ESPN Reporter Allison Williams Leaving Network Over Vaccine Mandate

Published: October 19, 2021

ESPN Reporter Allison Williams Leaving Network Over Vaccine Mandate

Movieguide® Staff

Longtime ESPN reporter Allison Williams resigned from the sports network over its vaccine mandate.

“Effective next week, I will be separated from the company,” Williams said.

“I’m morally and ethically not aligned by this, and I’ve had to really dig deep and analyze my values, my morals and ultimately, I need to put them first… Ultimately, I cannot put a paycheck over principle,” she continued.

Williams said in September that she was forgoing the vaccine as she and her husband wanted to try for a second child.

“Throughout our family planning with our doctor, as well as a fertility specialist, I have decided not to receive the COVID-1 vaccine at this time while my husband and I try for a second child,” Williams said in a statement posted to Twitter. “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. After a lot of prayer and deliberation, I have decided I must put my family and personal health first.”

Williams said she did apply for an accommodation from the company but was denied.

“I’m going to focus on what I have to be thankful for,” Williams said in an emotional Instagram video announcing her resignation. “I’m going to hold onto my faith, and I’m going to pray that things get better and I can see you on the television set in some capacity, in some stadium, covering some game soon. Until then, God bless, and I’m going to go hug my baby.”

ESPN is owned by the Walt Disney Company, which initially encouraged vaccines but said they would not mandate them for castmembers. Now the company has changed their tune and announced in July that all employees would be required to get the vaccine.