Days Of Our Lives
Arianne Zucker Holds Press Conference; Reads Statement Regarding Lawsuit Against Days of our Lives’ Corday Productions and Albert Alarr
Following the filing and revelations of her lawsuit against Days of our Lives’ production entity, Corday Productions, and its EP Ken Corday, as well as former co-executive producer, Albert Alarr, longtime DAYS star, Arianne Zucker (Nicole Walker DiMera) held a press conference on Thursday, February 8th.
The press conference was attended by Zucker’s attorney, Anahita Sedaghatfar, and both Arianne and her lawyer made statements on their upcoming litigation.
Arianne first introduced herself with a little background sharing, “My name is Ari Zucker and I have been a committed and loyal employee of Days of Our Lives playing the character of Nicole Walker since February 1998. And I feel very fortunate to be part of a legacy that continues to film since 1965. It’s a show I’ve been very proud of working on. I feel very grateful for being a part of an incredibly talented cast and a coworker to an incredibly talented crew, a cast and crew that I grew very close to. Over the years, I became not just an important character on the show, but a mentor, a confidant, a host, a friend and an advocate for those who felt they didn’t have a voice.”
Photo: JPI
Zucker then went on to bring up the situation with Albert Alarr, expressing: “For quite some time, I have seen my female co-workers being sexually harassed, violated and degraded as women by our executive producer, Albert Alarr. I myself have also been degraded, violated and sexually harassed by Mr Alarr. In March of 2023 several female employees were fired. There was a complete dissolution of our female PR department. Females having contracts not renewed. Females not returning because of the way they were being treated on the show. Females moved to recurring status and feeling that if they do say something, it would be swept under the rug and nothing would be done or worse, they would be fired.” She added, “This all occurred under the watch of the show’s owner Ken Corday, who is personal friends with Albert Alarr. When many of these individuals shared with me what happened between them and Alarr, and after I had enough of being harassed myself, I found the courage to say something to the owner of the show, Ken Corday.”
Photo: JPI
The actress went on to explain that she was told to direct her concerns up to Sony HR, since DAYS has no HR department. While an investigation into Alarr’s alleged behavior was underway, he remained on set for several weeks still directing and producing the show, and even after being removed from the floor, he was working in his capacity in the control room booth,
Arianne added that Alarr, “Was still involved in watching love scenes and making me and other actors and other female crew members very uncomfortable. And I just wanna add one thing. That we did not have an intimacy coach up until this point on the show.” (“An intimacy coordinator,” Zucker clarified).
When discussing how she is no longer on Days of our Lives, Zucker related, “Corday refused to have a verbal conversation with my team. And also, I still have not received any information or results from what came from my own conversation with Sony HR. So for all my coworkers who said they were scared to say anything out of fear of being fired? Well, you all were right. After my loyalty to Ken Corday and Corday Production for 25 years… and loving this show with all my heart, working to my highest ability, doing the right thing and standing up for myself and others is clearly what got me pushed out of my longtime career at Days of Our Lives.”
Photo: JPI
Expressing sadness, Zucker added, “To me, the struggle to create a safe, balanced and fair environment continues on. I’m just sad that I’m no longer there to be the voice for those who need it most. So I do wanna say one more thing, because we did discuss that we were not taking questions, but maybe we will. I’m not sure.”
Photo: JPI
In the end, Arianne addressed Albert Alarr’s statement that being a Black man played a big part in his dismissal and being singled-out for his behavior as per the statement issued on Wednesday by Alarr’s attorney. With a counterpoint to that claim, Zucker said, “I do want to address this in regards to Albert’s comments about being pushed out because he’s a Black man. Well, I’m Jewish and I’m a woman. And I’m a white woman, yes. But racism works both ways. And after everything you have read and after the numerous people who have come forward from all nationalities, I have a question for you: Do you think this lawsuit is about racism? Or do you think this lawsuit is about these two particular men, Mr. Alarr and Mr. Corday, not taking accountability for their actions?”
You can watch part of Arianne’s press conference below.
What did you think of Arianne Zucker’s press conference and the statements made about the background of her lawsuit? Comment below.
(WATCH) Veteran soap actress Arianne Zucker, who started as Nicole Walker on Peacock’s ‘Days of Our Lives’ until her contract expired in January, speaks out on her lawsuit against Ken Corday, Corday Prods. and former director/EP Albert Alarr alleging sexual harassment pic.twitter.com/QlKphgXxH4
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) February 8, 2024
One hundred percent support you Ari (if you’re reading this). I hope you have no regrets. It seems you expected more loyalty and respect from Corday who you worked with for so long, and unfortunately he turned out to be a major ass and disappointment. Stabbed you in the back. We see more and more in life that being right doesn’t equate with justice. I DO hope you come out on top; I’ll be rooting for you. And I hope this doesn’t get in the way of you finding other soap work. I’d love to see you join GH. Hang in there Jewish sister. 😉
Good for her
What a smart, talented and tough woman. It’s about time Ken Corday was called out for his part! Well done Ari !
Way to go, Arianne! I’m long retired but had to endure similar harassment for years. Women should be running things. I’ll miss you.
Wish her all the best but they have deep financial pockets
She lost me when she said racism works both ways.
You think it doesn’t????
You know it doesn’t. Does sexism work both ways? Of course not.
Are you daft? Of course they both work both ways. Don’t be do dense.
The only one who’s dense is you.They both do not work both ways, racist.
How could Ken Corday allow his female employees to be treated this way. I know Deidre Hall has said he is a great friend in the past but he is no better than Alaar!!
I quit watching the show when it was taken off of NBC. Have not missed it at all. It’s a shame what the cast and crew have endured behind the scenes. Good for Ari for standing up.
I also stopped for the same reason. Good luck to Ari, seems like she and others have been having a Soap opera of their own.
Wish her luck but they will tie this up in court forever and they will say not obligated to provide you with a permanent job .
I do believe there was harassment by Albert and employees were not protected as they should have been. I had hoped things would improve after he was fired. I don’t know if Ari was retaliated against. It’s a shame it has come to this. I hope it can be resolved.
In the minute this crap happens you speak up you have been on this dumb ass show for how many years now you are talking stop the shit !! Speak the minute it happens
I’m not woke but I think it’s true these shows treat women horribly. I remember Laura Wright saying when she was on Guiding Light an executive caught her in the studio hallway and said she was ugly! So right Ari!
This isn’t about being “woke” or not. This shit has been happening since the dawn of time, and it’s high-time these abusive men (and women) be called out.
To Mr Corday and Corday productions…Just in case it hasn’t occurred to you, the majority of your viewers are female! I have watched since 1965, but if this is the way that the women are treated on your show, I don’t think that I will continue watching. No woman should be subjected to that kind of treatment anywhere, but especially in the workplace! Make this right for your female employees, or you may not have a show anymore at all!
I hope this situation can be resolved and Arianne can return to the show. She really was doing superb work and deserved to be the featured lead. The show was going in my view in the right direction with her marriage to EJ and the Tate Holly storyline. That said i find it hard to believe the Days set was the toxic wasted dump its being portrayed. Actors have been on that show for 30 to 40 years and that doesn’t happen by accident. Were there mistakes made and inappropriate moments you bet but this is a place where soap actors grew old with steady employment and dignity even when some of them were clearly ill. No Michael Zaslow treatment for them. It seemed like a family. Alarr for all of the criticism created the most diverse soap in front of and in the writing room that daytime has ever had. Prople of color and the lgbtq community had a seat at the table. So let’s hope before this turns beyond toxic that things can be worked out and Arianne, Alarr and the Coradays can move on and the show and not a lawsuit is what keeps us entertained..
She is suing the show owner and his production company. It’s safe to say she’ll never be back, which is unfortunate.
Never say never. There is always hope. And it’s still in the begining stages of the legal process.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Franco LoPresti Opens Up About ‘Days of our Lives’ Debut as Dante Vitali
Next week on Monday, September 14 will mark the first appearance in Salem of Franco LoPresti in his new Days of our Lives role of Dante Vitali.
Heated Rivalry fans now LoPresti very well from his part as hockey player Cliff Marleau in the series first season. (No word yet if Cliff appears in season 2).
Now in a conversation with TV Insider, DAYS fans will learn that LoPresti is on the soap for a limited run. No timetable was given.
Photo: Corday Productions, Inc
When LoPresti does burst onto the scene come Monday, Dante makes quite the impact as Franco LoPresti explains. It seems that viewers will first see him in scenes in Monte Carlo at a poker table with none other than Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier). However, Dante will come to Salem to talk to the Brady family about his supposed fiancée Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney).
Franco shared, “Dante was born and grew up in Italy and educated at this pretty top-tier English boarding school. He then went on to build his own dynasty in finance, all the while trying to distance himself from the Vitali name (as viewers know Tamara Braun played his cousin Ava Vitali).”
“But at the core of Dante, there’s definitely an old-school quality to him”, continued LoPresti. “He’s super passionate, he’s sincere and incredibly generous, but he’s also someone that you probably shouldn’t underestimate. Loyalty is something that means a lot to him. As Dante enters Salem, I think the audience will get to slowly peel back those layers and discover what’s really driving him. So, I’m excited for Days fans to go on that ride with Dante.”
Photo: Almay
As it turns out, LoPresti taped his episodes of DAYS starting back in November 2025 which happened to be weeks before Heated Rivalry became a smash hit.
Franco recalled, “It’s so funny because I thought my episodes would air in a month (on Days of our Lives). But I found out it was nine to 10 months and I was like, ‘I gotta wait that long?!’ So, I’ve been biting my nails, trying not to think about it, and I think it’s actually kind of helped because now it’s here and it’s all coming at me from all different angles. I’m nervous. I’m excited, and I just can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had for sure.”
In his personal life, Franco just had his first child with wife, actress Emily Alatalo, just a weeks ago on August 23rd when they welcomed their daughter, Stella into the world.
So, looking forward to seeing Franco LoPresti’s debut come Monday? What do you think about the fact that it’s being reported as a limited run? Do you think Dante and Sami have a chance on-screen or off-screen to be a happy couple? What do you really think brings Dante to Salem sans Sami? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
In a metaphor for the start of the school year and their upcoming anniversary in November, Days of our Lives revealed its “Class of Season 62,” with a very clever yearbook montage on their social media handles, welcoming new cast members, while paying respect to the veterans and “class”-iying the other characters in Salem.
The official Days of our Lives Instagram account shared on the posting, “The Class of Salem Season 62 has arrived. Familiar faces, new names and plenty of personality. Flip through our yearbook for a peek at this year’s class.”
Let’s take a look at how they broke it all down: The Salem Yearbook starts with saying “another unforgettable season,” with some group pics, and then we dovetail into Salem’s new class which features: Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera), Brandon Butler (Mason Whitfield), Angelica Nero (Victoria Kiriakis), Cole Gersmeyer (Thomas DiMera) and Lorelei Olivia Mote (Rachel Black).
Photo: Days of our Lives
Next up, are the likes of: Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), John-Paul Lavoisier (Philip Kiriakis), Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver) and LeeAnn Hopkins (Joy Wesley). Then, in the “Drama Club” section are: Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and AnnaLynne Cipriani (Cat Greene).
Following the ‘Recess” section with some group snaps, comes “Homeroom Highlights” with: Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant).
The “Salem Spectator” section features: Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera), Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), Stowers again, and Ashely Puzemis (Holly Jonas). In the “Afternoon Sweets” section look for: Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) and Linsey Godfey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’ Brien (Gwen Rizchech), Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks), Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady), plus Jackée Harry (Paulina Price).
Towards the end of the yearbook, veteran performers such as: Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) are featured, plus Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), James Reynolds (Abe Carver) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiraikis) with her on-screen daughter, Linsey Godfrey.
The Salem Yearbook comes to a conclusion noting “Big things happening in Salem” and to tune-in on Peacock, where we also find Jacob Martinez (Javi Hernandez), Maggie Carney (Rita Lesley), and a host of other favorites previewing what’s to come this fall.
So, what do you think of the Days of our Lives Class of Season 62? Looking forward to seeing what happens in Salem? Did you like the yearbook concept for promotional tune-in? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Head Writers Give Fall 2026 Preview: Marlena and Stefano’s Chess Mystery, The Arrivals of Dante and Sydney, Romance Drama for Sarah and Others
As summer comes to a close with Labor Day weekend, the former Days of our Lives co-head writing duo of Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford have given their annual fall season preview in episodes taped some 10-11 months ago.
As previously reported this past July, Ryan Quan returned to Days of our Lives and is now co-head writing the show with Ford, while Cwikly is now a consultant. The new co-head writing teams stories will not be seen till late spring/early summer 2027.
So for now, the stories pick up from where we left off with Cwikly and Ford promising via TV Insider, “Fall in Salem is full of twists and turns and secrets and surprises. Dots connect in unexpected ways as seemingly unrelated threads converge.”
Photo: JPI
CHECKMATE?
In one of the top mystery’s, Marlena is still having troubling memories and she will have another one on the Monday, September 7 episode. Meanwhile, her daughter Belle (Martha Madison) has gotten very close to Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) and as pictured here, the two smooch while in Italy searching for answers to the chess set that Stefano DiMera gifted th the late John Black and Marlena (Deidre Hall) that has some significance.
The head scribes share, “The (chess board) mystery and its fallout are central to the fall stories. Chad and Belle follow the clues to a discovery that changes both of their families, and Salem, forever. Marlena worries that their investigation/the chess set may be a Pandora’s box that has been opened. And she is right…”
Newcomers are also the order of the day for Cwikly and Ford, this fall. We have already seen the debut as Brandon Butler as Mason Whitfield, and next week you can add as previously reported Sydney Malakeh on the Thursday September 1o episode as Sydney DiMera, followed by the the Monday, September 14 arrival of Franco LoPresti as Dante Vitali.
Photo: Corday Productions
Paula and Jeanne Marie expressed on the incoming Dante, “The arrival of a stranger who will set the whole town on its ear. The character has several strong ties to the current canvas and impacts many storylines.” What will Dante be up to? We know Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) had mentioned in 2025 she got engaged to the man, but that was off-screen.
LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH OR THE ONE YOU WANT?
In the romance department, the triangle between Brady/Sarah/Xander heats up with a very conflicted Sarah (Linsey Godfrey). The head writers reveal, “When Sarah faces attacks personally and professionally, Xander (Paul Telfer) and Brady (Eric Martsolf) work together to help and protect her. Sarah’s new love for Brady is challenged by her lingering love for Xander. Xander risks everything for Sarah.”
In addition look for, “Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip (John-Paul Lavoiser) to draw closer as he tries to save the family company and home.”
Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) will also be returning at some point this fall and she won’t be alone. Who might she bring with her? And from the looks of the Peacock promo for next week’s DAYS, someone is wearing Stefano’s ring around their finger, but who … and how does it all tie in this fall?
So, what do you think about some of the highlights coming up this fall on Days of our Lives per the series head writers? Does anything float your boat or pique your interest? If so, what? Let us know via the comment section. But first, check out the action next week on DAYS in the promo entitled “Bag of Tricks” below.
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