Actor Ricky Schroder is taking heat after confronting a Costco employee who refused him entrance for not wearing a mask.
The "Silver Spoons" star came under fire over the weekend for posting a video to his social media in which he argues with Jason, a supervisor, who informs him that, although the company does not require face mask coverings in states that have no mask mandates, this did not apply to California, where masks are still required to be worn in stores.
"Didn't you see the news? Nationwide Costco has said you don't need to wear masks," Schroder replied.
"Actually that's not true," Jason replies to Schroder's comment. "So, what is accurate is that Costo always goes above and beyond when following the law, and the mandate in California has not changed."
That particular Costco store is located in California. The state, as well as Los Angeles, must still adhere to the local mask mandate. The no-mask policy only applies to other states and jurisdictions where the mask mandate no longer applies.
Responding to Jason, Schroder then launched into a rant, calling for a boycott and demanding a refund.
"Oh if they allow us? If they grant us that, our kings? The people in power? You're going to listen to these people?" he said. "They've destroyed our economy. They're destroying our culture. They're destroying our state. And you're just going to listen to their rules? I'm getting my refund. I'm getting my refund from Costco. I suggest everybody in California get their refund from Costco. Give up your membership to Costco until they remove this."
The backlash that ensued prompted Schroder to apologize in a seven-minute video posted to Facebook.
"First off, to Jason at Costco," Schroder began. "Jason, nothing personal. I'm not upset with you or anybody in a position like you have ... works for a living. I understand you were following their laws and rules."
Schroder then said he was "trying to make a point to the corporate overlords," and was sorry that he "had to use" Jason.
"But I do think independence from medical tyranny is more important than hurt feelings," he continued, adding that he wanted things to go back to the way they were before the pandemic hit.
In November, Schroder made headlines after he donated money toward the release of 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse, who was jailed in connection with the shooting deaths of two protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 2020.
"This was Kyle’s life being destroyed," Schroder told New York Post at the time. "This is his freedom at risk. It infuriated me to see an innocent 17-year-old young man being tried and found guilty before trial."
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Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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