Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Growing Pains actor Jeremy Miller slams co-star Kirk Cameron over California covid protests

Cameron is being condemned for organising the mass gathering as hospitals across California are overwhelmed by coronavirus cases

Roisin O'Connor
Sunday 27 December 2020 13:15 GMT
Comments
Congress seals agreement on COVID relief package

Actor Jeremy Miller has called out his Growing Pains co-star Kirk Cameron for hosting maskless Christmas carolling protests in California.

On Tuesday 22 December, Cameron and around 100 other people gathered in a car park in Thousand Oaks, to protest governor Gavin Newsom’s order for the public to stay at home.

The majority of the protestors were reported to have broken covid safety measures, going without masks and failing to observe social distancing.

Miller, who stars with Cameron in the US sitcome, told Page Six over the weekend that he “truly couldn’t be more disappointed” in the fellow actor.

“While I will always love my brother Kirk, I could not disagree more with his holding these maskless events at a time when safety and concern for others is an extreme priority,” he said.

Kirk Cameron (left) and Jeremy Miller with Leonardo DiCaprio (centre) in a season 7 promotional image for US series ‘Growing Pains'

Tracey Gold, who starred as the duo’s overachieving sister on the show, also condemned Cameron’s actions.

“Checking in with my dear brother Mike. @KirkCameron As your more intelligent sister I want you to know that I disapprove,” she tweeted.

“I'm worried about you brother AND your family. Wear a mask. Stay home. Sing later.”

Cameron’s real-life sister, Candace, defended him when she observed the backlash on social media.

“I did not attend any recent caroling events,” she tweeted. “Also, I choose to follow the greater guidelines by wearing a mask and social distance when I'm in public.”

“However, I don't appreciate the vile tweets about my family. I believe respectful dialogue is the key to being heard. Stay safe.”

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

On Boxing Day, US media outlets reported a “viral tsunami” of coronavirus cases flooding hospitals in California, with beds in intensive care units at capacity.

Last week, the state became the first to reach two million recorded Covid-19 cases, with almost 24,000 deaths.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in