star Steve Burton confirms that he has been fired from the soap opera over his refusal to get vaccinated. Burton has played the character of Jason Quartermaine/Morgan since 1991, winning a Daytime Emmy Award in 1998. The character originated as a kind, preppy high school teenager, before a car accident left him permanently brain damaged, later changing his surname and becoming the emotionless, stone cold mob enforcer for mob boss Sonny Corinthos.

The show has recently been at the center of major controversy with actors consenting to the . Back in August, Burton contracted the virus and actor Ingo Rademacher, who plays Jasper 'Jax' Jacks on the series, posted on Instagram to express his opposition to the vaccine, leading to passionate backlash from fans and co-star Nancy Lee Grahn. It was reported weeks ago that Rademacher would depart due to his comments and refusal to get the vaccine, and since then, rumors have also been swirling around Burton's status with the soap.

Now,  has taken to his Instagram account, confirming that he has been let go from due to not complying with the vaccine protocol. He has expressed his personal beliefs over the vaccine and hopes to return to the show if the mandate is lifted. He shares a heartfelt message thanking the fans and expressing gratitude to the series for his long career. Burton's video message can be viewed below:

Burton's character Jason Morgan has become one of the most popular characters on the show, primarily due to his relationships with Sonny and Carly Corinthos and his . The news of his departure does not come as a surprise to most fans, who have presumed his exit, and feared the worst when last week's episode saw Jason being crushed underneath a tunnel during a shootout, which aired around the same time as Rademacher's exit episode. is also the only soap opera that has issued a vaccine mandate, hence these immediate departures.

Burton has left a number of times, his longest and most recent exit was back in 2012 for five years over contract disputes, later starring on . His character was later recasted and played by Billy Miller, who was eventually revealed to be Jason's twin brother when Burton returned. It is unclear whether his character will be recasted, as the show left , but it is a shame for fans who will not be able to see Burton on anymore.