Longtime soap opera star Steve Burton says he has been fired from ABC's "General Hospital" after he refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The actor played the role of Jason Morgan on the show from 1991 to 2012 and then returned to the show in 2017.

Burton took to his social media on Tuesday to confirm the news to fans.

"I wanted you to hear it from me personally. Unfortunately, 'General Hospital' has let me go because of the vaccine mandate," Burton announced in an Instagram video. "I did apply for my medical and religious exemptions and both of those were denied, which hurts but this is also about personal freedom to me. I don't think anybody should lose their livelihood over this."

Burton reportedly contracted COVID-19 in August 2021, according to CBS News.

Cast members of "General Hospital" were required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 1st, and the show was the first to mandate vaccinations for actors, according to "General Hospital" actress Nancy Lee Grahn on her Twitter account.

Deadline reports Burton's last day of filming was on October 27th. Burton himself does not know when the last time he will appear on TV on the show will be.

"I'll always be thankful for my time at General Hospital. I love it there. I grew up there. I grew up with some of you," Burton said in his video. "...Maybe one day if these vaccine mandates are lifted, I can return and finish my career as Jason Morgan. That would be an honor. And if not, I'm going to take this amazing experience, move forward, and be forever grateful."