Shock jock radio host Kyle Sandilands has claimed that if a KISS 106.5 producer Pedro Vitola died of COVID-19, he would not attend his funeral.
Sandilands’ statement came after the producer, who lives in an LGA of concern, was told to work from home while unvaccinated.
On Monday, Sandilands referred to him as a “stupid prick” on air due to his resistance to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Sandilands has been outspoken regarding his support for vaccines. In July, he dropped his own pro-vax anthem, aptly named Get Vaxxed, Baby.
Back in February, before Australia had widespread access to the vaccine, Vitola said on air that he would not be getting the vaccine right away, to which Sandilands said, “If you don’t get it, you’re out. No jab, no job.”
Of course now, many workplaces have taken that stance, to widespread support from many employees, but also to the ire of anti-vaxxers.
On Tuesday, Sandilands doubled down on his comments, saying Vitola would “probably die” of COVID-19.
“He’s made his stance. What does he do now? Look like the fool?”
“Will I show up to the funeral? No I will not. Will I send a message? No I will not.”
An ARN spokesperson told B&T that, “ARN are keen to do our part in helping Australian businesses get back on their feet and for everyone to reconnect face to face in the community. Vaccination is the pathway to getting there.”
“To make it easy for people to get vaccinated, everyone at ARN can receive paid vaccination leave to ensure more flexibility when scheduling and attending their vaccination appointment. While we understand vaccination is a personal choice, in line with NSW government health orders people who are from LGAs of concern and are not vaccinated are required to work from home.”
ARN is also part of The Great Aussie Vaccine Drive, a venture supported by a number of businesses which encourages their teams to get vaccinated by offering paid vaccination leave.
