On Friday, ESPN reporter Allison Williams announced that she is leaving the network due to its parent company’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Williams had previously been put on the sidelines in September when she first announced that she had decided against getting the vaccine. Williams released a statement regarding her decision at the time, which read in part:
Throughout our family planning with our doctor, as well as a fertility specialist, I have decided not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at this time while my husband and I try for our second child. This was a deeply difficult decision to make and it’s not something I take lightly. I understand vaccines have been essential in the effort to end this pandemic; however, taking the vaccine at this time is not in my best interest.
According to the CDC, “There is currently no evidence that antibodies made following COVID-19 vaccination or that vaccine ingredients would cause any problems with becoming pregnant now or in the future.”
Additionally, the BBC has compiled and fact-checked a number of infertility and pregnancy claims related to the COVID-19 vaccines floating around on social media.
On Friday, Williams released a video explaining the latest development.
“I have been denied my request for accommodation by ESPN and the Walt Disney Company, and effective next week, I will be separated from the company,” Williams stated.
After thanking all who reached out to her, Williams said that she is “morally and ethically not aligned with this.” She continued, claiming that the Walt Disney Corporation had previously told employees in April that while “they believed the vaccine was the best way forward,” the “decision to get it was a personal decision.”
Williams added that she stands with anyone who has lost their job over vaccine mandates, including police officers, nurses, doctors, teachers, and first responders, those who are “benefiting this country in ways I could never do.”
Williams concluded with a message for those who support the mandates:
But I also want people to know who support these mandates that I fight for you. Because if this is the direction we take our country, there will come a time when the government or corporations mandate you to get something that does not align with your values. Power given is seldom returned. And when that day comes, I want you to at least know that we fought, and we tried.
As The Daily Wire’s Joe Morgan previously reported: “Williams has been with the company since March 2011. Before joining ESPN, Williams covered the Florida Panthers and the Florida Marlins for Fox Sports Florida.”
When the Biden administration announced its mandate (which has yet to be implemented) that all companies with 100 or more employees must require their workers to be vaccinated or receive weekly COVID testing, Daily Wire co-CEO Jeremy Boreing responded by declaring that the company would not comply.