Chet Hanks Shared Another Anti-Vaxxer Rant Defending His Controversial Stance On COVID-19 Vaccines, And TBH I'm Tired Of This

    I think it's time for him to sit down now.

    Emily Mae Czachor
    by Emily Mae Czachor

    BuzzFeed Staff

    It's possible you'll recognize Chet Hanks from a handful of recurring roles he's played on television over the past half-decade.

    Chet Hanks is pictured at the Golden Globe Awards in 2020
    Axelle / FilmMagic via Getty Images

    More likely, you know him as Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson's son, whose periodic viral faux pas have prompted backlash on more than one occasion.

    Samantha Bryant, Colin Hanks, Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Ann Hanks, Chet Hanks, and Truman Theodore Hanks are photographed on the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards in 2020
    Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

    Last year, Chet seemingly attempted to speak patois in a red carpet clip that sparked widespread criticism and confusion online. Later, he chaotically asked Adele to slide into his DMs on Instagram, after the singer was called out for a culturally appropriative wardrobe choice.

    Chet's latest controversy involves COVID-19 vaccinations and his — dare I say — completely nonsensical opinions about them.

    In an Instagram video posted earlier this week, Chet shared a disconcerting anti-vax rant opposing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that encourage everyone to get immunized as soon as they can.

    Instagram flagged his rant with a badge leading users to its COVID-19 Information Center, where people can read about the virus and find out how to book local vaccine appointments.

    Chet Hanks and Tom Hanks are photographed together at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2012
    Walter Mcbride / Corbis via Getty Images

    Social media was, understandably, awash with disapproval over Chet's vaccine comments. Some users noted that his rant stood in direct contrast to prevailing scientific research and public health policies, while others remembered that Tom and Rita were some of the first celebrities to become ill from COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic.

    Unfortunately, Chet doubled down on his anti-vaxxer stance in a second Instagram video posted yesterday. "I'm going to keep this real simple for you guys, real simple," he said. "Just like you have the right to be mad at me because I said I'm not going to get the vaccine…I have the right to not get that shit."

    "I wanted to, but my immune system said it's good. It doesn't need to be tampered with. It said it's good," Chet continued. Uh...

    COVID-19 cases are currently on the rise across the United States. There are safety precautions that you can take in your everyday life to prevent getting or giving COVID-19: wear a mask, practice social distancing, and get tested regularly. Head to the CDC's website for information about how to get a COVID-19 test in your state.

    You can also visit the CDC's website to learn more about how and where to get vaccinated in your state.