Breaking News
Albert Alarr Issues Statement on Misconduct Allegations and His Dismissal from Days of our Lives
Albert Alarr, the now former co-executive producer and director of Days of our Lives, who found himself in the middle of a misconduct firestorm, has issued a statement in an effort to ‘set the record straight’ and in retaliation to those he claims have wrongly accused him. Alarr, who on Friday was fired by the long-running soap opera, was replaced by longtime show producer, Janet Drucker, who will now take over his Co-EP duties.
In his statement given to The Wrap, Alarr pointed to the “mischaracterizations” of himself and how the “whole situation” stems from just two individuals who had alterior motives, and that many of the claims referenced in the media are false.
According to Alarr, he is of the belief that a strategy was in play to use, “vile stereotypes in order to bring down a Black man in a position of power.” Albert was the only Black director and producer of a daytime drama series, as he notes in his scathing statement.
Over the past few weeks, numerous accounts from current and former Days of our Lives staff, cast and crew appeared to have corroborated multiple accounts of the toxic work environment allegedly brought on by Alarr’s behind the scenes conduct. These were shared by Deadline, who broke the original story. Reportedly, at least 25 cast members demanded change in a petition, asking that Alarr be replaced in his position by veteran DAYS director, Sonia Blangiardo.
“It is hard to overstate how heartbreaking I find this situation. These allegations were already examined in a detailed and entirely independent investigation that lasted for two months. Dozens of individuals cooperated and every claim was thoroughly looked into. At the end of that process, the decision was made that I should continue in my role as Co-Executive Producer. Now, with no new facts presented, the studios have reversed course and caved to a cynical pressure campaign to force me out of my job.
It’s important to set the record straight. Every day, I worked with hundreds of people, the overwhelming majority of whom would disagree with recent mischaracterizations of me. I have been in this industry for decades, and not a single complaint has ever been made against me until now. Many of the claims recently referenced in the media are simply false. Others have been taken so out of context or are so twisted that they are unrecognizable from the truth.
To be clear, this whole situation stems from the animus of just two individuals. Those individuals, at a time of industry-wide cutbacks and economic uncertainty, have been relentlessly angling for greater pay and increased influence on the show, and, it appears, believed that their best strategy to get it was to play on vile stereotypes in order to bring down a Black man in a position of power. I will always be proud of being the only Black director/producer in daytime soap operas. And, while I am devastated by the manner of my departure, I will always treasure my years at Days of Our Lives and wish the wildly talented cast and crew the very best for the future.”
What are your thoughts on the statement issued by Albert Alarr, following being let go from Days of our Lives and the entire situation behind the scenes at the Peacock streaming soap opera? Let us know in the comment section.
Yay! I’m so happy for everyone at DOOL! New beginnings. I hope to continue to enjoy my favorite show for decades to come with this talented cast and everyone involved with the show. You came together and spoke your truth! Congratulations!
I am so sick of the race card for every freaking thing! The man has been in the industry for decades; he was promoted on merit. He was not prejudiced against, in fact, he was advanced! And now that he’s been called out for vile behavior, sexist behavior, ageist behavior, he’s trying to call out “racist” behavior toward him! This has become the go-to accusation.
On a different but related note, this happens with the actors and in story lines, too. Case in point on General Hospital. Trina, a black character, is in romance with Spencer, a white character. The couple has yet to become a solid sure thing. Stops and starts, obstacles, etc. What’s the complaint? It’s because she’s black. The accusations that the writers are racist, it’s the elephant in the room, etc. etc. And yet, Alexis (a white character) has obstacle after obstacle in her many failed relationships for decades. Brook Lynn and Chase (two white characters) have also had obstacle after misunderstanding, after problems, for what seems like a century. They could barely get a kiss going; theit mouths would draw near and then something would interrupt them. We still barely get a physically romantic scene with them. Molly and TJ (she’s white, he’s black) have been together forever and are one of the more solid couples, yet those calling out racism don’t mention them because that would go against their racism theory.
Stop. Just stop. If you’re a POC who’s also a POS own up to it. As for the interracial stories, if viewers can’t watch them as they would any other couple or realize their starts and stops are no different than many of the other frustrating starts and stops, beginnings and endings for same race soap couples, the writers shouldn’t write interrracial couples anymore. Too many headaches…
Trina and Spencer will bang by late September, does that make all the complainers happy? I’m sure they’ll still have complaints even after they have sex! Oy this world has gone bananas!
The “Sprina” fans are all assuming that the writers are going to split them up and pair Spencer with Esme (I actually like that idea). But the writers wouldn’t “dare”…they’d be accused of even more racism etc. It’s pathetic that they aren’t free to write a typical soapy story because of outcries like that. So basically no matter how they write the story we know what the endgame “has” to be.
You’re truly telling in yourself with this unhinged rant, offering zero nuance on the reasons why people bring up racial discrimination. The most important thing for you is for people to NOT identify it at all. Who are you to demand conformity on the subject, when these shows have always been produced in a racist society? The most intelligent thing you could have said would be that the outcry against Alarr was too pervasive to simplify as racial, but you made a different choice: “race talk bad, race talk go away” about other topics. Critical thinking is dead as can be in America.
It’s pretty black and white don’t cha think ?
Victimhood has become a cottage industry in America where no one accepts responsibility for their actions. I hope that Albert can find work in this town after this very public airing of grievances. This should have been handled privately. This is a union show and should have been handled through the proper channels as opposed to the court of public opinion. We are too quick to give into the latest outrage and too eager to cancel someone and destroy their livelihoods.
What? You “hope” he finds work? Why? So more people can be abused by him? Do you really think sooo many of the cast made this stuff up? He’s the one that’s claiming “victimhood.” The cast were the victims!
It was handled through the “proper channels” as Corday enlisted Sony to do an investigation which showed the accusations were valid. It was only after Corday’s unacceptable initial response that the matter became public and the right decision was finally made.
The old adage… don’t go away mad, just go away.
He sounds like Megan Markle
Good for Days!!
It’s a shame that Soap Opera Digest chose to ignore this important story until after it was finally resolved. Why should we continue reading their magazine when they don’t even report on such major news???
They did drop the ball on this one. Deadline keeps breaking the real life news (Allar, Pulos) while SOD seems focused on story and casting. To their credit, they do point out when storylines or couplings aren’t working (GH’s Liz/Finn for example). SOD, however, could’ve done a whole podcast on the Allar situation, but probably didn’t want to ruffle Ken’s feathers.
Michael Logan used to be a good source for backstage info, but he seems more to comment on real life deaths in his sporadic posts. He was never one to shy away from calling out issues, which ran him afoul of Valentini at one point.
That really leaves us with this site and DC to provide regular updates that may not always be flattering.
Because SOD is in bed with the soaps, duh! If they can’t get inside scoop from the shows, they’re publication is dead!
I think they’re (SOD) already dead. They’re definitely overpriced. I think they’re now up to $8. (?) I remember how excited I was when they first hit the stands. I think the price was something like $.75. Too many other soap sources to dole out that for something as thin as a paper towel.
Man oh man, he won’t even admit to ANY wrong doing and in classic make behavior, he blames it on a few. Don’t be ridiculous, if you had a clean record, this wouldn’t even be happening right now. The statement should have been a mega apology and if he was truly sorry, make a statement that if he’s lucky enough to ever get a job again, he will 500% do his job better in terms of his behavior with talent & crew. ANYONE working in tv today should know you don’t go to work to kid around, you treat people with respect and the dignity they deserve. I’m offended on behalf of this legacy show that Albert chose to play the blame game instead of owning up to his behavior. As long as I’m working in this business, I will make sure he does not get hired on any of my shows unless he retracts this god awful statement. Good riddance, sir!
First, if more than 25 employees at a company accuses you of the same behavior, chances are it is true. No one wants to take accountability for bad behavior anymore. If Albert wanted to lessen his guilt in the eyes of the DOOL audience, the first thing he should have said was “During the past two weeks, several things have been brought to my attention that was hurtful or degrading. I apologize to everyone I have hurt and disappointed.” If someone is not able to do that, race has nothing to do with it. I would call you a victim – of being a narcissist and unable to face your demons. You owe a lot of people a lot of apologies.
It seems like it was more than 2 people. I don’t think it has anything to do with race, but he had to go there.
2 people may have started the ball rolling, but after they opened the door, others joined in to back them up and give their own accounts of Albert’s misconduct. He’s trying to minimize it to two people, but ignores all the others who spoke up afterward.
He has a h**l of a nerve to make that delusional statement! He could be purple, for all it matters. The fact that he committed these crimes is all that matters. So glad things are changing for the better at DOOL. Hope TPTB have learned a lesson.
Wait… He dug women? Get outta here
I’m a black woman and I’m not buying him playing the race card one bit! Believe me when I say that Black men are just as capable of being horrendous jerks as white men, and his statement is an insulting to decent and honorable Black men, of which he is not one. He was in a position of power and he abused it horribly, and hopefully he will not be given a position of power again. I’m thrilled for the cast of DOOL and I hope they will enjoy a safe and respectful working environment going forward.
From what I’ve read, it seems that the firing was appropriate. It’s shameful, in addition to everything else, that Alarr tried to reframe the discussion.
Speaking of race, I think it’s refreshing that DOOL is so inclusive, as it continues to prominently showcase storylines featuring Black, Asian, and gay/bisexual characters. I especially enjoy seeing more of Melinda.
And speaking of bisexuality, I think it’s a good bet we will eventually see a Chad/Stephanie/Alex threesome. But it involves consenting adults, no coercion, no power imbalance, no unwanted sexual misconduct… 😉
Can’t see that threesome happening at all. Chad doesn’t seem to be interested in anything other than one woman at a time (his alleged drunken hookup with Gwen a couple years ago notwithstanding) and despite the fact that he pulls off drag better than Will or Sonny do, I’ve never seen any indication that he’s interested in guys at all. Not to mention that Leo has “thrown himself” at Chad more than once, and Chad clearly wasn’t having that.
Even if it was a situation where the two dudes weren’t doing anything to each other & it was just Stephanie having sex with both of them, I doubt Chad would be into it, because he can’t stand Alex on any level, and with good reason.
Satan, thanks a million for your reply. I totally get the sensible points you’re making.
But hear me out… I do remember a dream scene of that specific threesome scenario that Alex had a while back. It shocked him, for sure, because he considers himself totally straight. Both men have a thing for Stephanie; and whether Chad likes it or not, he and Alex are, in a sense, already sharing Stephanie. (They are all scene partners, to be sure. The writers have them spending a lot of time together, even playing video games late at night.) I think that Stephanie still has attraction for Alex.
Granted, I know that Chad just told Alex to back off, but that vibe can change quickly enough. If Alex gets back into their good graces and they start hanging out together, after a night of dinner, drinking, game playing, and neighborly conversation, it could happen… I mean, we’ve all been there. 🙂 [Okay, just making a joke with that last line.] Take care, Friend!
It does sound interesting though! He does like the LGBTQ community not that that means he’s gay but I could see him maybe being bi And you are so right about the drag thing I was shocked at how good Chad looked lol and how bad sonny and will looked haha
Breaking News
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
Marla Adams, best known for portraying matriarch, Dina Abbott Mergeron on CBS’ The Young and the Restless for 37 years, died on April 25, 2024, in Los Angeles. The news came from Y&R’s Director of Media and Talent, Matt Kane.
Throughout her veteran soap opera career, Marla appeared had appeared on Secret Storm (in her other longest running soap role as Bell Clemens from 1988-1974), The Bold and the Beautiful (ex-Beth Logan), Days of our Lives (ex-Dr. Claire McIntyre), Generations (ex- Helen Mullin), General Hospital (ex-Mildred Deal) and Capitol (ex-Myrna Clegg).
However, it was her role as Y&R’s upper crust Dina, who abandoned her children and her marriage to John Abbott (the late Jerry Douglas) that was her most memorable role. Throughout the years, Dina would have several romantic reunions with John, but in 2017, the character returned to Genoa City to reunite with her estranged family. Dina was the on-screen mother to Ashley Abbott (Eileen Davidson), Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland) and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman).
Photo: JPI
As for Adams, she joined Y&R in 1982, but left the soap three years later her contract expired. She returned to Genoa City for stints in 1991, 1996 and 2008 before being asked by then Y&R head writer-producer Sally Sussman to return in 2017, which would begin the top-rated daytime drama telling the story of Alzheimer’s disease. Through Dina, the show shed light on a person going through the perils of the illness, and how the family copes and tries to come to terms with its fate.
In fact, Marla took home the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series in 2021 for her work in the storyline, She had previously been nominated in 2018.
Photo:JPI
Speaking with Michael Fairman TV, Marla shared on her final scenes on Y&R when Dina passed away and was reunited with John Abbott, “It was heart-wrenching for me. In the story, Dina died when she went outside and to the front door of the Abbott home. They did not tell me before-hand, and that’s why it was so wonderful. I hope they came in for a closeup of that because I had no makeup on, it was beautiful, and then, Dina said, “Oh, John.” I’ve done everything from movies, to daytime, to nighttime, to Broadway, but that was the iconic moment for me, to do this gig with wonderful, wonderful actors and friends, and to do this particular storyline.
Born in Ocean City, New Jersey, on August 28, 1938, Adams’ love for the stage was ignited after winning the Miss Ocean City and Miss Cape May pageants and finishing as a runner-up in the Miss New Jersey pageant. She also fondly remembered being the Miss Diamond Jubilee Queen during the 1954 celebration of the 75th anniversary of Ocean City’s founding. A student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Adams appeared on Broadway in the 1958 production of The Visit at the Morosco Theatre with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne and starred as June in the 1961 feature film, Splendor in the Grass
Over the span of her decades long career, Adams starred in more than 40 productions including television’s: The Golden Girls, Hart to Hart, The Love Boat, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Harry O, Adam-12, Starsky and Hutch, Marcus Welby, M.D., Barnaby Jones, and the feature film, Beneath the Leaves.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Y&R’s current head writer and executive producer, Josh Griffith expressed, “On behalf of the entire company of The Young and the Restless, we send our deepest sympathies to Marla’s family. We’re so grateful and in awe of Marla’s incredible performance as Dina Mergeron as both Marla and Dina made an unforgettable mark on Y&R.
Marla is survived by her daughter, Pam Oates, son, Gunnar Garat, grandchildren, Gefjon and Stone, and her great-grandson, Remi.
Photo: JPI
Michael Fairman TV sends our condolences to Adam’s family, friends and co-stars. Now below, share your remembrances of Marla Adams, and watch a few of our interview with Marla from the set of Y&R during the show’s 45th anniversary celebration and on the red carpet at the Daytime Emmys below.
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Breaking News
‘Neighbours’ EP Jason Herbison on Series Daytime Emmy Nomination: “It’s a Huge Honour to be Nominated Alongside Such Iconic US Daytime Dramas”
When the 51st annual Daytime Emmy nominations were revealed last Friday, the iconic Australian soap opera, Neighbours, made the grade as one of the nominees for this year’s Outstanding Daytime Drama Series going up against U.S. titans such as General Hospital, The Young and the Restless et al.
That is because the revival of Neighbours, which is now seen in the United States streaming on Amazon Freevee, is now eligible under the rules from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).
Not only did Neighbours receive its first Daytime Emmy nomination for Drama Series, but also for one of its legendary stars, Guy Pearce, who returned for a stint in the revival as Mike Young. Pearce is nominated for Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series.
Photo: Freemantle
Throughout its run, Neighbours has received several nominations and wins in Australian and the UK, with this being its first nomination in the U.S.
Neighbours Executive Producer Jason Herbison shared on this momentous moment for the series: ‘Neighbours has been on an incredible journey these past few years and a Daytime Emmy Award nomination is the icing on the cake! It’s a huge honour to be nominated alongside such iconic US daytime dramas. This news is an exciting moment for our hard working cast and crew and a wonderful recognition of the new chapter of the show on Amazon Freevee.”
Photo: Freemantle
For those who need a bit of a refresher on the revival of Neighbours. The series streams exclusively on Amazon Freevee in the UK and U.S. and on Prime Video in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. New episodes air daily Monday-Thursday on Amazon. The new series launched on 18 September, 2023, and picks up two years after the finale left off. In Australia, Network 10 retains first-run rights in Australia for the new chapter of the series.
Photo: Freemantle/AmazonFreevee
The series is known as the longest running local drama of all time in Australia and has launched the careers of so many celebrities including: Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, the aforementioned Guy Pearce, and Liam and Chris Hemsworth, to name but a few.
Long running series star Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodbridge shared their many thanks on Neighbours Daytime Emmy nominations in a video message below.
So, what do you think of ‘Neighbours’ being nominated for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series at the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Could they be the spoiler in the category? Weigh-in below.
Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne would like to share a special message regarding our incredible #Neighbours Daytime Emmy Award nominations 💛 @DaytimeEmmys pic.twitter.com/wWWo5PxmfD
— Neighbours (@neighbours) April 23, 2024
Serena Scott Thomas to Days of our Lives, But What Role Will She Play?
Jon Lindstrom and Cady McClain Announce They Have Ended Their Marriage
Y&R Stars Pay Tribute and Remember Marla Adams
(INTERVIEW) B&B’s Annika Noelle Reveals Her Lead Actress Emmy-Nominated Scenes, and the Ups and Downs of a Tough Year
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
Jon Lindstrom and Cady McClain Announce They Have Ended Their Marriage
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Wally Kurth Talks on His DAYS Daytime Emmy Nomination, His Emotional Scenes, and Remembering John Aniston
DAYS and ‘Supernatural’ Alum Jensen Ackles Joins the Cast of Justin Hartley’s CBS Series ‘Tracker’
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
-
General HospitalApril 21, 2024‘Knots Landing’s’ Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark Reunite for Los Angeles Ballet Season 18 Gala
-
NewsApril 20, 2024The Young and the Restless Preview: Ashley’s New Alter Emerges
-
Days Of Our LivesApril 19, 2024Stephen Schnetzer Talks On His Return to Days of our Lives and Working with Susan Seaforth Hayes In Emotional Episodes
-
General HospitalApril 22, 2024Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
-
As The World TurnsApril 27, 2024Jon Lindstrom and Cady McClain Announce They Have Ended Their Marriage
-
Breaking NewsApril 25, 2024REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital