Long-time ESPN reporter Allison Williams announced she would be leaving the network soon over principles related to its COVID vaccine mandate for its employees.
“I have been denied my request for accommodation to not get the vaccination,” Williams said in an Instagram post.
William’s decision stemmed from the company policy in late July issued by Walt Disney Co., ESPN’s mother company. It required vaccination to all salaried and non-union employees within 60 days. ESPN’s 5,500 traveling employees, however had to be vaccinated by August 1.
In a statement, Williams said she decided not to get the jab for two reasons. First, she and her husband are wanting to conceive a second child, and second, her principle contradicts the idea of receiving the vaccine.
Not getting the vaccine due to pregnancy purpose was a personal decision. However, Williams congratulates all the pregnant women who opted to get the vaccine and still gave birth successfully. At the same, she feels sorry for the pregnant women who experienced side effects after getting jabbed.
In saying it’s principle over a paycheck, Williams said. Belief is principal that she will not exchange over career.
She added that she is ‘morally and ethically not aligned with this (vaccination), and I’ve had to really dig deep and analyze my values and my morals, and ultimately I have to put them first.”
She admires people who have chosen to leave their jobs because of the vaccine mandates.
“I fight for you,” Williams said, referring to those who support the mandates.
“I don’t know what the future holds, obviously, for any of us. But I’m going to focus on what I have to be thankful for. I’m going to hold on to my faith. I’m going to pray that things get better,” she concluded.