Radio host Charlamagne Tha God said Friday on “The Breakfast Club” that he regretted receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, citing chest pain he has experienced in the years since.
His comments add to a broader public debate about the vaccine’s side effects and access.
Charlamagne told listeners he could not be certain the shot caused his chest problems but noted the timing raised questions for him personally.
“I ain’t going to lie. Every time I have chest pain now, I be like, ‘Man, I should have never got that damn COVID shot,’” Charlamagne said.
“Exactly,” replied co-host Jess Hilarious.
Charlamagne continued, “I had no cardiovascular issues until like I got that goddamn COVID shot.”
Co-host DJ Envy also weighed in, expressing frustration that the vaccine had been mandatory in order to continue working.
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Charlamagne later clarified his remarks, saying, “And I’m not saying it was the vaccine. I’m not saying that. I’m just saying when I think about, you know, things, the changes that I’ve had over the last 5 years, that was a big one, getting that vaccine.”
Radio host Charlamagne Tha God on “The Breakfast Club” Friday expressed regret for getting the COVID-19 vaccine due to chest pain he has experienced since receiving it.
The mRNA vaccines produced by Moderna and Pfizer have reportedly been connected to increased myocarditis,… pic.twitter.com/eQ3getV1kk
— Camus (@newstart_2024) September 7, 2025
Studies have found that mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer are associated with an increased risk of myocarditis, particularly among young men.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has monitored the issue while continuing to recommend the vaccine for certain groups.
On August 27, the FDA updated its guidance, recommending the vaccine for individuals 65 and older, as well as for anyone six months and older with one or more high-risk health conditions.
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the administration’s current vaccine policy during a Thursday Senate Finance Committee hearing, where he faced sharp criticism from Democratic senators who accused him of restricting access.
“Everybody can get the vaccine … You’re making things up to scare people and it’s a lie … You are lying right now,” Kennedy said during an exchange with Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH).
During a hearing with HHS Sec. RFK. Jr., Senator Hassan accused the Sec. of “making stuff up.”
She claimed that people who seek vaccines were being “denied” their freedom of choice.
This isn’t true and RFK shot back.
“You’re making things up to scare people and it’s a lie.” pic.twitter.com/qZrN3epHxC
— Media Lies (@MediasLies) September 4, 2025
The debate comes against the backdrop of past mandates implemented under Joe Biden.
During his 2020 campaign, Biden pledged not to impose a federal vaccine mandate, but once in office his administration rolled out multiple requirements.
These included mandates for federal employees and contractors, as well as a rule requiring private businesses with more than 100 workers to adopt a vaccine-or-testing policy.
In January 2022, the Supreme Court blocked the private sector rule, though Biden’s mandates for federal employees remained in place until later lifted.
The Department of Defense, under then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, also required service members to be vaccinated.
More than 8,000 troops were discharged for refusing the shot.
President Donald Trump reversed that policy earlier this year.
On January 27, he signed an executive order reinstating service members who had been discharged, restoring them to their previous rank and providing full back pay and benefits.
Charlamagne’s comments reflect continuing public skepticism surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine, years after it was rolled out under emergency authorization.
Federal agencies have stressed that vaccines remain available to individuals who meet current recommendations, while political leaders continue to debate both the scope of access and the consequences of past mandates.
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