Steve Burton, 'General Hospital' actor, says show let him go for not getting vaccinated
(CNN)Longtime "General Hospital" cast member Steve Burton says the soap opera fired him from the show for refusing to get vaccinated.
In a video posted on his verified Instagram account Tuesday, Burton explained what happened, writing in the caption, "Hey! I wanted you to hear it from me. I love and appreciate all of you!"
"Unfortunately, 'General Hospital' has let me go because of the vaccine mandate," said Burton, who has portrayed Jason Morgan on the daytime drama off and on since 1991. "I did apply for my medical and religious exemptions and both of those were denied. Which, you know, hurts."
He added that "this is also about personal freedom to me" and said he "doesn't think anyone should lose their livelihood over this."
Burton expressed his gratitude for his time on the show and did not rule out possibly returning.
"Maybe one day if these mandates are lifted I can return and finish my career as Jason Morgan," he said. "That would be an honor. And if not, I'm gonna take this amazing experience, move forward and be forever grateful."
He said he was unsure as to when his last scenes on the show would air.
Burton shared that he had tested positive for Covid-19 in August and said he had been exposed at work, Deadline reported at the time.
CNN has reached out to reps for ABC and "General Hospital" for comment.
《综合医院》演员史蒂夫伯顿说，节目因为他没有接种疫苗而让他离职
（美国有线电视新闻网）长期担任《综合医院》演员史蒂夫伯顿说，肥皂剧因为拒绝接种疫苗而将他从节目中解雇。
在周二发布在他经过验证的 Instagram 帐户上的一段视频中，伯顿解释了发生的事情，并在标题中写道：“嘿！我想让你们听到我的声音。我爱你们，感谢你们所有人！”
“不幸的是，‘综合医院'因为疫苗规定让我走了，”伯顿说，他自 1991 年以来一直在白天的戏剧中扮演杰森摩根。“我确实申请了我的医疗和宗教豁免，以及这两项被拒绝了。你知道，这很伤人。”
他补充说，“这对我来说也是个人自由”，并说他“不认为任何人应该为此失去生计。”
伯顿对他在节目中的时间表示感谢，并且不排除可能回归。
“也许有一天，如果这些任务被取消，我可以返回并结束我作为杰森摩根的职业生涯，”他说。 “那将是一种荣誉。如果没有，我将利用这次奇妙的经历，继续前进并永远心存感激。”
他说他不确定他在节目中的最后一幕何时播出。
据截止日期当时报道，伯顿分享说，他在 8 月份的 Covid-19 检测呈阳性，并说他在工作中被暴露了。
CNN 已联系 ABC 和“综合医院”的代表征求意见。
