General Hospital
Ingo Rademacher Addresses His Lawsuit & Being Fired From General Hospital on the Heels of Steve Burton’s Return
At the conclusion of Thursday’s primetime special, General Hospital 60 Years of Stars and Storytelling, Steve Burton made a surprise announcement that he was returning to his soap-famous role as Jason Morgan. Previously, Burton was let go from the ABC daytime drama series for not complying with the Covid-19 vaccine mandate that was in place at the time from Disney/ABC.
Ingo Rademacher was also fired from the show for not complying with the vaccine mandate, but then sued ABC back in December of 2021. He lost his court case in June of 2023, which he is now appealing the decision.
Taking to Instagram on Friday, Ingo says he wanted to “clarify” why he was fired from GH and his court case. Rademacher began his video claiming, “I was fired for not complying for the vaccine mandate but in the discovery process (which he explains what that means), we found out they were actually trying to fire me before the vaccine mandate because they didn’t like my political and social views.”
Photo: JPI
Accompanying his video post were these words,”I think it’s time to set the record straight on a few things about my lawsuit against against ABC Disney which is now in appeals. I recorded this on January 1 but hadn’t had time to post it. I say this because the news of Steve Burton coming back on the show was announced today and a big congratulations to him. Also a big thank you to General Hospital for proving me right. I know some of you are going to say well, ‘If you wouldn’t have sued them, maybe you could’ve come back too,’ but that’s not true because what we found out during discovery is that they were trying to figure out a way to fire me (without getting sued) because they didn’t like my political and social views.”
Photo: JPI
Later in his video, Ingo goes on to say that he hopes for certain cast and crew members that his case never sees trial because he will then have to air all the ‘dirty laundry” from how he claims he was treated.
The former soap star says he feels what happened to him was wrong, and that it hurt him and his family, and that is why he is fighting the courts decision with an appeal, and for anyone that got fired for the same reasons.
You can watch what Ingo said below.
So, do you think that Ingo could win his appeal? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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Just like his Lord & Savior Donald Trump, Ingo always blames his dragonshit on everybody but himself.
Can I get an amen, lol, Well said and so true!
Would the world be a better place if everyone could stay out of other people’s bedrooms?
He acts like nobody knows how soap contracts work. There are “option windows”’ where – for whatever reason – the producers can choose not to pick up the remainder of the contract. For newer performers it’s every 13 weeks. Some veterans have 26 week windows. Covid vaccine non-withstanding, all ABC had to do was wait until that window to not pick up his option.
It’s 2024 and I’m tired of this topic. Ingo is just trying to save face and stay relevant.
Sort of confused by this. Acting on soap operas is a contract gig, usually with the show having the power every 13 weeks to drop anyone they want. They didn’t need to find a “reason” to fire him if they wanted. How many times have we seen actors leave soaps for “storyline-dictated” reasons. Just write a story in which Jax leaves town or is killed, and bam the actor is gone. There wouldn’t have been any reason for a conspiracy against him if they wanted him gone. They had the power.
I support Ingo 100 percent. We need to stop censoring those with conservative views. I am a former journalist who supports free speech all the way, as long as you’re not calling for genocide of Jews or something hateful. Many court cases could explain further the limits on the First Amendment better than I can. The liberals are shredding our precious Constitution, one bit at a time. We need to end it before we end up living in a socialist nation.
The First Amendment deals exclusively with government suppression of speech. It would not apply here, as ABC is not a government entity, so nobody–liberals, conservatives, or any other particular political group–is doing any Constitution shredding, at least in this instance. (If this website wanted to report on IR’s lawsuit, and some government entity tried to interfere with that, then that would be a solid First Amendment issue. But IR’s lawsuit is between a citizen and a privately owned corporation–totally outside the scope of the First Amendment.)
Whether ABC (or any other employer) can fire somebody for not getting a Covid vaccine is beyond my knowledge of law, so it could indeed be a legal issue, but it’s not a Constitutional issue under the First Amendment. As I understand it, some have argued that, if someone asserts religious beliefs as a reason for not getting the vaccine, and then is fired for not getting it, their rights have been violated under the Fourteenth Amendment (not the First), but it’s not cut and dry–you can’t practice polygamy, for example, or human sacrifice, even if you assert your religion believes in it, supports it, or requires it, so the Fourteenth Amendment has limitations–and the courts are still working through the issue, though I gather they’ve largely been ruling in favor of the employers so far. But IR’s political views, and whether or not ABC liked them (or him), would be irrelevant to the argument.
Socialism is an economic system (not a political system, which is what the Constitution deals with) in which economic gains are distributed differently than under capitalism. (That’s a very simplistic definition, for sure, but will do for this discussion, and full disclosure: I’m not a fan.) Many socialist societies have constitutions (such as a number of the major western European economies), and it would certainly be possible to maintain the current US Constitution and have a socialist economic system. One thing has very little (if anything) to do with the other, and there’s actually little to nothing in the Constitution–that I’m aware of–that guarantees US citizens the right to live in a capitalist society. It’s also entirely possible, as I mentioned, to have a socialist economic system and a political system that’s a democracy; see Sweden, for example, and other western European democracies.
We already are
As a former journalist you should have a better grasp of free speech and the First Amendment. The government did not stifle Ingo’s speech or ability to express himself. A private employer (Disney/ABC) set a workplace condition that Ingo chose not to meet, as was his right. Therefore, the employer terminated his contract, which was their right. This is a labor issue, not a free speech issue at all.
Ingo was not a team player . He throws his cast mates under the bus when ever it suited him . Ingo is racist, transphobic, doesn’t care about his fans , he turned on the network . You can’t sue your boss and expect to keep your job .
what?? they have contracts some can be let go after any 13 week period fr others it is 26 weeks ,,,, all they had to do was wait for that window or write a story where jax leaves so why would they need an excuse to fire him??? makes no sense at all
Ingo was bullying his coworkers so he better hope things don’t come out. We literally saw him saying things about Nancy Lee Grahn to Maurice Benard. He’s an idiot.
Exactly
As others have pointed out, he’s either seriously deluded (if he believes what he’s saying) or lying to his fans because he wants to save face (if he knows better–and I find it hard to believe that he’s been around soaps as long as he has and doesn’t understand how his contract works).
Soaps can get rid of just about anybody they want to, four times a year; they don’t have to try “to figure out a way to fire me (without getting sued) because they didn’t like my political and social views.” All they have to do is wait for the end of a 13-week period and write someone’s character out of the story; that’s the way soap contracts work. They don’t even have to have a reason, really, because nothing is implied about job performance, etc.: “we’re just choosing not to have this character on screen anymore.”
Largely because of this, soap actors who have tried this kind of argument in court before have not been successful. He may break that mold, I guess, but it’s hard to argue there’s some kind of discrimination at work when not just your contract, but EVERYONE’s contract, has these same kinds of out-clauses. And it’s been that way the entire time I’ve been watching soaps (going on 50 years now).
I guess he’s counting on his fans not understanding this basic fact about the way soap actors’ contracts work; if they do (understand soap contracts), his post makes no sense at all, and they’d be left scratching their heads.
I wonder if he’s hoping that he can use ugly publicity to try to pressure ABC into settling out of court, but I suspect they’re on such solid ground legally that they’re laughing at him.
I don’t care about anyone’s religious or political views this is supposed to be a free country but Isn’t Steve Burton fairly conservative? And the networks can get out of a contract with a snap of a finger and for most soap actors it’s every 13 weeks.
I have heard “rumors” about Steve’s politics, but I have never heard him say anything overtly political at all. Cameron Mathison recently signed a contract with an ultra conservative media company, but he still works for GH. Jen Lilley works for that same company, but she came back to Days of Our Lives for a while. I doubt that being a self described “conservative” has caused anybody to lose their job.
Now being a racist, transphobic bigot who cheers on open treason against the US, like Ingo did, well that’s a different story. And it should be.
Love your post. The Satan we all know and love is back in full force!
Im curious I was Roger let go because Steve is coming back?? Hmmmm
Probably. They have to maintain a casting budget. So trade one top-tier paid actor for another…
It will be interesting to see if Steve has the same episode guarantee as in the past. Kelly M has noticeably been reduced (and rejuvenated as a character). Roger’s guarantee must have been low since we’d sometimes go weeks without seeing Austin (and barely noticed).
There’s no evidence to support that. But if it was a question of a GH legacy character who has been around since 1982 (and an actor who started in 1991) vs an OLTL transplant on his third failed character, then yes, that’s an easy choice to make.
Or.. ABC could do OLTL version 3, and give Roger his massively great role of “Todd Manning” again.
I would say the odds of that happening are slightly less than me shoveling 666 feet of snow off my sidewalk tomorrow morning.
While ABC seems to be slightly supporting GH these days, there’s no indication they’re going to invest in any other daytime programming other than so-called “news” shows.
Could I get you on my side if they were to go back to original name ” Between Heaven and Hell” ?
Ingo is conflating his right to free speech with experiencing consequences for his actions.
Sorry. Nothing against him personally, but I don’t miss him or Jax on GH. End of story for me. I don’t think he’s necessary to the story.
Sounds like he’s threatening to spill the Beans or rather spill the text of some of his coworkers. Just not cool.
He seems unhinged
I don’t understand his point of view at all. According to him, ABC was looking for reasons to get rid of him because of his political views.But as many here have pointed out, they don’t ‘need reasons’ because their out for whatever reason comes around every 13wks. And more importantly, that IS. NOT. WHAT. HAPPENED. IN. REALITY. Let’s just go with his argument – they were trying to find a reason. But then circumstances completely changed in the world and COVID came along and they instituted a policy to protect their employees that everyone working on GH needed a COVID shot. He chose not to get that shot. And had to be released. Same thing that happened to one of GH’s personal jewels with Steve Burton (whether you agree with that jewel assessment or not), as well as perhaps, a couple of other actors. So in the end – no matter what he said was thought about or discussed or wanted by ABC – he was NOT released for his political beliefs. He was released because of the COVID shot mandate.
And then all of sudden, he was being treated unfairly. And he had a religion he had never discussed or revealed before (which is odd right, since he seems to be rather proud of espousing political views but not his religious views). Of course, I wouldn’t put it past him at this point to believe they came up with the shot mandate just to get rid of him, and were willing to sacrifice Burton to get to Rademacher – which is ludicrous.
And it’s been my experience that people who try and turn themselves in martyrs for the ’cause’ of punishment for political views tend to have a much different view of their vocal expressions than do the people who have to listen to and experience them. In other words, I have a feeling, think, perhaps, maybe he was more obnoxious about the whole thing than he likes to admit – and people were probably sick of him. Because GH has brought Ingo back several times over the years, so his personal political views couldn’t have been a secret to them, so something had to be different this time around that made the circumstances different. And since by his own admission, there are people there that share his views, it’s not just about his views (hey, they brought Burton back). So what exactly was different this time specifically relating to Ingo? Probably not the innocent persecuted lamb he likes to portray.
And again – what he says happened that was so wrong, actually did not happen when it came right down to it.
Ok let’s release the texts/emails and see what’s he’s got and GH release your text/emails and let’s see what you’ve got–let it all come out. Would not surprise me if Roger was let go d/t Steve coming back either. Glad for Steve he’s coming back. Does anyone rememer if Victoria Rowell situation with Y&R turned out well? Is she back? How many years has it been? Just sayin. What it basically boils down to is if your work/employer requires something to be employeed and you don’t comply you can be fired.
If they cared aboutvratings or fans they’d bring him back
Hell no! It’s Disney you’re going up against. I wish you luck but not in this lifetime will you come out victorious in this fight . You will never see the win. I however always remember you never walked away from a challenge on G.H .I hope you are somewhat like your character on the show .I for one miss you sweeping in to save the day. I wondered why you didn’t show up for Carley when Nina blew up her life as she knew it.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Seeks Answers For Sonny, Drew Gloats, and Chase is in for a Battle
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, getting to the bottom of truth is paramount for several characters, but who will continue to lie and who might break?
In the latest video spoilers for the week of October 19-23, Sonny (Maurice Benard) needs to prove that he is innocent in orchestrating the prison beatdown of Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner). His girlfriend, ADA Justine Turner (Nazneen Contractor), wants to seemingly turn him to as she is seen saying, “I won’t give up until Sonny is behind bars,” to none other than Drew (Cameron Mathison)!
Meanwhile, it looks like Sonny has pulled Jason back in to to help him clear his name telling him to, “Find out whatever you can.” Later, we see Jason (Steve Burton) posing the question to someone, “Did you frame Sonny for it?” Did he go to Pentonville to confront Sully?
Photo: ABC
Elsewhere, Chase (Josh Swickard) and Monet (Blythe Howard) get set to dissolve Chase’s marriage to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) who now has lawyered up with Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst). Monet tells Chase, “We need to prepare for the worst-case scenario.” Chase fires back ,“I don’t want a battle!” Is the battle over baby Phoebe, or a down and dirty fight just to get a divorce?
Then, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) is reeling with happiness in the best possible way, after apparently sharing four kisses with mysterious stranger Jude (Wil Traval) at the Brown Dog Bar. Britt tells Lucas (Van Hansis) all about her evening. But, who is Jude and did he target Britt, or is he truly enamored with her? Stay tuned.
SPOILERS
Now below, take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 19-23.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
Britt makes an intriguing deal. Trina is unsettled. Anna checks in on Sonny. Carly gets the third degree from Lucas. Jason calls out Serena.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Carly puts her heart on the line. Alexis delivers shocking news to Valentin. Sonny has a warning for Jason. Justine makes Drew an offer. Portia is wary of Monet.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Anna seeks out Valentin. Britt’s attitude raises eyebrows. Molly seeks Alexis’s advice. Jason makes an offer to Lucy. Tracy and Cody catch up.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
Britt has juicy gossip for Lucas. Chase is thrown for a loop. Emma puts on her detective hat. Michael and Jordan await medical news. Ava is put on the spot.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
Ava pitches a dangerous plan to Drew. Jason calls out Josslyn. Ric and Monet go toe to toe. Lulu is discouraged. Sonny dangles a tantalizing deal.
Take a look at the latest GH promo, “Worst Case Scenario” below.
Now weigh-in: Will Jason figure out that Drew and Ava were behind framing Sonny? Do you want Chase to get parental rights to baby Phoebe? Do you like the attraction between Britt and Jude, or is something more nefarious going on with the guy? Let us know in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Talks On Where Joe Fitzpatrick is Headed and Soap Opera Shirtless Scenes
It had become abundantly clear that roomies Dr. Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) and PCPD detective Joe Fitzpatrick (Jonathan Bennett) seem destined towards a romance on General Hospital.
In fact, to get Lucas all hot and bothered (although he does fully let on), during the Friday, October 16 episode, the good doctor helps Joe pick out something less stuffy to wear to a bar to meet people.
However, the moment is met with Joe taking off his shirt in front of Lucas and doing a quick change from sport coat and button down shirt to a more relaxed casual button down shirt. In fact, the ABC soap opera even called out the moment as their clip of the day (see below).
Courtesy/ABC
MAJOR STORY TEASE FOR JOE
Bennett spoke with OUT in a new feature about what may be on the horizon for the by-the-book Joe and the moral Lucas, and how he learned that once the producers and writers on a soap script in a shirtless scene, if it goes over well, said actor, can expect many more in the months to come!
“I’m so excited for the audience to see where my character goes on General Hospital. It’s going to be monumental and I think people are going to love it,” teased Bennett. “I was shirtless in an episode and so petrified to shoot it,” he added. “I wanted to look my best and feel good. I really worked hard to get my body to a good place and I did it.”
STAYING CAMERA READY
However as Jonathan points out, now he is finding himself half-naked in upcoming scenes as officer Joe! “I think I shot myself in the foot! Now that I did it once and it turned out well, every few weeks I read a script and I’m coming out of the shower, changing my shirt, or in the bathtub,” revealed Jonathan.
So, how does he keep camera ready? “I’m in the gym more, I have a better diet,” pointed out Bennett. “You have to stay healthy if you’re going to be shirtless every few weeks! I’m gay, an only child, and an actor. Of course I love the attention!”
While Bennett’s Port Charles story is going to reveal itself in the coming months, you can also see Jonathan back as the host of The Food Network’s Halloween Wars 16th season which concludes on Sunday, October 25.
Now below. check out the scene in question from Friday’s GH entitled, “Lose the Shirt.”
Weigh-in: What do you think will be “monumental” that Jonathan has teased that viewers will find out about Joe in the coming weeks? Are you feeling the on-screen chemistry between Joe and Lucas? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino
Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Finn Blows a Gasket After Steffy Reveals She’s Gone Ahead and Become Carter and Daphne’s Surrogate
‘Beyond the Gates’ and Daytime Emmy Nominee Mike Manning to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Mary Elizabeth Winstead Opens About Breaking ‘Passions’ Contract, Claiming the Soap Had a ‘Militant Vibe’
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Delon de Metz Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
Parry Shen and Lydia Look Make a Return to ‘General Hospital’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Finn May Learn Unsettling News, Zende Makes His Decision, Katie’s Bitter Battle Escalates
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Finn Blows a Gasket After Steffy Reveals She’s Gone Ahead and Become Carter and Daphne’s Surrogate
‘Beyond the Gates’ and Daytime Emmy Nominee Mike Manning to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Mary Elizabeth Winstead Opens About Breaking ‘Passions’ Contract, Claiming the Soap Had a ‘Militant Vibe’
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Jason Seeks Answers For Sonny, Drew Gloats, and Chase is in for a Battle
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