Photo: Paul Archuleta/Getty
Broadway actressLaura Osnesis reportedly suingTheNew York Postfor defamation, after the newspaper claimed last year the actress was fired from a theatrical production due to her refusal to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
She is seeking at least $5 million in damages, the outlet reports.
Last summer, Osnesshared a statement on Instagramin response to a report fromThe New York Post’sPage Six, which claimed that she had been removed from a one-night-only performance ofCrazy for Youat Guild Hall in East Hampton due to her vaccination status.
She further claimed that she had signed up to participate in the production in May 2021, but was informed in June that “protocols had changed, and I would now need proof of vaccination to participate.”
“I was disappointed but responded that I would have to withdraw, as I have not yet gotten the vaccine,” Osnes continued.
But Osnes denied that, saying that “one of my fellow performers never ‘pressed me on the matter’ before I withdrew.”
“It was a drama-free and discrete [sic] transition,” she said.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions
She also claimed she was never extended the option to provide a negative test, despite representatives for Guild Hall reportedly telling Page Six that the venue requires both staff and performers to either be vaccinated or submit a negative COVID test.
“I would have tested in a heartbeat — something that I have been doing for months, and will continue to do so, in order to keep working safely,” Osnes said.
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Last week, Osnes may have alluded to the controversy in anInstagrampost in which she announced a new album.
“It’s been a helluva year and I’m finally ready to sing about it. EP coming this fall.#OnTheOtherSide,” she posted.
source: people.com
