Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Freddie Smith Charged With OVI and Vehicular Assault In Car Crash Incident!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
The latest report from the Star-Beacon, the local Ashtabula, Ohio news and online outlet, has that Days of our Lives star Freddie Smith (Sonny Kiriakis) was formally charged Friday with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and vehicular assault, according to the Ashtabula County Prosecutor’s office.
From the Ohio State Highway Patrol: Freddie 26, was legally drunk on October 7th when he crashed his car on Route 84 in Kingsville Township Smith, lost control of the Mazda 6 he was driving on a curve in the road. His girlfriend, actress Alyssa Tabit, 27, of North Hollywood, Calif., was seriously injured in the crash and is now recovering from her injuries. OSHP also reported that Smith’s blood alcohol test result was .093, when the legal limit in Ohio is .08.
In terms of the charges: Vehicular assault is a fourth-degree felony, and the OVI charge is a first-degree misdemeanor, Ashtabula County Assistant Prosecutor Cecilia Cooper revealed. (In Ohio, OVI is an acronym for Operating a Vehicle Impaired). An arraignment date has not been set.
So what do you think of the charges brought upon Freddie Smith and information from the OHSP? Share your thoughts below!
Don’t drink and drive. Period.
Hope he gets a good 20-40 years in prison. I have no sympathy for these drunk drivers whether it be Colleen Zenk-Pinter or Kristoff St. John or this douche.
After all the public info campaigns and education about NOT drinking and driving, people still do. I’ll never understand it.
Call a cab. Call a friend for a ride. Call a car service. Just do NOT drink and drive.
As far as Freddie goes, he’s damn lucky he didn’t kill someone.
This might be a dumb question, but was is OVI?
Did you read the article?
Yes. Why don’t they just call it a DWI or DUI? This is my first time of hearing of an OVI.
I think it is just an issue of what different states call it.
@Lou…Michael gives the definition in the article but I’d never heard that acronym either. LOL…yes, why DON’T they just keep it as DWI or DUI or DUMB? 😉
Ohio changed the wording in 1982..it still stands for the same charge.
the article said operating a vehicle impaired……………………
Operating a Vehicle under the Influence – OVI
I think they change it from DUI to OVI to make it clearer that you can get charge for operating a vehicle, not just while driving it, meaning if you go in your car drunk, turn on the engine and fall asleep, the cops could still charge you with impairment– it is just a more precise term for what the law covers than driving—
I like Freddie Smith on Days Of Our Lives and hope he will stay with the serial for many years in his break-through role. The injuries from the car accident and the pending trial could keep him off Days Of Our Lives for a long time. So hard for an actor to juggle his work life and keep his personal life and problems in balance at the same time.
And the injuries more seriously attached to his passenger??? If he’s not done he will be. Ohio takes great joy in low level cases that cause major hoopla on a national stage. He’s going to be jailed!!!
Do you have an idea of how long he will be jailed?
He should serve a good 20 years in prison.
His blood alcohol level means they could double hits sentencing time. He will have to serve some time or the courts will look bad.
They are lessening the charges. Only vehicular assault even though the law states it should aggravated vehicular assault. He will get with a wrist slap. Disgraceful.
Hopefully this does not affect Freddie’s career and he uses it as a wake up call. He and his girlfriend were very lucky to not be more seriously injured. I think Freddie is a good guy who made a stupid mistake that millions of others have made. Let him do some public service and move forward. Best wishes to his girlfriend for a swift and speedy recovery.
“… Freddie is a good guy who made a stupid mistake ”
I can only hope… that he and his girlfriend work through this and just look forward
it’s a mindless misdeed.. that shouldn’t go unpunished (inexcusable)
Don’t GLOSS over a laminated page…it distorts the TEXT…or do I mean TRUTH
Just as a frame of reference until about a decade ago the legal limit in most states was .10. The federal government coerced states to lower it to .08 in order to receive highway funding.
That is not to in any way excuse what Freddie has done – he took a stupid risk, violated the law, and caused harm to himself, his girlfriend, and his vehicle. He is VERY lucky the injuries were not more severe.
However, to put it into context I do think it helps to understand that this young man was not exactly falling down drunk. The amount of alcohol in his system was relatively small. More likely he is a characteristically dangerous and speedy driver and that plus the small amount of alcohol caught up with him.
I reiterate that I hope he learns his lesson and makes wiser choices in the future. However I do not think that this needs to have any major repercussions on his career. There won’t be a trial or anything like that. He will lose his licence for a time and possibly do some community service. That is the appropriate punishment here.
Drinking and driving, texting and driving, distracted driving – it is all the same thing.
When it comes down to it, most Americans fail to remember that
DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And whenever you have a passenger, you have precious cargo. You need to be responsible for those in your vehicle and those other vehicles on the road.
I am so sick of the irresponsible people behind the wheel – and it isn’t just automobiles. Look at the casualties from public transportation – ferries and trains. This world needs to wake up and realize it is not all about the individual and his/her needs like no one else exists.
OOPS! I forgot to add to my last message that if Days Of Our Lives tapes 4 months and a half ahead of schedule, it will probably be in late February when we notice Freddie Smith is not on Days so much, if he took time out to heal from his injuries and the pending trial.
Put him in jail, what a jerk for drinking and driving. His girlfriend almost died. I hope Days of Our Lives fires Freddie Smith, and recasts the role of Sonny. Freddie you should have taken the cab, give your head a shake Freddy.
I dont understand why he wasnt given a DUI at the time of the accident. The police report stated alcohol and speed were involved.
I’ve heard of..
DWI .. DUI .. but never of OVI …
I’m happy they were not DOA!
Freddie is a really fine young man. I hope people who were affected to forgive him.
I perfectly know that what he feels right now is enough torture.
I wish that Freddie remain strong, my wishes also go to Alyssa that she will get healed.
we all need to be positive and learn from all incidents of our lives and others as well !
we love you Freddie and Alyssa !
From the severity of the crash and injuries it sounds like the charges should be more serious then a misdemeanor and fourth level felony. Hope he takes these charges seriously and gets the help he needs. If he needs to leave the show for that to happen then he should, dealing with this and why he thought it was OK to drink and drive is most important. He is so lucky no one was killed.
It’s very sad that he chose to drive drunk and not only put himself and his passenger at risk, but others on the road as well. He’s lucky he didn’t kill anyone. I wonder why his passenger got in the car with him. Was she sober?
How many times have we had imprinted in our brains DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. I like Freddie and love the character of Sonny, but what he did was wrong, and should be held accounted for the actions he’s caused. This is simply unacceptable. He could’ve killed himself, his girlfriend or anyone else for that matter, due to his negligence on the road. I’m disappointed.
He will get a slap an the wrist. My sister has a problem and has maybe 6 or 7 DUI in Ohio. She didn’t serve time until maybe the 4 or 5th. Probation is my guess.
Did she injure anyone at anytime all that happened? I sure hope you and your family stepped in with an intervention! That’s certainly nothing to brag about. He caused injuries in an accident!
No One hurt. You can’t force an addict to get help. I’m using the tough love approach.
Sad but true 🙁
Michelle.. Tough love is more than closing your eyes in the middle of winter and hoping when you open them it’s SUMMER… she needs your help before she’s in the news.. Hopefully she’s better but if not….
Lawyers will plead it down probation community service fines probably request rehab. My girlfriend was killed by a drunk driver a year ago the person has still not went to trial and still running around taking no responsibility for the tragedy. He does not need to continue to have a job show him the exit door.
So sorry. I can’t imagine how you feel. . But that would leave me with a lifetime of anger!
Thanks I know I came off harsh about this actor but I have zero tolerance for these actions stay home and celebrate or get a designated driver. He made a mistake yes I would like to think he will learn something from it but I am sorry we have hollywood and politicians out there excusing their behavior with look at me I am a big shot when most of them aren’t fit to kiss my boots. Private business owner never have drawn an unemployment check in my life raised by a farmer and a business owner we were never given a chance for excuses you screwed up you owned it. Rant over!
Also just so you will know she did make-up and hair for a lot of Broadway shows she was a wonderful human being. SO actors take note please do not drink and drive stay home or hire a driver you have the money!
k/kay…girlfriend…you have EVERY RIGHT to be H-A-R-S-H!!!!! As far as I’m concerned, drunk drivers are nothing but CONNIVING CREEPS AND COWARDS who act like they’re above the law…which they AIN’T!!!!! Honey…the fact that your girlfriend’s killer (one year later) is STILL running around and all scot-free…N-O. That just proves to me that THE SO-CALLED JUDICIAL SYSTEM in our country is STILL W-A-Y TOO LENIENT when it comes to drunk drivers!!!!! k/kay, check this out: Back in the early ’90’s (1991, I think), a friend of my mom’s had an older brother who was killed by a drunk driver. He was less than 10 minutes away from his house (aka almost home) when this happened. His killer (a female college student who was B-O-T-H drunk and high as a kite!!!!!) got off scot-free!!!!! No jail and/or prison time, no license REVOKED…NOTHING!!!!! To this day, this COWARDLY CHICK (whoever she is) REMAINS FREE!!!!! BEYOND UNFAIR!!!!! k/kay…if you wouldn’t mind, I will keep you and your friend’s family in my thoughts and in my prayers. k/kay…STAY STRONG SWEETHEART!!!!!
Peace.
I was going to leave this alone but here goes about a year ago every soap columnist in the world was hanging a wonderful actor out to dry for a alleged sexual harrassement charge. Unfounded charges bullshit rumors! But somehow when a actor pulls a dumb shit act like driving drunk he is just misunderstood. I am sorry everybody is sick with their double standards! I hope this actor has a wake up call but to even put thes guys in the same ball park makes me sick!
Am I angry you dam right I am thanks Jaybird you are a nice guy!!!
Kudos to k/kay and jay! And my sincere sympathies to k/kay.
People need to be held accountable for their crimes, particularly when there is loss of life or personal injury. As so many others at this thread have stated eloquently, there is no reason to get behind the wheel of a car impaired in any way. In addition to drunk drivers and high drivers, we also have to worry about texting drivers. As I learned in driver’s ed (a long, long time ago), driving is a privilege, one that takes skill and responsibility. Distractions and impairments adversely affect the operation of a motor vehicle.
If one is impaired, there is no dishonor in asking for assistance to return home safely. And most friends/family won’t mind providing that assistance, especially in lieu of the possibly deadly alternatives…
When you make choices you chose the consequences of that choice, by choosing to drive while impaired you are accepting the risk that you could cause an accident, kill or seriously injured an innocent bystander and risk being charged and convicted of various things.
I just don’t understand in this day and age when the risk factors of driving while impaired is so well known and proclaim, why people don’t have some kind of alternative mode of getting home in place if they chose to drink is beyond me. You don’t have to be falling down drunk to be impaired, which why so many still believe they are okay to drive, they don’t think they are “drunk”.
Being charged and being convicted are two different things, so he will have his day in court to either take responsibility for his choice or prove they are wrong about his impairment level. But whatever the outcome in the court room I hope he will use his status and experience to help the public awareness campaign against driving and drinking.
I agree Mary SF… you think everything is fine until that engine kicks over. . You’re no longer caught up in the partying mayhem but on the street. . In a car. . Calmed down. . And THAT’S when the alcohol kicks in! !
The prosecutor is lessening the charges. Because the OHP and the victim family asked him too. So he will walk away scott free. He will do no time. and maybe pay a fine. That’s what it means to be a celeb in this country. You get to do what you want but you don’t get due punishment because you’re a celeb. Oh and MAYBE he’ll get probation. Big whoop, he will be in Calif. So what does he care and what do calif laws care. It truly is sad when appropriate charges are not filed because of who you are.
I think they should give him a chance. Since it is just his first time.
That is what is wrong with this country.
Oh, it’s just his FIRST time. So when he is a distracted driver (in any capacity the next time), what do you think should happen?
I repeat, DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE AND NOT A RIGHT!
We don’t know if Freddie Smith has anything else on his driving record from the past, nor if he has any past charges on him, so we assume this is his first-time offense.
If the girlfriend wanted to press charges of her own against him for drunk driving and negligence, dangerous and reckless driving, putting her in harm, whatever a lawyer could add to it, she most certainly could do that.
There is nothing for us to think about the charges against Freddie. They are what they are. I would like to know the penalties for both charges. Is jail time a possibility? If so, the writers may have to write in a temporary trip out of Salem for Sonny so that he can fulfill his obligation to the State of Ohio.
I am glad Freddie and his girlfriend are okay.
I don’t think the authorities in Ohio will care one hill of beans about what Days of our lives fans think about their decisions in this matter.
Days Of Our Lives
Sydney Malekeh Joins the Cast of ‘Days of Our Lives’ in Mystery Role: Who Do You Think She’s Playing?
There’s a new gal coming to Salem, or is she new and a recast? That’s what inquiring minds from Days of Our Lives fans have been trying to figure out since the Peacock soap opera dropped an Instagram video heralding actress‘ Sydney Malekeh’s arrival in Salem.
The soap did confirm that viewers will first see Malekeh on the September 9 episode. In the video, Malekeh is seen going set to set from her dressing room and in to the halls of Days of Our Lives studios.
What we do know id that Sydney has been acting professionally for 6 years and had appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, Apple TV’s Shrinking and the HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls.
Plenty of Malekeh’s DAYS castmates jumped into the comment thread with positive emojis symbols or written excitement including: Paul Telfer (Xander), Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), Sal Stowers (Lani), Conner Floyd (Chad), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Christie Clark (Carrie) and more now that fans will finally see her on-air. Since Days of Our Lives tapes 10-11 months in advance, Sydney would have started taping the show sometime back in 2025.
DAYS fans think perhaps because the actress’ name is Sydney that she might be playing the grown-up daughter of Sami and EJ. That character hasn’t bee on the canvas since 2021.
So, who do you think Sydney Malekeh might be playing on Days of Our Lives? Drop your casting director thoughts via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
Peacock Hikes Subscription Rates for Fourth Time in Four Years; ‘Days of Our Lives’ Fans Sound Off
While recently the streaming service Peacock reported turning a profit for its first time since its infancy, now comes word that the company is raising their prices for all customers, and in some cases it stared today on August 18.
The news of the subscription rate increases marks the fourth time the NBCUniversal streaming platform has done so in four years. So, on August 18, Peacock is increasing the prices for new or returning subscribers and customers, while current subscribers will see the rate increase on or after September 17 depending on their billing cycle when they initially signed up.
Here is the new pricing to follow along: Peacock Premium (which includes ads) will be $12.99/month, up two dollars from $10.99; Peacock Premium Plus will be $19.99/month, up three dollars increase from $16.99; and the Peacock Select tier (which includes current and past seasons of NBC and Bravo shows but excludes movies, live sports and Peacock originals) will increase a dollar from $7.99 to $8.99/month.
Photo: JPI
SUBSCRIBERS CONTINUE TO PAY MORE ACROSS THE STREAMER LANDSCAPE
It was back in June that the streamer reported that aid subscribers were up to 48 million adding a 2 million net gain during Q2 in of 2026. The subscription price hikes are rampant now in the entertainment streaming industry where over the last two years for example, Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Paramount+ have all raised their fees to consumers.
Peacock’s tier-levels feature not only Days of Our Lives, but reality hits such as The Traitors and Love Island USA, Bravo series, and a vault of Saturday Night Live, Law & Order, The Real Housewives franchise, and Below Deck episodes as well. Pecock Premium and Premium Plus subscribers have access to sports and live events, as well.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES SUBSCRIBERS HAD A FEW CHOICE WORDS FOR PEACOCK
As Days of Our Lives fans know, the soap opera moved from NBC to the streamer back in September of 2022 after 57 years on broadcast television. When the news hit X on the price increase, DAYS fans had a lot to say about it. Here are just a few of the comments below:
“I can’t believe Peacock and can’t come to a deal with Cordya to air old episodes of #Days. That alone would bring a ton of subscribers,” to If Peacock actually cared about #Days of Our Lives, gave the show the budget it needs for better sets, cameras, background actors and enough time to tell proper stories, I wouldn’t mind paying more. If the money actually showed on screen, the higher price would be worth it,” to “I will continue to pay for a Peacock subscription as long as #Days is on it, but did we know there was another price increase coming?” and more.
So, what do you think of the new price hike increase to watch Days of Our Lives and your other favorite shows and events on Peacock? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
In the upcoming indie feature Veronica & Julian from director Otoja Abit, two former Days of Our Lives stars, Nadia Bjorlin (ex-Chloe Lane) and Kyler Pettis (ex-Theo Carver), headline the drama feature in this story of a May-December romance that faces challenges along the way.
Veronica & Julian centers on a confident and successful marketing executive (Bjorlin) who winds up falling for a younger aspiring architect (Pettis). From there, a journey of desire and self-discovery is set against the backdrop of present-day New York City.
The cast also includes: Blake Jenner (ex-Glee), Erin Cummings, Chrystee Pharris (ex-Simone Russell, Passions and Queens of Drama), Robert Lee Leng, Mark Famiglietti and Jennafer Newberry.
Photo:
LIVE CHAT WITH NADIA AND KYLER PLANNED
Now, Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively: the key poster art below, and that current plans that call for Veronica & Julian to be released and made available late this holiday season.
In addition, Nadia and Kyler will join us for a very special livestream conversation on the Michael Fairman Channel (Monday, Aug 24 – 3PM ET/Noon PT) to chat about their roles in the film, their time on Days of Our Lives, life post-soap opera, and much more. Fans can join the live chat and pose their questions to the actors as well.
Courtesy/Bright Leicht Content LLC
THE THEMES BEHIND VERONICA & JULIAN
Director Otoja Abit shared this statement on the feature film, “Veronica & Julian is about the right people who have a chance meeting at the wrong time. It’s a look at two people who don’t grow apart—they just grow up. This film is an authentic exploration of an imminent ending and how two people deeply in love got there. It aims to be quiet while telling a relatable story about modern-day relationships.”
Abit continued, “As a society, mainstream romantic films are often delivered through fantastical aspirations. I created this film believing that viewers who have experienced a breakup can relate to Veronica and Julian, depending on their perspective. They’re a couple navigating some of the most familiar obstacles in love: miscommunication, timing and pride.”
He concluded, “It’s a story about endings told through the small moments we often don’t recognize until they’re gone. With the support of the Panavision New Filmmaker Program, I approached the story with a deeper sense of visual control while maintaining the naturalism that defines each character.”
Photo: Bright Leicht Content LLC
NADIA AND KYLER GOT THEIR FIRST BIG BREAK IN SOAPS
As Days of Our Lives fans know, Bjorlin is best known for her long-running role as Chloe Lane. Nadia played the part from 1999-2023 with various runs in Salem. She is also known for her role as Lara in the Venice the Series since 2009. Nadia’s other TV and film credits include: A Murder Between Friends, NCIS, Two Broke Girls and more.
Pettis played Theo Carver on Days of Our Lives from 2015-2018 and earned himself a Daytime Emmy for his work in the now defunct Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series back in 2019. His other TV credits include roles on: The Rookie, All American: Homecoming and Ray Donovan.
Veronica and Julian is written, produced and directed by Abit and produced through his Willful Productions alongside Kory Apton and Ian Phillips. Executive producers include: Nick Leicht, Gregory Sinche, Shelly Sinche, Torsten Sippel, Tim Freydberg, Ryan Schulke and Matthew Conlin.
So, intrigued to see Nadia and Kyler as a romantic couple in the film Veronica & Julian? Miss them on Days of Our Lives? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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