they tested regularly for COVID-19, always wore a mask and did their best to socially distance from the cast.
So, what do you think of the judges ruling that ABC must face religious discrimination claims from two former crew members of General Hospital? Comment below.
Ha ha good!
Could ABC “sue” you for impersonating one of their trademark name characters !!??
Sioux me!
Just say… remember when some OLTL characters went to GH while Prospect Park had the rights to them? Characters names are copyrighted. Google it.
I think Mr. Fairman has a article on it somewhere in his archives.
Get a job
Is than an out dated echo I hear??
It’s your mom calling your spaghetti os are ready.
You do bring shame to a wonderful character name the lovely and talent Kim Zimmer played. You could never compare.
Based on the information provided, it sounds like the crew members followed all safety protocols and did everything that was required of them. What’s the point of having religious or medical exemptions if they aren’t going to be respected by your employer? The fact that it came to people losing their jobs is crazy, especially given that now all mandates have been lifted and COVID is still around. I hope they win this case.
I would like to ask these mortals which “sincerely held religious beliefs” object to vaccines, because I seem to recall pretty much every religion endorsing vaccinations when they first rolled out. Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus. And even the Devil myself.
Don’t remember if the Scientologists took any side officially, but I’m assuming they must have, because Tom Cruise never stopped working.
How about us Nihilists ??? A much easier existence !
Well… Nihilists are pretty much opposed to everything, so at least that would be consistent.
How charming! Who are the unlucky ones you kiss with that mouth?
Wow… what a “sincerely religious” response.
Satan, my apology for this response, but it was mistakenly sent to you somehow. . I don’t remember who it WAS supposed to have been meant for, but as you see it was 5 months ago, and I have the memory span of a Gnat, these days. Hope you can overlook this.
Honestly, I never saw it before now. So no worries. I’m also not sure who I was responding to since the thread is 5 months old. My best guess is that we both responded to a post which is no longer here because it was extremely rude, and probably bigoted, since there were antivaxxers involved.
Now I see another post below where somebody is even accusing me of supporting the MAGAtt bleach drinking “cures” so the entire thread seems to be an exercize in mass confusion
If you want to drink bleach or horse dewormer that’s up to you. But you have no right to possibly give someone else a disease that could possibly kill them – especially babies, those who are immunocompromised, or the elderly. We are still seeing 1500 people a day being hospitalized from this disease. Grow up & be responsible.
How dare you call yourself Satan and yet offer a solid, morally correct and logical take on vaccinations?
Like the mean-spirited comments posted under the name of “echo desavoy”, these are just regular plain folk who type on keyboards and hide behind comical names.
Sadly, this site had lost all the class it once had, well except for “Satan”, his comments are hilarious and do entertain. Can’t say the same for “echo desavoy” !
Satan always plays a good game of understood humor. Just like the soaps themselves, Don’t allow yourself to read to much into comments. Just laugh them off and carry on.
I am unaware of any Christian denomination that objects to vaccines. In fact, from what I remember, many different faith communities sponsored vaccination events at their houses of worship. I am no supporter of the alphabet network or the mouse company, but from what has been reported, it sounds like this lawsuit doesn’t hold water.
The religious excuse is such bs.
While I’m immediately skeptical when I read about “religious” objections to vaccines, I do wonder if there are (very limited) religious denominations that actually do object–for example, Christian Scientists. As I recall, they don’t do things like blood transfusions from other people (I think they can store up their own blood if they need it for an operation, but I could be wrong about that); anybody here know Christian Scientists’ stance on vaccines (ALL vaccines, not just the Covid one)? What about the Amish and similar groups that eschew many of the modern conveniences we take for granted?
I won’t prejudge, but it does sound as though because they worked behind the scenes and could do their jobs in more isolation, these two workers might have had a stronger case than Steve Burton and A-Dingo-Ate-My-Lawsuit. I’ll be interested to see how it plays out.
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)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
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’
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
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
-
General Hospital4 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
-
General Hospital3 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
-
News5 days ago‘The Young and the Restless’ Names New Co-Head Writers: Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor
-
News5 days agoY&R’s Billy Flynn and Gina Comparetto Reveal Birth of Their Third Child and It’s a Girl!
