13 Male Stars Who Took A Public Stand Against Vaccine Mandates
When COVID-19 vaccine mandates rolled out across workplaces, sports arenas, and entertainment venues, not everyone was on board.
Some male celebrities made headlines by publicly questioning or refusing these requirements, sparking intense debates about personal freedom versus public health.
Their decisions cost some of them jobs, endorsements, and fan support, while others stood firm in their beliefs regardless of the consequences.
Disclaimer: This list is based on documented, on-the-record public actions or statements opposing vaccine mandates or mandate-style requirements, such as televised comments, public posts made under their verified accounts, published statements by their representatives, reporting about concert/venue policy disputes, employment or contract disputes tied to mandates, and/or filed lawsuits and official case coverage.
1. Eric Clapton
Guitar legend Eric Clapton didn’t just strum a few chords about his opposition – he went full rockstar rebel mode.
After experiencing adverse reactions to his vaccine doses, he became one of the most vocal critics in the music world.
Clapton collaborated with Van Morrison on anti-lockdown songs and publicly stated he wouldn’t perform at venues requiring proof of vaccination.
His stance divided fans, with some applauding his courage while others accused him of spreading misinformation during a critical public health crisis.
2. Van Morrison
Irish music icon Van Morrison turned his songwriting talents toward protest anthems criticizing lockdowns and vaccine mandates.
Songs like “Born to Be Free” and “No More Lockdown” became rallying cries for those opposing government health measures.
Morrison argued that such policies infringed on personal liberties and damaged the live music industry he’d spent decades building.
3. Kid Rock
How does a Detroit rocker respond to vaccine mandates? By doubling down on defiance, naturally.
Kid Rock made it crystal clear that his concerts would remain mandate-free zones, welcoming all fans regardless of vaccination status.
He frequently ranted against what he called government overreach on social media and during performances.
4. Jim Breuer
Comedian Jim Breuer found nothing funny about vaccine mandates and canceled multiple shows rather than comply with venue requirements.
Known for his high-energy comedy and distinctive voice, Breuer made headlines when he walked away from lucrative gigs.
He explained his decision through social media videos, arguing that personal medical choices shouldn’t dictate employment or entertainment access.
5. Ice Cube
Rapper and actor Ice Cube reportedly walked away from a nine-million-dollar film role rather than get vaccinated.
That’s right – nine million dollars left on the table because of his stance on vaccine mandates.
Though he didn’t make loud public statements, his actions spoke volumes about where he stood on the issue.
6. Rockmond Dunbar
“9-1-1” actor Rockmond Dunbar found himself written off the hit drama after refusing to comply with the show’s vaccine mandate.
Dunbar requested medical and religious exemptions, both of which were denied by production. He subsequently sued Disney and 20th Television, alleging discrimination.
Dunbar’s case became part of a broader conversation about how entertainment industry vaccine policies affected actors’ livelihoods.
7. Ricky Schroder
Former child star Ricky Schroder, who charmed audiences in “Silver Spoons” and “NYPD Blue,” became outspoken against vaccine mandates and COVID-19 restrictions.
He attended protests and used social media to voice his concerns about government overreach.
Schroder argued that Americans deserved the freedom to make their own health decisions without coercion.
While some fans appreciated his activism, others felt disappointed that the beloved actor had become associated with controversial positions.
8. Dana White
UFC president Dana White consistently opposed vaccine mandates for fighters and staff, arguing that people should make their own health choices.
Despite pressure from various jurisdictions with different COVID-19 requirements, White kept UFC events rolling.
He navigated complex regulations across multiple states and countries while maintaining his anti-mandate position.
9. Novak Djokovic
Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic made perhaps the most high-profile stand against vaccine mandates in sports.
His refusal to get vaccinated prevented him from defending his Australian Open title when authorities denied him entry to the country.
Djokovic was literally deported from Australia after a dramatic legal battle that captivated global media. He also missed the US Open due to American vaccine requirements for foreign travelers.
10. Kyrie Irving
NBA star Kyrie Irving became the face of vaccine mandate resistance in professional basketball.
When New York City required vaccination for indoor venues, Irving couldn’t play home games for the Brooklyn Nets.
He sat out a significant portion of the season, costing himself millions in salary while his team struggled without their star point guard.
11. Cole Beasley
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley took to X with a passionate thread explaining his opposition to NFL vaccine mandates.
He argued that players should have the freedom to assess their own health risks without league pressure.
Beasley’s posts went viral, sparking debates across sports media about player autonomy versus team safety protocols.
12. Elon Musk
Tech billionaire Elon Musk repeatedly criticized vaccine mandates on X, calling them problematic and questioning their necessity for healthy young people.
Though he stated he was vaccinated and supported vaccines generally, he opposed forcing others to comply.
Musk’s posts reached millions, influencing public discourse about mandates versus personal choice. He particularly objected to firing employees over vaccination status.
13. Matthew McConaughey
Alright – Matthew McConaughey took a more nuanced stance than outright opposition, questioning whether children needed COVID-19 vaccines.
While not entirely anti-mandate, he expressed concerns about vaccinating his own kids until more data emerged.
McConaughey’s measured approach frustrated both sides of the debate; some wanted him to fully endorse vaccines while others wanted complete opposition.
His position reflected many parents’ hesitations about pediatric vaccination.
