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General Hospital’s Tabyana Ali Pens Column on Being on the Receiving End of “Racially Charged and Life-Threatening Comments”

By Michael Fairman

Published

2 years ago

on

Photo: JPI

It has been a tough road for General Hospital’s Tabyana Ali when she took on the role of Trina Robinson on General Hospital back in May of 2022, and being the successor to Sydney Mykayla in the role. At the time Ali stepped in, GH was ramping up and continuing the burgeoning love story between Trina and Nicholas Alexander Chavez’s Spencer Cassadine.

Since that time she had found herself at the epicenter of racist and hateful messages hurled her way by online trolls, and it got so bad that finally GH itself posted a message that back in June, the show posted this message on all of its social handles, “General Hospital does not tolerate hatred or bigotry of any kind. Racism has no place in Port Charles.”

Still as a young Black actress in Hollywood, Ali has to navigate a very heartbreaking issue of prejudice while being on an iconic show such as GH.  Now, as part of Deadline’s series on mental health in the entertainment world, they have given Tabyana a platform to share her story and write a guest column on the online trolls and what she has been facing, enduring, and how she is finding the strength to deal with it.

Photo: JPI

Here’s what Tabyana shared, “When I first booked General Hospital, I was so grateful and appreciative. It felt like the world aligned so perfectly. I auditioned for Trina when I was 16 years old. I made it to the producer session with Sydney Mikayla and two other girls and Sydney booked the role. She did an amazing job with it and made Trina such a lovable fan favorite.”

“Then three years later, I auditioned for General Hospital again. I thought they were going to add an addition to Trina’s circle, like a family member or a new friend, but after getting a callback, going to the screen test, and booking the show, I found out in the script that the role I booked was for Trina. It was cool and surreal. When I was younger, I wanted to show that I could do more than just comedy and General Hospital has given me that opportunity.”

Photo: JPI

Ali admitted she didn’t realize the pressures of keeping an online media presence when joining a show such as GH, expressing, “No one told me I had to maintain a social media presence, but in this era of the industry it certainly feels like there’s an unspoken expectation to maintain a presence. Social media allows you to help build your brand while giving fans an opportunity to relate to you by sharing a glimpse of your life.”

As soap fans know, other GH stars have faced hateful remarks in their own way.  Ali says she was informed about it, explaining, “I first found out about the trolls from another cast member who was sharing their own experience with online bullying and explaining why they have their social media platforms set up the way they do. Eventually I got my own taste of it. It started out with the small things at first, but got progressively worse and eventually resulted in racially charged and life-threatening comments that were incredibly hurtful and damaging.”

Photo: JPI

The toll has taken on Ali led her to re-evaluate her own self-worth: “At first, I didn’t pay them much attention. These people didn’t know me, and I didn’t know them, so their comments didn’t hold any value. But eventually I started having self-esteem issues that led me to start questioning my self-worth. I would see comments suggesting that because I’m Black, I’m not as attractive as my on-screen counterparts and that I shouldn’t be in in an interraccial relationship. They said that my value and talent didn’t compare.”

She added, “I was having a conversation with a friend who has unfortunately also dealt with online hate, and she shared that as a result of all of the bullying she had endured, she no longer liked herself. I couldn’t believe she would say anything like that. I had always viewed her as exuding grace and confidence, with a magnetic energy. I started to feel like God was putting a mirror in my face and showing me how silly I was to be surrendering to the people hiding behind their computer screens. Even with all the accomplishments I had made in my career and beyond, I still accepted the negative comments as some part of the truth. It took some months of letting go of the narrative and accepting that I’m not mediocre, that I am beautiful, that I have value, and that I am talented. I look in the mirror now and wonder why I ever questioned that in the first place.”

Photo: JPI

Standing up to the racist remarks, Ali was determined to try to make a difference, “(I) Decided to say something because I was witnessing other soap stars, friends and castmates deal with hate, bigotry and racism online and I wanted to take a stand. I wanted the trolls to know that I see them and not just “I see your comment” but I see your “pain” and that online hate isn’t the way for them to be seen.”

“I felt so thankful that they were sympathetic and so understanding. The day of the post I received calls from ABC letting me know that they were in full support of me using my voice, and they had my back,” shared Ali. “I felt so grounded and so grateful hearing from them. I don’t think they understood how much that meant to me. My castmates/friends, both within the GH family and beyond, were also so supportive. They all rallied together and shared such encouraging words.”

Photo: JPI

She concluded, “The most obvious advice that I would give other actors is if you come across hate DO NOT take it personally. DO NOT give them your power by accepting what they say. PLEASE feel your feelings because you are human and that’s one of the most important parts of getting through hurt, BUT remember you are more than a social media comment. Being in this industry you’ve probably heard a lot of “no’s” and felt a lot of rejection, so this is just another simple storm that will make you stronger. Don’t stoop to their level. That’s what haters want. Don’t give them the satisfaction.”

What are your thoughts on the column written by Tabyana Ali and on what she has experienced and endured since she joined GH? D you think we should all do our part when responding to people or making remarks about them on social media, to be more mindful before hitting send and behind the keyboard? Comment below.

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Tabyana is such a talented actress as well as beautiful. I don’t understand how people can be so hateful. I’m happy to see that she’s working her way through this and ultimately not letting the trolls define her.

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She’s so lovely. This summer, the wardrobe team has been dressing her in fun, whimsy brights and whites and it really makes her beautiful complexion glow. She lights up the screen. She’s so blessed.

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She has talent. She is playing the wrong character. She didnt have good chemistry with Spencer and she appears to be too old for Gio. If Charlotte were a bit older, Gio would have his hands full but, it might be more interesting to watch this relationship develop or fail as opposed to him and Trina? Just to awkward.

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I certainly agree with you. She is way too old looking for Gio. I can see him having a crush on an older girl, but realistically, they are not a match.

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Tabyana looked awkward around Chavez due to the height difference. Gio is in a good fit on both height and age grouping

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I agree 100% Tabyana is a lovely young lady. It is definitely was the height issue, and when she first came on, a noticeable difference in her height to Eden McCoy did not help viewers see her as Trina. Certainly not her fault but you’d think the casting department would have given this more consideration than they did.

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Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

Published

1 day ago

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October 22, 2026

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.

The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.

Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Genie Francis

Photo: NATAS

In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year,  A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.

The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).

The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”

Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.

So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

Published

2 days ago

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October 21, 2026

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Josh and Kristen

General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.

The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.

Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.

Courtesy/ABC

WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?

Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.

So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?

Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.

Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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General Hospital

Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

Published

3 days ago

on

October 20, 2026

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Kin and kelly

It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.

Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.

In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.

Serena and Jason

Courtesy/ABC

WHERE IS SCOTT?

On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.

In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”

The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.”  Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.

So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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