News
CBS and Sony Fire Back At Victoria Rowell's Lawsuit Claiming It's "Patently Absurd" and "A Blatant Attempt To Force Her Way Back Onto A Daytime Television Soap Opera…"
Photo Credit: WireImage
The Victoria Rowell (Ex-Drucilla) lawsuit against CBS and Sony heated up again Wednesday when the former Y&R star, who claims that she wasn’t re-hired to the number one soap opera in retaliation for her “public and private complaints regarding the lack of diversity in front of and behind the camera on the show,'” was given some major pushback from her former employees in court.
In a motion to dismiss, the two companies blast Rowell’s complaints including: one by the actress that CBS acted to sabotage an event in Alabama in which she appeared.
In legal papers filed in U.S. California Court, Rowell’s amended complaint alleges that CBS retaliated against her by orchestrating the withdrawal of three event corporate sponsors, thus cutting her pay. “Not only is this new theory patently absurd, but Plaintiff again fails to include any facts that would establish any wrongful conduct by CBS,” said the documents.
In addition, Rowell said CBS and Sony also blocked her for getting a role on The Bold and the Beautiful, while the companies claim that casting decisions are protected by the First Amendment, and that Rowell never actually “applied” or “auditioned” for a role on “Y&R” after her 2007 exit from the series, or B&B.
Also in the documents, Rowell claimed that CBS and Sony were to create a storyline for Drucilla Winters,” but the filing reads. “Defendants never agreed to do so.”
“This lawsuit is nothing more than a blatant attempt by Plaintiff to force her way back onto a daytime television soap opera after she voluntarily resigned from her role in 2007,” CBS and Sony say in the papers.
Rowell’s attorney, Dan Stormer in response made this statement, “CBS/Sony is afraid to address the important underlying issues of their racial discrimination and retaliation. They are hoping to find some obscure technicality that might allow them to escape the justice that Victoria Rowell so richly deserves.”
So what do you think about CBS and Sony against Rowell and each of their legal claims? Weigh-in below!
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Rowell is making a fool of herself, it’s by her own doing not CBS..
Who would hire her now after all this kook stuff ..
She is blackballing herownself .. (silly people lol
SHE IS A REAL PIECE OF WORK!!!!!!!!!!!
Her ship sailed a long time ago from Y&R.
Lol Exactly!
I love the Drucilla character as so many people do, but if she felt she needed to make these points, she had a lot of pull and power from being such a popular character and I feel she could have “fought from within the show” to change it. I think she has valid reasons for her complaints but she went about it the wrong way, it hurt the show to lose her and now therecis so much animosity on both sides. I would love to see her come back if the parties can reconcile.
what does CBS have to lose…. nowadays
from all i’m reading…. a good majority plus see this ship sailing spiraling and lost
i’d cache Drucilla: as “dynasty” moneybags, Devon’ 2 billion dollars (lol)
imagine this : devon loses his hearing , again
Summer is found dead
Victor is rendered impotent
Nikki parties HARD
HEADLINE STAT : Y&R returns the best serial emmys, won handily by Michael Muhney and Billy Miller
Kitty. You are most judicious and fair. I do not know this woman…I only know the character. I was never a fan, but I can discern between good a bad acting. She excelled in her craft. There is never a wrong or right. Networks and Company do ‘hide’ a lot of behind the scenes action. I cannot digest some of the goings-on. I think there is much speculation, but not facts. So, until that time, as something upon which to bite, I will remain within my own space of…”I do not know”. Look what CBS did to Billy Miller. The… Read more »
Why would Rowell want to force herself on to Pratt’s Y&R. She needs to spend a week watching it. I’ll bet she’ll change her mind real quick.
Instead of this lawsuit, she should be getting help. With way she behaves on social media she is in desperate need of it. If it went the way she claims why is she suing them now after so many years. Can you say “broke”. Get a life lady and stop pulling the racial card for your own needs. Sad.
Perhaps she tried doing it privately at the onset. And, there is a good possibility that keeping it private between the two parties, or being ‘nice’ did not work. Thus, the lawsuit at this late date. Give people the benefit of the doubt, would you? It is the Christian/human thing to do. As I said….no one knows the machinations of the law. We do not know the response she might have gotten from the network. They could have given her the cold shoulder or become very offensive. Networks do think they are God…and, within their domain, they are. This pull… Read more »
Ah, Patrick….if only. From your post to the soap gods’s ears.
But, I think Billy a Miller has acclimated himself quite well in Port Charles….LOL.
As always….enjoying your posts.
Oh…and I can’t stand that expression, “the Christian thing” to do. There are people of all faiths who have good hearts, high morals, compassion, etc. And people in all…who don’t.
She is delusional for filing this lawsuit and she is even more delusional if she thinks she has an even 5% chance of winning
With the way that CBS, Sony and YR is treating their current African American cast members I actually hope that Victoria Rowell wins her lawsuit against them. You would think with the massive success that Empire has been they would utilize the Winters more and want to bring in more of the black audience to watch Y&R. Also Steve Kent and Angelica McDaniel need to fire JFP and Chuck Pratt immediately!!!
She needs to give it up. This is soooooooo tired.
I think shes just doing what she had always done, grandstanding. She left, badmouthed them at every turn and is surprised that they didnt want her back?? What planet is she on?? Bite the hand that fed u, and wonder why it doesnt feed u anymore!!!
And how do YOU know this? Last I heard, Eileen, she was living on earth.
Victoria is a very talented actress.
We do not know what goes on behind the scenes, that includes any lawsuit. None of us is privy to anyone’s private life…or the truth ….and nothing but the truth. So, who are we to judge?
The same has been said about Michael Muhney….no one knows!!!! However, everyone seems to think MM was wronged. We just do not know.
I will not be one to jump on any bandwagon headed for The Bastille!!
Cee Cee is correct, We cannot judge because we do not have the facts.
I have heard Victoria can be a bit of a diva, however, Drucilla was always a complex and interesting character.
I read and if u did u would know the facts too. About her and about MM also. If u prefer to believe the hearts and roses denials then go right ahead. I never said she wasnt a talented actress or he, a talented actor. Unfortunately for both of them, they made very foolish choices in their careers and are now both suffering the consequences!
@Eileen….again, it does not make any difference what you read, I read, or anyone reads. It does not make it true. Do not believe everything you read. Unless I hear something with my own ears….everything and everyone is suspect. How do you know what choices they made? Were you there? Oh, it’s what you read.
This is my opinion. I do not know, probably never will know the truth, regardless of the outcome.
Why must I explain my feelings on the subject? It is my opinion. I believe I have explained why.
@Eileen.
I am wondering, in retrospect, that you are implying Harry and I do not read? Perhaps we do not read the same ‘stuff’ as you….but we do read.
LOL again,.,CeeCee! You NEVER fail to amuse me! You criticized a few people for THEIR opinion…and then proclaimed self-righteously…”why do “I” have to explain my feelings on the subject?”
No one knows the truth. But I agree many play the race card; it’s getting so it’s difficult to discern who is or isn’t. Who cares if she’s a good actress or if you liked the character…the point is a employee is badmouthing her bosses and then seems surprised they don’t want to hire her back. That’s a surprise?
All it takes is for a good lawyer to go into that courtroom and show that CBS/Sony has tried to prevent her from getting a job or trying to interfere with her going on interviews etc. everybody seems to think that she wants back on Y&R I am guessing she is looking for a big cash settlement . As for her reputation of being hard to work with probably is but if you think she is the only one boy is everybody in for a shock. Most actors are difficult not everybody is a warm little fuzz ball to work… Read more »
I intended to say auditions!
They didnt have to interfere with her plans for auditioning, they simply didnt want her.No law broken there.
Im sure there are many actors not easy to work with or be around. But they arent going on social media and biting the hand that is responsible for feeding them!
Thank you, Substitute……exactly my sentiments. There are many out there, including journalists who are both judge and jury. Let’s cut Victoria and all others in any profession a little slack.
Everyone rooted for MM….we still lament his absence……why is this case so different? Fundamentally, it comes down to the same thing. We do not know what really happened.
Damn!!! Drucilla, I mean Victoria Rowell, stop beating a dead horse in the mouth. Them peeps don’t want your tired @$$ on their show.
Why not create her own web series…lets see how she does diversity!!!
VR tried raising money to create her own web series. I guess she didn’t raise enough money to get it off the ground.
She doesn’t have the chops …that’s why she doesn’t strike out on her own. Oh, and she is bitter.
What employer hires an employee back who has been bad mouthing you all over social media! Why doesn’t Victoria create her own soap opera and hire all the people she wants to hire?
Andrea I think she is looking for money not a job back and she is very good at playing the race card and the current climate that is going on with this country perfect timing for her. Just so you know I do not agree with it just an observation.
This delusional cupcake will do anything to stay relevant and in the mainstream conversation!! >:-( Known for her three-time Daytime Emmy®-nominated role of “Drucilla Barber-Winters” on #YR (1990-2007), she left the show of her OWN choice eight years ago and finds it unimaginable why a show/company (CBS/Sony) she has publically and repeatedly trashed and maligned wouldn’t want her back?! :O Another textbook case of someone believing they were more valuable than they actually were!! Her behavior is reprehensible and totally self-serving, and I hope CBS/Sony takes her to the cleaners…
Yea, finally a voice of sanity. Well said!
y n r has moved on from dru!!! neil and the winters dont need her! the winters have a hot story with neil and hevon, and are fine without dru s character! just wish aunt liv would still be invited back to give hilary the riot act! of course pratt s put this story on the backburner to focus on kelly kidnapping fake jack…. and the new star of y n r , dylan!! yea thanks. now my fingers hurt from pressing the ff button during those painful scenes! poor cady mcclain, she needs to be put out of her… Read more »
On the other hand damien..bringing VR back as Drucilla would mine so much drama and story nobody would care about her rants..the bad writing..or JFP…they could go for nearly a year just exposing where she was..and then on from there with the ongoing repercussions of what her new life does to her regaining her old life as Drucilla..unfortunately if it were EVER to come about that KRAZY KLOWN would pull an I told you so and demand a trailer in the Griffith Park Observatory near the big telescope..many skylights..alien music playing..oh the horror of her now…
Well, damien…I am not disputing what you are saying about Dru being needed. ….? But, think about it. Since the character left, Neil’s life has been one disaster after another. Let’s rewind a bit. To me? Neil serves no true purpose except that he’s part of the Y&R passe’ group…and, I mean that in a complimentary way. Why don’t ‘they’ let him go and bring Dru back? I like that idea much better. A storyline concentrating on Dru and perhaps amnesia, sounds a lot more feasible than Neil making a fool of himself yet again….. So sick of the same… Read more »
I agree, CeeCee. Over the years Neil has been playing woman-swap with Malcolm and Devon and I’m sick of it. It’s like the writers – not just now, but in the past – had no idea what to do with him. So now he has a new haircut, a new BFF (Nikki – whaaaat?) and a new gal who is likely younger than Lily. And he apparently is now a forger, a liar, and Victor’s bitch. Wow. So sad. I don’t know that bringing Dru back would solve the problems. I just wish the writers could come up with something… Read more »
@Lucia. Thanks for your response, Lucia. Those are words of wisdom you speak. I suppose I have given the impression I was/am a fan of Victoria/Drucilla, but I was never a fan of hers….the actress or the character. I think she is a great role-player. Actually, the only character I did like was Malcolm….but, that’s because I love Shemar Moore…..so much so, I never miss an episode of CRIMINAL MINDS. My point has always been and always will be to be fair and not pass judgment. People are entitled to their opinion, however, it seems that mine has somehow touched… Read more »
It would be interesting to see Drucilla on Bold and Beautiful!!! Haha!!! The cliff she fell off of washes her down all the way to LA, LOL
Funny you should say that Richard that is why they LML killed the character off she thought Brad was going to bring her over to B&B like he did Eileen Davidson when LML fired her.
Good response, richard….as I said, she comes back, on either soap, with amnesia…..LOL.
Is this women receiving any kind of counseling? She appears to be delusional! She needs medical help.
This is just sad. I was a big Drucilla fan and really miss Victoria’s Dru from Y&R. That said, I really wish she would move on. Who will want to hire her now?
Lol, MB.
That’s just a little bit dramatic. Let’s see how this unfolds. There must be others who would love to have her back. Perhaps she is justified in what she is doing. Where there’s smoke, must there be fire? Sensationalism may be playing a big part in all this.
CeeCee u seem to be the only one on here wanting to cut her some slack . Obviously u are a big VR fan. Thats fine, Im sure she has a large following. We will just have to wait on the lawsuit to see which group is correct.
@Eileen Hargis. Actually, I am not a fan. I think she was great as Drusilla. I am the type of person who does not rush to judgment. My parents are both attorneys…therefore, I was grew up in that type of environment…..be fair and know the facts…. I think it is not fair to pass opinion without knowing the truth. What we hear is second hand. It is one think to discuss characters, but I consider it tabu and crossing the line when it comes to the actors/actresses themselves. To see who is correct? I do not think that’s how it… Read more »
I’m not saying there may not be some truth to her claims. Its just sad how damaging this has been to her career. Sometimes it is in one’s best interests to cut your losses and move forward, right or wrong.
It’s sad that it has come to this. I do agree that by filing this lawsuit she is trying to get something she’s not entitled to. I don’t think her lawsuit has merit.
She is SO over.
Regardless of her being correct or not with her claims about diversity, she has not done herself any favors with the way in which she has handled & presented herself in the past & currently. As someone else stated, when she worked on the show and was a pivotal character she would have had some modicum of power and should have attempted to push for change at that time. Not saying she would have been successful but it would have had more impact at that time than close to a decade later when she has no affiliation with the show… Read more »
Bill Bell was very good to her two of her ideas were used she has a short memory I wish she would quit attacking the Bells he is gone and had nothing to do with her issues in 2007.
She states this is all about her race getting directorial positions but it started when she wanted to direct at YR and they told her politely they needed her as an actress not directing. She got infuriated and quit!
A voice of sanity, finally! Well said
I Have Always Thought That Miss Victoria Rowell Has Been Clearly Shooting Herself In The Foot Professionally And Legally. Wow! (Y) <3 😐 😐
For what it’s worth Ms. Rowell I believe every word you speak. Everyone knows the Bosses behind these networks don’t like it when an actor makes “WAVES”. They turn it around to make you look like the bad guy. The entertainment world is a dirty business and these networks have been playing the race card since television first began. I mean come on, what faces did you see monopolizing television screens growing up? So hats off to you Ms. Rowell for calling these hypocrites out. You’re far, far from delusional and crazy, those are words people like to use when… Read more »
Penny, where have you been all my life? Finally, reasonable and fair thinking. “……I’m trying to get beneath the surface appearance of things….” Andy Goldsworthy
@ rebecca 1 .
And, never have I criticized anyone for his/her opinion. That is what you do.
I may disagree and I say so…then I go on to explain why. There is no right or wrong in anyone’s comments. They are opinions. I respect other’s opini ions. You have called me so many insulting names, I will not tolerate it any longer. And, neither will my parents, or husband.
@rebecca1.
Do you get off bullying me? Why are you so obsessed with me? Why do you pick on every comment I make? Your name on this site sticks out like a sore thumb….why? Because we are not used to seeing it. You only came on to target me. Seriously? Stop stalking me. It is illegal to bully people. And, I feel bullied. Understood?
I responded in my last comment but I’ll repeat…I go on several of the pages whether I watch the soap all the time, sporadically, just to see an actor I like that was on a previous soap…or because the post by Michael Fairman is interesting. This was a post about an actress suing a network and calling racism…so no…anytime I’ve commented on a post other than GH that you happen to be on was because I was on that page. Period. I avoided using your name when responding to some of the comments you’ve made…just as you and…sigh…I now won’t… Read more »
News
‘As The Curtain Rises’ – Broadway’s Podcast Soap Opera Featuring Michael Urie
Leave it to the stars of the Great White Way to come up with a clever digital podcast during these trying times we all face amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Enter Broadway’s podcast soap, As the Curtain Rises, which premiered on October 22nd and is posting new episodes.
Photo: JPI
On December 3rd, the latest installment dropped featuring former Ugly Betty star Michael Urie who is featured in the cast in the role of Bobby.
Here is the premise of the show: After the ‘Broadway Disher’ (Lesli Margherita) leaks news of a top secret, in-the-works, new mega musical, the Broadway community goes off-the-charts batty. Top-of-their-game Broadway Producers Cheryl Philips (Lillias White) and Steve Jones (James Monroe Iglehart), arch enemies, pounce. Who will get the rights? Will way-out-of-their-comfort-zone creators Kaye (Ashley Park) and Bobby (Michael Urie) manage to deliver a draft of the show before their marriage implodes? Will Director/Choreographer Zoey Taylor (Ariana DeBose) send the show’s budget into a free fall with her wildly ambitious vision? Will Broadway Diva Emma-Olivia (Sarah Stiles) get a Schmackery’s cookie (with Sprinkles) named in her honor? Will newbie Agent Maxwell Fernsby (George Salazar) step into his new big shoes? And will Science Consultant Andrew Barth Feldman (Andrew Barth Feldman) protect the integrity and authenticity of the in-the-works mega musical, before he needs to leave this top secret show to star in a new Broadway musical?
As The Curtain Rises proudly supports The Actor’s Fund, the Broadway Podcast Network Frontline Initiative, and is a sponsored project of IFP (www.ifp.org).
Check out previous episodes of the podcast here.
You can watch Urie do his thing in the role of Bobby in this teaser released on social media below.
Then let us know, what do you think of the concept of the Broadway spoof on soaps? Comment below.
Watch @michaelurie in a sneak peek of the Broadway-themed soap opera As the Curtain Rises: https://t.co/WcTjk1NrDf pic.twitter.com/moVu1ueom4
— Playbill (@playbill) December 3, 2020
General Hospital
ABC’s Vicki Dummer & William Burton Among Executive Exits In Disney TV Cuts; Both Oversaw Aspects Of General Hospital
In a major reshuffling of the executive infrastructure at Disney/ABC, several lay-offs were handed-down including to longtime ABC executive Vicki Dummer who most recently was Head of Current Series Programming, ABC Entertainment,
In her position, Dummer oversaw the creative aspects from the network level for General Hospital. Vicki had been with the company for over 24 years and was a noted longtime fan of the show in interviews she had given during her tenure.
Courtesy/ABC
Back in September of 2018, William Burton was given the position of SVP and Head Of Daytime, Sports and Syndicated Development/Production for ABC Entertainment. He had been in charge of the the business operations for General Hospital at a network level, while Dummer continued to handle the creative. However today, Burton was also let-go.
The exits come as ABC and Hulu have consolidated original content under Craig Erwich, and 20th Television and Touchstone TV under Karey Burke.
The layoffs are believed to have effected 12 staff members mostly at the executive level.
Deadline broke the news and then updated their story later today.
Just who and what department in the new structuring will take over General Hospital remains to be seen. We will keep you posted once any additional news or announcements are made.
So, what do you think of the exits of Vicki Dummer and William Burton? Comment below.
Guiding Light
GL & ATWT Alum Tom Pelphrey On His Role in ‘Mank’: “I Got To Say Rosebud On-Screen with Gary Oldman, in a David Fincher Film. Pretty Cool.”
‘As The Curtain Rises’ – Broadway’s Podcast Soap Opera Featuring Michael Urie
ABC’s Vicki Dummer & William Burton Among Executive Exits In Disney TV Cuts; Both Oversaw Aspects Of General Hospital
GL & ATWT Alum Tom Pelphrey On His Role in ‘Mank’: “I Got To Say Rosebud On-Screen with Gary Oldman, in a David Fincher Film. Pretty Cool.”
Soap Vet and ‘Selling Sunset’ Star, Chrishell Stause Dating DWTS Pro Keo Motsepe
Emme Rylan On Her Final GH Scenes: “Laying There Emotionless While My Amazing Costars Cried Over My Comatose Body Was One of the Hardest Acting Challenges EVER!”
Brandon Routh Joins Another OLTL Alum, Nathan Fillion, In New Role on ‘The Rookie’
DAYS Cady McClain & Rob Scott Wilson Talk Being Recasts, All My Children Reboot, Future of Cin & Jennifer’s Bitch-Slap
Daytime Emmys To Remain Virtual For Upcoming 2021 Ceremony
TODAY: Y&R Airs Its 12,000th Episode As Melissa Ordway Takes You Behind The Scenes
Falcon Crest’s Abby Dalton Dead at 88
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: A Tortured Thomas Has A Game-Changing Moment
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Port Charles Learns a Bomb Caused the Explosion as Lives are Forever Changed
Emme Rylan On Her Final GH Scenes: “Laying There Emotionless While My Amazing Costars Cried Over My Comatose Body Was One of the Hardest Acting Challenges EVER!”
Peter Reckell’s Music Video Debuts For His New Christmas Song ‘Under the Mistletoe’
Y&R Previews Week-Long Celebration of Their 12,000th Episode
DAYS Cady McClain & Rob Scott Wilson Talk Being Recasts, All My Children Reboot, Future of Cin & Jennifer’s Bitch-Slap
Falcon Crest’s Abby Dalton Dead at 88
Soap Vet and ‘Selling Sunset’ Star, Chrishell Stause Dating DWTS Pro Keo Motsepe
TODAY: Y&R Airs Its 12,000th Episode As Melissa Ordway Takes You Behind The Scenes
ABC’s Vicki Dummer & William Burton Among Executive Exits In Disney TV Cuts; Both Oversaw Aspects Of General Hospital
DAYS Cady McClain & Rob Scott Wilson Talk Being Recasts, All My Children Reboot, Future of Cin & Jennifer’s Bitch-Slap
TODAY: Y&R Airs Its 12,000th Episode As Melissa Ordway Takes You Behind The Scenes
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: A Tortured Thomas Has A Game-Changing Moment
Peter Reckell’s Music Video Debuts For His New Christmas Song ‘Under the Mistletoe’
THIS WEEK On GENERAL HOSPITAL: The Aftermath of the Explosion
Y&R Gets Ready To Celebrate 12,000th Episode
B&B’s Matthew Atkinson Weighs-In On Daytime’s Wildest Storyline, The Hope Mannequin & What’s Really Going On With Thomas
Ryan Phillippe Opens Up About How Parents Shunned Him For Taking On Gay Role On One Life to Live & Part In ‘Cruel Intentions’
Tuc Watkins Talks ‘Boys in the Band’, Falling in Love, and His One Life to Live Co-Stars
This Week on General Hospital: Lives Are On The Line (Watch the Promo)
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PreviewsNovember 29, 2020THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: A Tortured Thomas Has A Game-Changing Moment
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General HospitalNovember 26, 2020GENERAL HOSPITAL: Port Charles Learns a Bomb Caused the Explosion as Lives are Forever Changed
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General HospitalDecember 2, 2020Emme Rylan On Her Final GH Scenes: “Laying There Emotionless While My Amazing Costars Cried Over My Comatose Body Was One of the Hardest Acting Challenges EVER!”
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Days Of Our LivesNovember 27, 2020Peter Reckell’s Music Video Debuts For His New Christmas Song ‘Under the Mistletoe’
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PreviewsNovember 25, 2020Y&R Previews Week-Long Celebration of Their 12,000th Episode
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Days Of Our LivesDecember 1, 2020DAYS Cady McClain & Rob Scott Wilson Talk Being Recasts, All My Children Reboot, Future of Cin & Jennifer’s Bitch-Slap
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Breaking NewsNovember 30, 2020Falcon Crest’s Abby Dalton Dead at 88
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Dancing with the StarsDecember 3, 2020Soap Vet and ‘Selling Sunset’ Star, Chrishell Stause Dating DWTS Pro Keo Motsepe