Rapper and actor Ice Cube said he refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19 because he felt the science was too experimental – despite the decision costing him a $9 million film role.
The 54-year-old was revealed in November to have turned down the comedy Oh Hell No, where he was set to star alongside Jack Black, and on Tuesday night he told Tucker Carlson why – insisting he never set out to become the poster child for the anti-vax movement.
‘I never want to be controlled,’ he said, speaking to Carlson in the back of a car as it drove around the rapper’s native Los Angeles.
Asked by Carlson why he refused to get vaccinated, he said: ‘It wasn’t ready. It was six months, kind of rush job. And I didn’t feel safe.’
Rapper and actor Ice Cube, 54, spoke to Tucker Carlson for an episode that aired on Tuesday
Carlson and the rapper drove around Los Angeles for their interview, with Ice Cube sharing his thoughts on the COVID vaccination, politicians, and the lack of progress in South Central LA
He asked Carlson if he got vaccinated, and Carlson laughed and said: ‘Of course not.’
In April 2022, after months of dodging questions as to whether he had complied with Fox News’s own vaccination policy, Carlson told an audience at a San Diego County megachurch that he was not vaccinated against COVID.
Carlson said on Tuesday that ‘they told you it was safe’.
Ice Cube, real name O’Shea Jackson, replied: ‘I know what they said. I heard what they said – I heard them loud and clear.
‘But it’s not their decision. There is no repercussions if they are wrong. I get all the repercussions if they are wrong.’
He said it was not a difficult decision, despite the money from which he walked away.
Some reports suggest the Inglewood-born star is worth $160 million.
‘I wanted to be an example for my kids. Make sure they didn’t take it either. I was willing to stand on my convictions.’
The rapper is seen showing Carlson around Los Angeles
Carlson said that Ice Cube was ‘attacked’ for his stance, and showed a clip from SNL which spoofed the rapper’s decision.
‘I never told anyone not to get vaccinated, publicly. That was never my message to the world,’ said Ice Cube.
‘I didn’t even want people to know whether I got vaccinated or not. I was pretty upset that that even came out. I was just going to quietly not take it and deal with the consequences as they came.’
Carlson asked whether he knew anyone who had been adversely affected by the COVID vaccine.
‘I do, and they suffer every day, and it’s hard to watch,’ he replied.
‘Sometimes you have to let people know what’s going on, and move the needle. If it’s true, why can’t I say it?’
The rapper is pictured with one of his five children. He said he did not get vaccinated because he wanted to set an example
As they drove around South Central LA, Carlson asked the rapper whether he supported any political figure.
Ice Cube in October 2020 drew criticism for working with the Trump campaign on bringing out the black vote.
Trump’s senior campaign advisor Katrina Pierson tweeted: ‘Shoutout to @icecube for his willingness to step up and work with @realDonaldTrump Administration to help develop the #PlatinumPlan. Leaders gonna lead, haters gonna hate. Thank you for leading.’
The rapper later clarified that he had approached Democrats and Republicans, but Democrats told him they had to wait until after the election – while Trump’s side agreed immediately.
But he expressed criticism of Democrats, saying they hadn’t done enough to put forward a plan for African Americans, while noting that Trump had altered his proposal after receiving input from him.
‘I don’t believe in politicians. Politicians have hidden agendas. The more money you give them, the more they listen to you,’ said Ice Cube.
‘Politicians only really pay attention to the people who give them money,’ he said.
Ice Cube told Carlson he was initially hopeful about Barack Obama, saying: ‘For the first time, I felt proud that America took that step.’
He added: ‘So that was a moment in time. But then you look around, years go by, and not much changed for people I know, people I care about.
‘It didn’t change with Bush, with Clinton, elder Bush, Reagan, Carter. So at the end of the day, it’s still the same as it was.’
Carlson asked if the election of Obama was symbolic.
‘Yes,’ said the rapper. ‘In a lot of ways, yes.’
