(Cupventi.com) – Forrie J. Smith, known for his role as Lloyd Pierce in the hit series “Yellowstone,” recently found himself at the center of a controversy. The actor was reportedly removed from a flight due to a disagreement over seating arrangements related to a fellow passenger’s use of a face mask. The incident unfolded at a Houston, Texas airport, and Smith took to Instagram to share his experience with his substantial following.
In the video, which quickly captured the attention of his fans, Smith began, “You need to hear this story.” He expressed his frustration over not being able to convey his message directly, stating, “You know my social media people tell me that you like me face to face, but you know what I can’t say face to face what I want.” The actor then revealed the reason for his removal from the plane, citing discomfort with being seated next to a passenger who was wearing a mask.
Further elaborating on his predicament, Smith admitted, “Ya, I’ve been drinking. I’ve been sitting in an airport for three hours. Ya I’m drinking. I ain’t drunk, but they throw me off the plane because I’m drunk, because you people won’t stand up and tell everybody what bulls–t this is.” He emphasized his objection was not to the alcohol but to the principle of the situation, highlighting his discomfort with the masked passenger.
The specific details surrounding the airline involved and the precise reasons for Smith’s removal remain unclear. Attempts to reach out to Smith’s representatives for further clarification have not been met with responses.
This is not the first time Smith has made headlines for his stance on health and safety protocols. In 2022, he publicly declared his inability to attend the Screen Actors Guild Awards, a decision rooted in his refusal to comply with the event’s vaccination requirements. Attendees of the awards show were expected to be fully vaccinated, including a booster shot, and to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of the event, in addition to wearing masks.
Through an Instagram video, which he later removed, Smith apologized to his fans for his absence at the awards ceremony. “I mean no offense to anyone. I’m not vaccinated, and it’s a requirement to be vaccinated,” he explained. The actor went on to share his long-standing skepticism of vaccines, stating, “I will not get vaccinated. I haven’t been vaccinated since I was a little kid. I don’t vaccinate my dogs, I don’t vaccinate my horses. I’ve never had a flu shot. Never will. I believe they compromise your immunities.”
Smith’s candidness about his views on vaccination and his recent flight incident reflect a broader debate on public health measures and personal freedoms. As the story develops, it remains to be seen how this experience will impact Smith’s career and public image, particularly among fans of “Yellowstone” and beyond.