Since the early days of the pandemic, mask mandates have prompted tense and sometimes violent altercations.

The messaging around the efficacy of masks has been muddled, causing many to decide they are not worth wearing.

Some have made mask-wearing an issue of rights and have questioned the government's authority to enforce masks in public spaces.

WATCH: MICROCHIP EMBEDDED UNDER SKIN CAN BE SCANNED FOR COVID VACCINE STATUS

Others have dutifully worn masks since they were broadly recommended by Dr. Anthony Fauci and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Grocery stores, airplanes, and public transit have been the setting of some jaw-dropping brawls and verbal showdowns about masks.

We rounded up some of the most shocking fights and public freakouts caused by disputes over mask-wearing.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The CDC's advice on mask-wearing says that "people, including children older than 2, should wear a mask in indoor public places" if they are "not fully vaccinated," "fully vaccinated and in an area with substantial or high transmission," or "fully vaccinated and with weakened immune systems."