In a recent post on Instagram, Ingo Rademacher shared that he's struggled with his mental health since his controversial exit from General Hospital.
Dashing Ingo Rademacher (ex-Jasper Jacks) was a bona fide heartthrob to daytime fans of General Hospital, so it came as a shock for many when ABC and Rademacher suddenly parted ways in November 2021. It turns out that Rademacher was a vocal opponent of COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and mandates, which created an untenable situation on the set of GH where vaccines were mandatory. After being let go, Rademacher was quick to accuse ABC of firing him for his "political views," and in December 2021 Rademacher filed a civil rights lawsuit against Disney/ABC based on constitutional grounds.
At the beginning of 2023 ABC asked a judge to dismiss the lawsuit, but the request was denied and the lawsuit continued to wind its way through the court system for another five months. In June, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge ruled in ABC's favor and agreed with ABC that the actor's objection to the vaccine had been based on health reasons rather than Rademacher's religious leanings. Rademacher is appealing the ruling.
Recently, the actor took to Instagram to open up about a deeply personal life update. Rachemacher shared that he has struggled with his mental health over the past couple of years since leaving GH, but he assured his followers that he was "a lot better now." He blamed his firing and the lawsuit for his struggles because he was forced to pack up his family from the life they had loved and moving to Florida.
"The Plunge ice water therapy has helped keep me sane. I apologize for not having posted much in the last year and a half. To be completely honest, for the first time in my life, I've been faced with some mental health struggles, that's not something I've ever had to face before. I'm a lot better now but the first year was rough. Being ousted at the show for my political views, my case against ABC/Disney is now in the appeals process. Having to pack up my family from a life that we loved, questioning our move to FL. Having to take the kids out of a great swim team. Taking them away from their incredible jujitsu family and Professor in LA. On top of that, I really identified as my character on General Hospital for decades and I could've been there and would've been there for many more decades to come. This isn't a boo-hoo me post it's just honest. It's where I'm at. Struggling with being not that motivated also comes with the added bonus of extra weight(getting fat) 🤪 I weighed in at 222 pounds a few weeks ago and I should be around 190. Actually 185, let's not try to soften the blow 🤦♂️. Yep. Hard for me to actually say that because it's embarrassing. Especially for someone who puts a lot of emphasis on fitness. Anyway, I hope to be more vocal again soon. I'm more motivated now. Stay tuned. More to come," the actor posted.
Rademacher's GH co-star Wally Kurth (Ned Quartermaine) replied with words of support and his own revealing admission when he posted, "Ingo, like you, I now admit how hard the last few years have been on me. I am a world class optimist and positive person.. but I took a soul-jarring hit. I feel like I'm slowly coming back to more balance. Hang in there my friend. Hold on to your family. Hugs help. 🙏❤️💪🏼"
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