Broadway star Laura Osnes explains why she quit a show rather than get vaccinated

After Page Six reported that Broadway superstar Laura Osnes was fired from a show for refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccination, Osnes issued a statement defending her decision to skip the injection because “there’s so much that’s still unknown” about the shots.

She also denied that she was fired, and said that she decided to quit the one-night production of “Crazy for You” after producers at the Guild Hall Theater in East Hampton told her she’d have to get vaxxed to take part.

Osnes — who made her name when she won the talent search show “Grease: You’re the One That I Want!” in 2008, and has gone on to have a major Broadway career — wrote on Instagram, “I believe individuals have the right to do the research, consult a doctor, and come to their own conclusions before deciding whether or not to get any injections.”

“I stand by the decision my husband [photographer Nathan Johnson] and I, with input from our physician, have made for ourselves, our family planning, and our future,” she added.

The “Cinderella” star said that someday they may “feel more confident in the research” about the vaccine and change their minds.

She said that COVID is “a very real concern” for her, and claimed that the safety of her colleagues and audience members is “extremely important” to her, but she said that she believes that it’s possible for shows to go on “without vaccination mandates” by using other safety measures, like testing, social distancing, improved ventilation in theaters, quarantines and “other protective measures.”

Osnes also claimed that she wasn’t fired for refusing to be vaccinated.

“A month ago, I was informed that the protocols [at the theater] had changed and I would now need proof of vaccination to participate,” she wrote. “I was disappointed but responded that I would have to withdraw.” – READ MORE