The actor Zachary Levi left fans wondering if he was opposed to vaccinations after he posted tweets critical of the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer in the early hours of Sunday.
The Shazam! Fury Of The Gods star — whose new DC Comics film is set to hit theaters on March 17 — set off the controversy after he quote tweeted a post from an account espousing anti-vaccine views that claimed Pfizer was ‘a real danger to the world.’
Levi, 42, wrote in his retweet, ‘Hardcore agree 😐.’
DailyMail.com has reached out Levi’s representative for comment.
Anti-vax controversy: Zachary Levi, 42, sparked rumors that he may have anti-vaccine views after he posted multiple tweets critical of the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer early on Sunday; seen in December 2021 in Los Angeles
Response: The actor tweeted a post from an account espousing anti-vaccine views that claimed Pfizer was ‘a real danger to the world,’ and added his response, ‘Hardcore agree’
The Chuck actor soon followed up with another reposted tweet from a link titled, ‘Justice Department announces largest healthcare fraud settlement in history,’ which was originally shared in 2009.
He then typed out, ‘Just one example of what I’m referring to…,’ followed by a sad face emoji.
The latest tweets from the talented star immediately prompted backlash from social media users who jumped to the comment section to offer their own thoughts.
One follower wrote out, ‘Chuck was good but not good enough for you to be doing all this…’
Another tweet: The Chuck actor shared another repost with an ‘example’ from the Justice Department, and penned, ‘Just one example of what I’m referring to…,’ followed by a sad face emoji
Response: The latest tweets from the talented star immediately prompted backlash from social media users who jumped to the comment section
Another user typed out in the comment section, ‘Blocked for disappointing nonsense,’ while a fan came to the defense of Zachary and wrote, ‘the way people jump to conclusions and assume the worst is the most toxic part of twitter.’
However, another Twitter user penned, ‘Here I was, actually kind of excited for your movie. But nah. I’m not supporting you now.’
The tweets come shortly before Zachary revealed on his social media accounts Sunday morning that his father had tragically passed away a few days earlier after a battle with cancer.
He shared a heartbreaking message titled Papa D and wrote, ‘Many of you have been asking for an update on my dad, Darrell. Though he fought valiantly until the end, my pop passed away peacefully a few days ago, surrounded by friends and family.’
The American Underdog star continued, ‘Watching anyone slowly die of cancer is one of the worst experiences I can attest to. But knowing that he is no longer trapped in his decaying body, and now singing karaoke in heaven, gives me so much peace and joy.’
Recent loss: Earlier Sunday morning, Zachary revealed on Twitter and Instagram that his father had passed away a few days earlier after a battle with cancer; seen in Nashville in November 2021
Heartbreaking message: The star wrote out in a message that, ‘Though he fought valiantly until the end, my pop passed away peacefully a few days ago, surrounded by friends and family’
The star emotionally expressed that all the ‘love’ and ‘prayers’ that were sent to his father has given him, ‘even more faith in humanity. Know that he felt and appreciated it all, as did our whole family.’
In conclusion, Zachary added, ‘Sending you all endless love and light right back.’ Along with the message, the actor additionally added a caption to the post, where he emphasized the importance of family.
‘Hug those you love. Hug ‘em tight. Talk about everything you need to talk about. Say all the things. And when the time comes, release them to journey back to where it all began. Back to paradise. A place we’ll all be so lucky to return to some day.’
Social media users and fellow celebrities quickly sent their condolences to the Shazam actor as he mourned the loss of his father.
Earlier last year in November, Zachary, who was previously married to actress Missy Peregrym, gave an update about his father’s health battle as he recovered from surgery, stating that doctors were able to ‘remove 90% of the cancer from his body.’
Fighting: Earlier last year in November, Zachary, who was previously married to actress Missy Peregrym, gave an update about his father’s health battle
Updates: Earlier this month, Zachary penned to his followers that his father’s ‘thyroid cancer just won’t quit’ and that ‘Papa D is not long for this world’
Earlier this month in January, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star revealed that he was ‘Sittin in my dad’s hospital room with him. He’s not doin so hot right now.’ He further explained that his father’s ‘thyroid cancer just won’t quit’ and that ‘Papa D is not long for this world.’
Zachary is set to appear on the big screen later this year on March 17 in the sequel, Shazam! Fury Of The Gods, and a new trailer was recently released earlier this week. Alongside the actor, other stars that were cast in the action film include Lucy Liu and Helen Mirren.
When talking about what fans can expect in the second installment, director David F. Sandberg explained to Entertainment Weekly that Zachary, ‘has serious range, and I think it’s nice he gets to show some of that in this one.’
‘It’s not just like, ‘Wow, I get to be a superhero!’ He actually has to take some responsibility and save the world this time.’
Last month in December, Zachary personally responded to rumors that there was a possibility that he would be replaced in the DC Universe, and told fans on Twitter, ‘Oooh, I really wouldn’t go believing everything you see on the internet. I’m Gucci, Ash. We all Gucci,’ referencing to the user’s tweet he reposted.
Still in the DC Universe: Last month in December, Zachary personally responded to rumors that there was a possibility that he would be replaced in the DC Universe
Sequel: When talking about what fans can expect in the upcoming Shazam! sequel, director David F. Sandberg explained to Entertainment Weekly that Zachary, ‘has serious range’ and that, ‘He actually has to take some responsibility and save the world this time’; seen in April 2022 in Las Vegas