Introduction

Laura Benanti has publicly criticized fellow actor Zachary Levi for his controversial remarks regarding the late Gavin Creel's death, which Levi linked to COVID vaccinations. This backlash comes after the two starred together in the acclaimed 2016 Broadway revival of 'She Loves Me.'

Benanti's Disdain for Levi

Reflecting on her experiences, Benanti didn't hold back her disdain for Levi. She described him on 'That’s a Gay Ass Podcast' as someone who monopolizes the room's energy, stating, 'I never liked him. Everyone was like, ‘He’s so great!’ And I was like, ‘No, he’s not. He’s sucking up all the f—ing energy in this room.’ She further noted that Levi's vibrant persona felt disingenuous, saying, 'He wants to mansplain everybody’s part to them.'

The Context of Creel's Passing

Gavin Creel tragically passed away at the young age of 48 from a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma in September. Levi's comments insinuated that this rare illness, which he referred to as 'turbo cancer,' was a result of the COVID vaccine, suggesting that Creel's demise could have been avoided without the vaccine mandates. This unfounded theory has been rebuked by credible organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, reinforcing that the COVID vaccine does not cause cancer.

Outrage Over Misuse of Memory

In her tirade, Benanti expressed her outrage at Levi leveraging Creel's legacy for his political beliefs. 'For him to use [Creel’s] memory—a person he was not friends with—for his political agenda... I was like, ‘F— you forever,’ remarked Benanti, alluding to an incident where Levi attempted to conjure up tears during his remarks, which Benanti found insincere.

Levi's Career and Political Shift

With his recent pivot towards supporting Donald Trump, many in Hollywood have questioned the potential impact on Levi’s career, especially following the commercial disappointments of his films 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods' and 'Harold and the Purple Crayon.' Yet Benanti believes that Levi’s strategy may not lead to career downfall. 'Everyone’s like, ‘It’s career suicide.’ But it’s not career suicide because Christian, faith-based TV and film is huge,' she pointed out. 'He’s going to be a huge f—ing star in that realm. He’s going to make more money than he ever has. It makes me nauseous, but also a little bit like, ‘I told you, motherf—er.'

Conclusion

As this controversy unfolds, it highlights an ongoing discussion in the entertainment industry about the intersection of celebrity, politics, and personal beliefs. The public’s response to Levi's remarks and Benanti’s critique may shape the narrative around this complex relationship for years to come.