Zachary Leviwas widely slammed after linking the COVID-19 vaccine to the recent death of Gavin Creel at 48, with fellow actor Norbert Leo Butz saying he was 'utterly heartbroken' by the move.
The 44-year-old actor posted a controversial one-hour rant Sunday on his Instagram, saying he believed that Creel - his one-time costar in the Broadway revival of She Loves Mewho died September 30 following a battle with cancer - 'would be alive right now' had he not gotten vaccinated.
Butz, 57, left a comment condemning the Shazam! star for mentioning Creel in his politically-charged statement, after Levi endorsed Republican Donald Trump over Democrat Kamala Harris ahead of the forthcoming presidential election.
'So incredibly disappointed you would politicize Gavin’s death,' the Tony winner said. 'Really tried to give you the benefit here. Made it halfway through, which was hard as hell.
'But was utterly heartbroken, as he would have been, that you felt the need to use his life and legacy to promote this awful platform.'
Zachary Levi, 44, was widely slammed after linking the COVID-19 vaccine to the recent death of Gavin Creel at 48, with fellow actor Norbert Leo Butz saying he was 'utterly heartbroken' by the move
Butz, 57, (L) left a comment condemning the Shazam! star for mentioning Creel in his politically-charged statement
In his social media statement, the Chuck actor acknowledged there would be significant pushback to his words.
'I know that this is going to offend some people and make some people mad, and I wish it didn't,' the Lake Charles, Louisiana native said. 'So, a few weeks ago, my friend Gavin Creel died. He was 48 years old, and he was one of the healthiest people I knew.'
'You better believe that, with everything in me, I believe that if these COVID vaccinations were not forced on the American public, that the theaters weren't being pushed and leveraged.'
In his statement, Levi said 'people at the top' forced those in the Broadway community, including producers and theater owners, to enforce vaccine mandates coming out of the pandemic.
'They knew the cost benefit of these shots, and it was garbage; guys, it was garbage,' Levi said.
He added, 'They knew that there would be plenty of side effects, including turbo cancers - they knew. 'And I, without a shadow of a doubt, I believe that Gavin Creel would be alive right now - right f***ing now - he would still be alive if that stuff didn't get put into his body.'
Levi said he felt he was honoring Creel's memory by 'talking about' the divisive issue.
The American Underdog actor faced criticism from a number of other social media users over trying to link Creel's death to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Butz left a comment condemning the Shazam! star for mentioning Creel in his statement
In his social media statement, the Chuck actor acknowledged there would be significant pushback to his words
(L-R)Peter Bartlett, Byron Jennings, Creel, Levi, Laura Benanti, Jane Krakowski and Michael McGrath pictured in NYC for She Loves Me at Studio 54 in March of 2016
Levi was pictured last month at a rally in Michigan speaking in support of Trump's campaign
One user said in response, 'Some people shouldn’t be allowed to talk. Shame on you for using Gavin Creel’s passing to spread misinformation.'
Another said, 'I've been a fan since Chuck. I have to admit I'm terribly disappointed.'
Said one user: 'This…. Was insane. I cannot believe you used Gavin’s passing to spread absolutely blatant misinformation. I think he would be incredibly disappointed in you. Like I’m sure much of the Broadway community now is.'
One put off fan added, Unfollowed ... good luck with your new direct to DVD movie career.'
Some fans lauded Levi for taking the risky career move in making a controversial statement in support of his core beliefs.
The American Underdog actor faced criticism for a number of other social media users to trying to link Creel's death to the COVID-19 vaccine
Some fans lauded Levi for taking the risky career move in 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 bravery to voice your opinion.'
Another said, 'Not even a Trump fan, (I'm DEFINITELY not a Kamala fan) but I absolutely give you respect for coming out in Hollywood and going against the tide!!! Been a fan since Chuck.'
Said another user, 'I am so proud that you are using your platform to go against Hollywood. Thank you for standing up for what is right. Sorry for the loss of your friend.'