Ice Cube Reveals Losing $9 Million Over Covid-19 Vaccine 'Jab' Refusal

Famous rapper Ice Cube has recounted the details of a botched movie deal that made him lose out on earning $9 million.

The actor and rapper, real name O'Shea Jackson Sr, had the discussion during his appearance on the "Million Dollaz Worth of Game" podcast. He stated that he turned down the role because he was compelled to get vaccinated for COVID-19, but later shared that not taking the jab made the showrunners axe him from the production.

The actor also exited the cast of another production, "Flint Strong." He was expected to co-star alongside Ryan Destiny but was ultimately replaced by Brian Tyree Henry.

Keep on reading to learn more.

During his appearance on the "Million Dollaz Worth of Game" podcast, "Ride Along" star, Cube reflected on how refusing to comply with Covid-19 regulations made him lose a whopping nine million dollars movie feature.

Although the actor and rapper did not give out the movie's name during the conversation, it was reported last that he exited the cast of Sony's "Oh Hell No" for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine shot.

"I turned down a movie because I didn't want to get the motherf**king jab," the Barbershop actor said, per New York Post. "I turned down $9 million. I didn't want to get the jab. F*ck that jab. F*ck y'all for trying to make me get it."

Cube went on to say that his personal choice at the time might have changed the perception of Hollywood's showrunners about him for possible future roles in other productions.

He added, "I don't know how Hollywood feels about me right now."

Elsewhere in the podcast, Cube changed his earlier narrative, saying that the showrunners had chosen not to give him the role once he made it clear that nothing would make him take the shot.

"Those motherf**ers didn't give it to me because I wouldn't get the shot. I didn't turn it down. They just wouldn't give it to me," Cube angrily remarked.

"The covid shot, the jab … I didn't need it. I didn't catch that shit at all. Nothing. F*ck them. I didn't need that sh*t," he added, doubling down on his earlier decision.

"Oh Hell No" was helmed by director Kitao Sakurai, while Cube was expected to star alongside actor Jack Black. Black was to portray Sherman, a man who develops a romantic interest in the mother of Cube's character.

Despite the rapper's aversion to getting a COVID shot, Rolling Stone noted that he had been a strong advocate for wearing masks throughout the pandemic, particularly on social media. He was frequently captured wearing face masks during his Big 3 basketball tournament last year, which showed he was not being lax with his protection.

In collaboration with the manufacturer Black Out, the actor launched a collection of "Check Yo Self Before You Wreck Yo Self" t-shirts that portrayed him wearing a mask. The proceeds from the merchandise sales were used to help front-line workers whose lives were at risk due to their constant exposure to the virus.

Bacone College in August 2021 also lauded him for donating personal protective equipment to the institution, which included 2,000 face masks.

Apart from losing out on a feature in "Oh Hell No," Cube also left the cast of the American biographical sports film dubbed "Flint Strong." The actor was slated to play Jason Crutchfield, the coach of the movie's lead star, Shields (Destiny.) He was then replaced by Henry earlier in the year.

Cube's reasons for leaving the production are still unclear but might also be related to his refusal to receive the COVID shot.

In recent months, some COVID regulations have been relaxed in areas with fewer people admitted to the hospital, per Deadline. Pre-employment testing is still a requirement for all movie productions, while masking will not be required in some cases.

However, the showrunners can still mandate vaccination and boosters for employees from areas very much at risk of the virus.