Zachary Levi leaves actor ‘utterly heartbroken’ following anti-vax remarks citing Gavin Creel’s tragic death
Zachary Levi was widely criticized after linking the COVID-19 vaccine to the recent death of Gavin Creel at the age of 48, with fellow actor Norbert Leo Butz saying he was ‘completely heartbroken’ by the move.
The 44-year-old actor posted a controversial hour-long rant to his Instagram on Sunday, saying he believed Creel – his one-time co-star in the Broadway revival of She Loves Me, who died on September 30 after a battle with cancer – ‘would be alive now’ if he had not been vaccinated.
Butz, 57, left a comment thanking the Shazam! star for mentioning Creel in his politically charged statement, after Levi endorsed Republican Donald Trump over Democrat Kamala Harris ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
“So incredibly disappointed that you would politicize Gavin’s death,” the Tony winner said. “I really tried to give you the advantage here. Made it halfway through, which was incredibly difficult.
“But he was heartbroken, as he would have been, that you felt the need to use his life and legacy to promote this terrible platform.”
Zachary Levi, 44, was widely criticized after linking the COVID-19 vaccine to the recent death of Gavin Creel at the age of 48, with fellow actor Norbert Leo Butz saying he was ‘completely heartbroken’ by the move
Butz, 57, (L) left a comment sharing the Shazam! star for mentioning Creel in his politically charged statement
In his statement on social media, the Chuck actor acknowledged that there would be significant resistance to his words.
“I know this is going to offend some people and make some people angry, and I wish that wasn’t the case,” the Lake Charles, Louisiana, resident said. “So a few weeks ago my friend Gavin Creel passed away. He was 48 years old and he was one of the healthiest people I knew.”
“You better believe that I believe with everything I have in me that if these COVID vaccinations weren’t forced on the American public, the theaters wouldn’t be pushed and abused.”
In his statement, Levi said “people at the top” forced those in the Broadway community, including producers and theater owners, to enforce vaccine mandates that emerged from the pandemic.
“They knew the cost-benefit ratio of these shots, and it was nonsense; Guys, it was shit,” Levi said.
He added: ‘They knew there would be a lot of side effects, including turbo cancers – they knew it. “And I believe without a doubt that Gavin Creel would still be alive right now – damn right now – he’d still be alive if that stuff wasn’t put in his body.”
Levi said he felt he was honoring Creel’s memory by ‘talking’ about the divisive issue.
The American Underdog actor was criticized by some other social media users for trying to link Creel’s death to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Butz left a comment describing the Shazam! star for mentioning Creel in his statement
In his statement on social media, the Chuck actor acknowledged that there would be significant resistance to his words
(L-R) Peter Bartlett, Byron Jennings, Creel, Levi, Laura Benanti, Jane Krakowski and Michael McGrath pictured in New York for She Loves Me at Studio 54 in March 2016
Levi was pictured last month at a rally in Michigan, speaking in support of Trump’s campaign
One user replied: ‘Some people shouldn’t talk. Shame on you for using Gavin Creel’s death to spread misinformation.”
Another said: ‘I’ve been a fan since Chuck. I must admit that I am terribly disappointed.’
One user said: ‘This…. Was insane. I can’t believe you used Gavin’s death to spread blatant misinformation. I think he would be incredibly disappointed in you. As I’m sure much of the Broadway community is now.”
A put off fan added: Unfollowed… good luck with your new direct-to-DVD film career.’
Some fans praised Levi for making the risky career move of making a controversial statement in support of his core beliefs.
The American Underdog actor was criticized as some other social media users tried to link Creel’s death to the COVID-19 vaccine
Some fans praised Levi for making the risky career move of making a controversial statement in support of his core beliefs
One said: ‘Good for you for standing up for what you believe in!’ while another added: ‘I don’t agree with you politically but I respect your courage to speak your mind.’
Another said: ‘Not even a Trump fan (I’m DEFINITELY not a Kamala fan) but I give you absolute respect for coming out in Hollywood and going against the grain!!! I’ve been a fan since Chuck.’
Another user said, “I’m so proud that you’re using your platform to go against Hollywood. Thank you for standing up for what is right. Sorry for the loss of your friend.”