In a move that sparked considerable debate, the multifaceted rapper and actor Ice Cube has chosen to turn down a tempting $9 million role in a film, due to the production’s mandate for COVID-19 vaccination.

Ice Cube, whose given name is O’Shea Jackson, sees this as a stand against what he perceives to be the encroaching authority of large corporations and a violation of individual liberties.

During a recent exchange with Joe Rogan on his podcast, Ice Cube detailed the circumstances that led him to forgo a multi-million dollar deal.

He was initially tapped to star in Sony’s impending comedy “Oh Hell No,” alongside Jack Black by “Bad Trip” director Kitao Sakurai.

However, the stipulation was that all cast and crew members must receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This is a demand Ice Cube believes originated from the studio, rather than the film’s producers. Nevertheless, it led to his decision to pass on the role.

Although Ice Cube intended to keep this choice under wraps, news of it reached the public sphere, subjecting him to a torrent of criticism, with some observers calling him imprudent for turning down such a substantial amount of money.

In his conversation with Rogan, Ice Cube expressed his dissatisfaction with how the situation unfolded.

The media backlash was swift, with many questioning his decision.

Despite the criticism, Ice Cube remains unyielding in his stance, noting that he didn’t lose $9 million because it was never his in the first place.

He expressed his frustration with the public shaming and pressure to comply with the mandate, clearly stating no sum of money, even $20 million, is worth compromising his health.