Forrie J. Smith - widely recognized for his role in the popular TV series Yellowstone - found himself at the center of a controversy after being ejected from a flight following an alleged disagreement over face masks.
The incident, which occurred at a Houston, Texas, airport, comes as people continue to disagree about post-pandemic safety measures and practices. Watch the actor speak out in the video below:
In a candid Instagram video shared with his sizable following, Smith recounted the ordeal that led to his removal from the plane, Fox News reports.
"You need to hear this story," he said to his followers, visibly frustrated by the experience. "I just got kicked off a plane... because I told them I didn't feel comfortable sitting next to somebody with a mask on," Smith revealed, highlighting his personal stance on the mask mandate.
"Ya, I've been drinking," the 65-year-old actor revealed. "I've been sitting in an airport for three hours. Ya I'm drinking. I ain't drunk, but they throw me off the plane because I'm drunk, because you people won't stand up and tell everybody what bulls**t this is."
Smith went on to emphasize his discomfort with the idea of sitting next to a masked passenger. "I just told them I didn't feel comfortable about sitting next to somebody that had to wear a mask, and I'm off the plane," he disclosed, his frustration palpable.
Despite the public revelation of the incident, it is not clear what airline Smith was traveling on and why he was removed from the flight.
But, in response to his video, people in his comments section were divided - once again highlighting the differing of opinions when it comes to public health protocols and personal choices.
"I bet the masked person was grateful to see you get the boot," one person commented, with another adding: "For the life of me I cannot fathom why someone else wearing a mask is so threatening to some people!!!"
"Immuno comprised people like to protect themselves. I see no reason that should bother anyone," a third commented.
Another social media candidly added: "If someone wants or needs to wear a mask that’s their choice. This is not going to harm you in any way. Unfortunately my opinion of you has dropped quite a bit after your video."
"I don’t understand why they didn’t simply move you," another said in Smith's defense, with one fan adding: "Don’t listen to what these brainwashed crazies say. Stay true to yourself man."
This incident isn't the first time Smith has found himself in the spotlight over pandemic protocols. In 2022, he made headlines for skipping the Screen Actors Guild awards, citing his refusal to comply with vaccination requirements.
In a now-deleted Instagram video addressing his absence from the awards show, Smith doubled down on his beliefs regarding vaccines. "I will not get vaccinated... I don’t vaccinate my dogs, I don’t vaccinate my horses. I’ve never had a flu shot. Never will. I believe they compromise your immunities," he asserted, defending his right to make personal health decisions.
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