Yellowstone actor Forrie J. Smith recently found himself at the center of a controversy after an alleged altercation during a flight. Smith, known for his role as Lloyd Pierce on the Paramount Network series, took to social media to address the incident, shedding light on the details of what transpired.
In an Instagram video, Smith recounted the events that led to his removal from the airplane. He explained that he refused to sit next to a passenger wearing a mask and was subsequently asked to leave the flight.
“I just got kicked off a plane because I told them that I didn’t feel comfortable sitting next to somebody with a mask on,” Smith expressed in the video.
Despite his assertion, Smith did not disclose the name of the airline he was flying with, leaving many questions unanswered. When approached for comment, a representative for the actor remained tight-lipped on the matter.
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During his Instagram video, Smith addressed his state of sobriety, admitting to having consumed alcohol but denying being intoxicated. He implied that his removal from the flight was unjustified and blamed societal norms for the ordeal. “I’ve been sitting in the airport for three hours, yeah, I’ve been drinking, but I ain’t drunk,” Smith asserted.
This incident is not the first time Smith has made headlines for his stance on COVID-19 protocols. In 2022, he opted out of attending the Screen Actors Guild Awards due to the event’s vaccination requirement. Smith adamantly stated his refusal to be vaccinated, citing his personal beliefs and past experiences.
While the wearing of masks on domestic flights is not federally mandated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends mask-wearing during travel to protect vulnerable individuals. Despite this guidance, Smith’s reluctance to accommodate mask-wearing sparked controversy among fans and followers.
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Many social media users expressed their disappointment with Smith’s actions, questioning his empathy and understanding towards those who wear masks for medical reasons. Some former fans voiced their disapproval, citing their loss of respect for the actor.
‘For the life of me, I cannot fathom why someone else wearing a mask is so threatening to some people!!! Many people live with a loved one who is immunocompromised (e.g., cancer, heart disease), or they themselves may be immunocompromised,’ penned one former follower.
‘How fragile are some people that a simple mask sets them off to this degree?’ they asked. ‘It’s absolutely ridiculous!! While I appreciate Mr Smith’s talent, this makes me no longer respect him as a human being. Unfollowing!’
‘NGL….. lost some respect. What if this person was visiting a sick family member and was just being extra safe. Always be kind…. You never know what they might be going through,’ wrote one follower.
The incident involving Forrie J. Smith serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding COVID-19 protocols and the importance of respectful discourse in navigating these challenges.
As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, instances like these underscore the complexities of balancing individual freedoms with public health considerations.
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