Former child star Ricky Schroder had a conniption fit after a Costco employee denied him entry into the store for not wearing a mask.
The 51-year-old who starred in shows like Silver Spoons and NYPD Blue filmed his interaction with the employee – whose name is Jason – and asked why he wasn't allowed into the store.
The employee told him:
"Because in the state of California and the county of Los Angeles, and Costco, there has been no change to our mask policy."
The video which the actor posted on Facebook came days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that people who are fully vaccinated are no longer obligated to wear masks in most public indoor or outdoor areas.
You can see the video that was shared on Twitter, here.
In response to Thursday's CDC announcement, Costco – which was one of the first retailers to implement the mask-wearing policy – dropped the requirement for fully vaccinated club members.
However, CEO Craig Jelinek, did say the updated policy only applied to store locations where the state or local jurisdiction does not have a mask mandate – unlike the state of California and the county of Los Angeles where Schroder resides.
While it appears unclear whether or not Schroder was cognizant of the unchanged policy in the state, Schroder argued:
"You didn't see the news? Nationwide Costco has said you don't need to wear masks."
But Jason held firm in his position on behalf of the club and replied while maintaining decorum:
"Actually, that's not accurate. What is accurate is that Costco always goes above and beyond when following the law and the mandate in California has not changed."
The discussion could have ended there. But Schroder went off on a political rant.
"Oh if they grant us that, our kings? The people in power? You're going to listen to these people?" he mocked.
"They've destroyed our economy. They're destroying our culture. They're destroying our state. And you're just going to listen to their rules?"
Jason replied:
"What we are going to do is simply follow the guidelines."
This prompted Schroder to turn the camera on himself and demand people boycott Costco.
"I'm getting a refund from Costco. I suggest everybody get their refund from Costco. Give up your membership to Costco until they remove this [mask mandate]."
Schroder's self-filmed tantrum only incentivized people to shop more at Costco or become new members.
Towards the end of the video Jason told Schroder, "The point is Costco is simply abiding by the law, and that's the law."
The manager then appeared in the video handing Schroder a form indicating a refund.
The actor told the manager, "I'm suggesting everyone in California get a refund from Costco until this rule is lifted."
Twitter saw advantages if people actually listened to him.
Schroder later "apologized" to the Costco employee if he made him feel uncomfortable but then added his personal cause was more important than "hurting people's feelings."
He said in the video:
"Jason, it's nothing personal. I'm not upset with you or anybody in a position like you have that works for a living. I understand you were following their laws and rules."
"I was trying to make a point with the corporate overlords and I'm sorry that I had to use you to do it."
"If I hurt your feelings, I apologize, but I do think that independence from medical tyranny is more important than hurting people's feelings."
The actor formerly faced backlash in 2020 after he posed for a picture with Kyle Rittenhouse, the Illinois teenager who was arrested after traveling to Kenosha, Wisconsin, and fatally shooting Anthony Huber and Joseph Rosenbaum, and seriously injuring Gaige Grosskreutz with his AR-15 at a demonstration over the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
The photo with the teen was taken after Schroder donated $150,000 towards his bail.
In a letter sent to Costco members Friday, Jelinek said the clubs that still have mandates "will follow the state or local regulations and continue to require members and guests to wear a face mask or face shield."
"As before, our goal is to continue to provide a safe shopping environment for our members and guests and to provide a safe work environment for our employees, while following public health advice and applicable laws."
California Governor Gavin Newsom said before the announcement of the CDC's guidance the state may lift its mask mandate on June 15 when the state plans to reopen.
