News
Victoria Rowell Holds Press Conference And Says On Her Lawsuit: "This Is About Myself & Many, Many African-Americans Who Have Been Denied The Right To Perform In Front and Behind The Scenes, Specifically On Y&R!'
Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
Former ‘Young and the Restless’ star Victoria Rowell continued her efforts to drive home her point in her lawsuit against CBS and Sony, where she alleges discrimination in the job force behind-the-scenes and in front of the camera on The Young and the Restless! Rowell had played Drucilla Winters on the daytime drama series.
Thursday, Victoria held a press conference in New York City, where Soap Opera Digest is reporting these comments from the actress and author: “This is a profound moment for me as an African American woman, who wishes to continue to live the American dream.”
She went on to say: “I always advocated for myself and was taught to do so after 18 years in foster care, and I advocate for others and was taught to do so. So, this is not about me, this is about myself and many, many African Americans who have been denied the right to perform in front and behind the camera, specifically on The Young and the Restless.”
SOD teased they will have more on the press conference in an upcoming issue of their publication!
Meanwhile, CBS has already come forward in a statement from a network spokesperson on Daytime Confidential stating: “We were disappointed to learn that, after leaving the cast of The Young and the Restless on her own initiative, Ms. Rowell has attempted to rewrite that history through lawyers’ letters and a lawsuit that has no merit. We harbor no ill will toward Ms. Rowell, but we will vigorously defend this case.”
So, what do you think of Victoria holding a press conference, and the sentiments she is sharing publicly on her lawsuit? Comment below!
News
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
The Young and the Restless fan favorite, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) is the special guest on this week’s edition of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart which dropped today on Tuesday, June 23rd.
During the interview with Rebecca and Greg, Khalil who had played Lily Winters on-screen since August of 2002, nearly 24 years with the CBS soap, shared how early on her teenage acting career, she was ready to call it quits in show business, after a heartbreaking audition for the lead of a new Disney Channel sitcom, which later turned out to be the hit seres, That’s So Raven, starring Raven-Symoné which ran for four seasons from 2003-2007.
Christel recalled what happened. “I was 14 and I had always auditioned for all these Disney projects. So I auditioned for That’s So Raven, it was between me and Raven-Symoné and it was called at the time Absolutely Psychic,” explained Khalil. “The character was this girl who had psychic ability, but then when Raven got the role, they named the title of the show after her.”
Photo: CBS
HOW A BROTHERLY TALK CHANGED THE COURSE OF CHRISTEL’S CAREER
Reliving the disappointment to Greg and Rebecca, Christel explained, “I lost that part and I was just so devastated, because for the network call there were 20 people in the room watching me, and I just have always had such performance anxiety. I just completely bombed the audition and it was terrible. So, I was just devastated. I was actually going to quit acting and then I got the final call for The Young and The Restless and I wasn’t going to go.”
It was Khalil’s brother, who actually got her to reconsider, and if he hadn’t, we would not have our Lily Winters in Genoa City! Christel recounted, “I was like, ‘You know what? I’m done. I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m just going to hang out with my friends.’ I was just devastated. My brother, who is seven years older than me, and he had quit acting at the same age that I was at that time. He said to me, ‘I promise you, I actually really regret quitting. Just go on this audition and if you don’t get it, you can quit.'”
Christel’s screen-test for the role of Lily was actually with the late, great, Kristoff St. John who would play her father Neil (Later it was revealed to Lily, that Neil’s brother, Malcolm Winters was her bio-dad).
Photo: CBS
ACTING WAS EASY WITH THE LATE KRISTOFF ST. JOHN
“So, I went (to test for Lily) and I remember the screen-test was with Kristoff St. John. It was just so easy to act with him because he’s just so there. I remember just being on set, and that was my first time there for a screen-test where you were actually on set. I had never experienced that before. It was my first time being with an actor and having makeup done, which just helps you really be able to do your best work.”
Recalling the screen-test with the St. John, Khalil, “It was where I had to be emotional ( in the scene) and I always had issues being emotional at auditions. But I was there with him, it just came, and it happened. It was natural and I felt so good and it was amazing. It stands out in my mind a lot.”
You can check out the full Soapy conversation with Christel Khalil where she also discusses juggling motherhood, marital life, and the demands of soap operas.
Fan can listen to weekly episodes of Soapy on Audacy or wherever podcasts are available, and can watch full video episodes weekly on the CBS =Brand YouTube Channel. Whether a lifelong fan or discovering the genre for the first time, SOAPY offers a fresh, fun behind-the-scenes look at the stories – and storytellers – that define daytime drama.
Now let us know, over the years what had been your favorite Lily Winters story on Y&R as played by Christel Khalil? What did you think of of Christell’s recollection where she was up for the lead of “That’s So Raven” as a teenager, before it was even titled that? Let us know via the comment section.
This summer beginning on July 21, Netflix streams the return of WWE: Unreal for its third season. The behind the scenes docudrama series gives fans a glimpse of life in WWE and inside the writers room, as injuries, last-minute pivots, and career-defining decisions reshape WWE’s biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 42.
WWE Unreal is taking fans deeper than ever inside World Wrestling Entertainment’s creative process, The hit docuseries will once again pull back the curtain on some of the biggest moments, boldest decisions, and unforgettable storytelling with some of the WWE’s greatest legends who’ve shaped the industry and new stars who are emerging as prominent parts of the future.
In the new season of ‘Unreal’ which consists of 5 episodes at 50 minutes each: John Cena says goodbye, a fan favorite returns, and the next generation of Superstars rise to the occasion.
Photo: WWE
The cast and WWE superstars featured include: the aforementioned Cena, plus Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, CM Punk, AJ Lee, Trick Williams, Lash Legend, Stephanie Vaquer, Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Chelsea Green, Matt Cardona, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
As previously reported AJ Lee revealed on General Hospital star Maurice Benard’s (Sonny Corinthos) mental health series, State of Mind, that she was part of the cast of WWE: Unreal.
WWE: Unreal production credits include: Directors/Showrunners: Chris Weaver and Erik Powers Executive Producers: Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Ross Ketover, Keith Cossrow, Ken Rodgers, Jessica Boddy, Lee Fitting, Ben Houser, Marc Pomarico Sr. Producers: Harley Glantz, Brian Decker, Michael Flynn Producers: John Galiani, Dan Gati, Jeremy Lundblad Production Companies: Omaha Productions, NFL Films, Skydance Sports, WWE.
So, what do you think of the loglines for the new season of WWE: Unreal? Who are you most excited to see featured in the behind the scenes drama from the list of WWE superstars and the twists and turns leading into this past April’s WrestleMania 42? Let us know via the comment section below.
If you have ever tuned-in to the soap opera genre over the last 50 years, and witnessed some of the greatest romances, drama, classic and outlandish storylines of all-time, you would have seen Deidre Hall smack dab in the middle of it as longtime Salem heroine, Dr. Marlena Evans.
It was 50 years on this date, June 21, 1976 that Hall first appeared on DAYS on NBC which was its home for 57 years before it moved to its current streaming platform on Peacock in September of 2022.
In Hall’s first episode she was introduced as a psychiatrist treating Mickey Horton (John Clarke) at Bayview Sanitarium after he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Mickey learned that his brother Bill Horton (Edward Mallory) was the biological son of Mike Horton (Wesley Eure) with his wife Laura (Susan Flannery) and that he had been lied to for years and years. From that moment on, the rest is television and soap opera history. Days of Our Lives put Hall front and center.
Photo: NBC
There were so many heartbreaking and shocking story twists involving the beloved Marlena. One of the first was the historic crib death of baby DJ (Don Jr.) in 1980, Marlena’s infant son with Don Craig (Jed Allan). The story had never been told on daytime television and Hall’s performances received accolades from TV critics to fans when Deidre received thousands of letters from grieving mothers who had gone through the same thing in their own lives.
DAYS also brought Deidre’s twin sister, Andrea Hall Lovell to the show as her on-screen sister Samantha, who had a grudge and even locked Marlena up in a sanitarium and took her place! Fast-forward and in 1982, DAYS launched the Salem Strangler story where everyone believed Marlena was his next victim, only it turned out to be Samatha. Jake Kositchek (played by Jack Coleman) was revealed to be the actual serial killer.
Later, Deidre would assume the role of Marlena’s look-alike, Hattie Adams in 2004, once played by her sister, Andrea. Over the years, Hattie has come back to Salem and caused trouble giving Hall a chance to play a different type of character, then the always upstanding Marlena.
Photo: JPI
THE LOVES OF MARLENA
Deidre Hall struck gold with all her leading men: from the late Jed Allan, to Wayne Northrop as Roman Brady, and of course, her enduring love story with the late John Black played by the iconic Drake Hogestyn. In fact, Marlena’s 1986 wedding to John (who was believed to be Roman at the time) remains a favorite of fans to this day.
TOP MARLENA STORYLINES OF ALL-TIME
While the list is long, here are several that were some of the memorable during Deidre’s five decades in Salem!
The Possession (1994- 1995)
Considered one of the most ambiguous, outlandish and unforgettable story arcs in soap opera history, then Days of Our Lives head writer, James Reilly went there! Marlena was possessed by the devil! That included; the demonic eyes, hissing at father John (Black) the priest, morphing into creatures, and the classic levitating in her bed! It became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Deidre Hall’s status as a daytime television legend. Just ask Ryan Gosling!
Photo:JPI
The Affair with John Black (1993)
John and Marlena’s forbidden love could not be denied and they had passionate affair, while she was still married to the real Roman. Problem was her daughter, Sami (Alison Sweeney) caught her mother having sex with John on a desk that changed Sami forever.
The Salem Stalker Mystery (2003-2004)
In a shocker, Marlena was revealed to be a serial killer who bumped off several Salem favorites residents who were all alive on the island of Melaswen (spelled “New Salem” backward). Turns out, she was manipulated and gaslighted by Andre DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) to do the “killings” and had no memory of her actions.
The Pier Scene (1991)
This remains Michael Fairman TV’s all-time favorite Deidre Hall moment, which featured some of the best acting in the storied careers of both Hall and Drake Hogestyn.
In the story, a presumed-dead Marlena returns after four years. One foggy night on the pier, John is alone, and Marlena steps out of the fog to reveal herself, and is reunited with the love of her life. You can watch it any year, any decade, and in any moment, and it will have you reaching for the hankies again and again. (best music score fo a soap scene of all-time too!)
Photo: NBC
Kristen’s Secret Room Reveal (1997)
Marlena was caught in Kristen Blake’s (Eileen Davidson) elaborate web of lies, when she was held hostage in a secret wine cellar/room until John managed to track her down, leading to an iconic on-screen reunion. The classic catfight between Hall and Eileen Davidson was one for the ages.
It should be noted that Maison Blanche, Queen of the Night, Possession, Aremid and Lady in a Cage were all a part of classic DAYS storyline and all featured Hall at the epicenter of it from 1993-1996.
THE RECENT YEARS OF MARLENA
In recent years, DAYS brought back the possession 2.0 storyline under then head writer Ron Carlivati in 2021 where the devil leapt back in Marlena after taking advantage of a frail Doug Williams (the late Bill Hayes)
In 2025, viewers watched the end of the love story of John and Marlena, as John succumbed to injuries sustained in an explosion saving a vial of medication needed to bring Bo (Peter Reckell) back to life. Marlena has been a widow on-screen since June of 2025 as Hall as portrayed the good doctor struggling with her grief and to move on with her life since his death.
Photo: JPI
One story that never goes away is Stefano DiMera’s (the late Joe Mascolo) obsession with Marlena, his “Queen of the Night.” Even in death, Stefano is toying with her from the great beyond with the mysterious chess set and the missing “pawn,” that he had gifted John and Marlena in his will. The mystery is currently unfolding on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives.
Tune-in to Days of our Lives on the Monday, June 22 episode as Marlena looks back at her 50 years in Salem.
Share your congratulations to Deidre Hall for this incredible 50-year milestone as Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives in the comment section. Then let us know, what is your all-time favorite storyline or moment in the life of Marlena over the past 5 decades? And, just for kicks, and to celebrate this amazing milestone, here is Marlena levitating below circa Christmas Eve 1994.
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Marlena Looks Back at 50 Years in Salem
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
Christel Khalil Reveals She Almost Quit Acting After ‘That’s So Raven’ Audition, But Then Came ‘The Young and the Restless’
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Y&R Preview: Matt Clark Asks Phyllis on a Date, Would You Be Down for the Pairing? Roger Howarth & Michelle Previously in GH’s Franco/Nina Romance
-
General Hospital2 days agoMaurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
-
Days Of Our Lives2 days agoAl Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
-
Beyond the Gates5 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Karla Mosley Weighs-in on Dani Dupree’s Love Life Endgame: Are You Team Bill or Team Andre?
-
General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Michael Puts Willow On Notice After Tracy Is Arrested
She is out of control!
Victoria Rowell is a pain in the ass that needs therapy to work out her abandonment issues. JMHO.
Victoria Rowell should of been back for fans and Neil long ago. How ridiculous they way the politic are going. Its all messed up. Look they made Victor hate Sharon when he loved her as a daughter. Now Adam they are writing wrong. Adam loved Sharon so much my screen would smoke! I can’t take Chelsea and her fake baby voice. Sharon is a real sexy women and Adam lust over her. writers please we all want Shadam back.
for something that isn’t “about her” she sure says ME a lot.
Typical narcissist!
More than that, Rob. Bottom line? MONEY !!!!. It’s always about the money.
I think she realizes she won’t be hired back and she’s really wanting to fight for more African Americans so the ones that are there don’t feel as alone as she did. She’s a strong woman who doesn’t want to back down now as she didn’t back down when under contract. If someone spat in my face, I would want them to choke on their own vomit. Imagine how a black person would feel when spat on by a white person…
She’s not a slave and does not deserve to be treated like that by anyone. Being spat on messed with her psyche. When that happened, I’m sure she felt as if she was transported back in time or she thought her “enemies” have never freed her race.
When you’re outnumbered it’s easier for injustices to continue because you have nobody to stand with you. I think she was treated like crap and she is paving the way for less injustice and more freedom.
To me, she’s a hero for the betterment of mankind. She may or may not be a wild crazy b***h, but if she is…maybe she was pushed to that point. She and her people have rights and it’s not right for others to uphold the practices of ownership of slaves.
Hi, 4ever Days.
I am sorry for speaking too soon. I did not know the dramatic and traumatic goings-on. Really, I didn’t I had no clue someon had spat on her person. That is not only inhuman, conjuring images of ‘days gone by’, but, apparently not so-gon-by, but also offensive.
If that is the case, then her agenda is genuine And I sincerely retract what I have posted.
I’m sorry, but she needs to stop talking before she really says something she’ll regret. Get over it, you’re NOT coming back to the series.
VR already knows that she is not ever coming back to Y&R. That is why she needs to make this new issue to get the spot light back on herself while attempting to frame her problems in a way to make it seem like it is about a “bigger cause”. She needs therapy.
She needs to get over herself!!! Stop playing the race card and get on with her life!! She left the show now she needs to live with her decisions!!! There are many African-American actors on Y&R!!!
Yep!
I lost all respect for her years ago. She is the one making this a race issue. If she just went in and did her job and stop the crazy. I am sure they would have taken her back. But clearly behind the scenes they knew more than we did and saw that she was only focused on causing problems then doing her job. She will not win this and will end up looking like a fool and she will not get cast in much after this. This is NOT a race issue
How do you know it’s not a race issue? Part of her claim is the lack of diversity i.e. African Americans in front/behind the camera. So it is about race. Why are people so scared to talk about race? That’s the very problem with this world. There is a race issue in the United States. You can deny. You can avoid it. But it’s there! A lot of claims she made right after she left were NEVER disputed by Sony or CBS. Example: The African American actresses had to get their hair done PRIOR to coming on set. Why? Because CBS didn’t have anyone who know how to do AA hair.
She might lose but at least she is doing something vs just sitting around. She’s always been vocal about the lack of diversity. You can dismiss it because you think she’s crazy or bitter. But she’s said this stuff even while on the show.
Lack of diversity…the race card…no, we are not scared of talking about it but i for one is sick of it being one sided…all Victoria mentions is black, black, black!!! To talk about diversity lets talk about all minorities and not just one race…how many Asians and Indian Americans…Hispanics ect do we see in front of the camera and behind it at Y&R?…i always said id like to see more diversity in our programs but its not limited to one race…and this is not just about race…VR also mentioned they wouldnt rehire her…so she IS using the race card…when the more classier Debbi Morgan was let go i didnt hear her cry lack of diversity…Empire is mostly black…should half the cast be white…no one says that show isnt diverse enough…half of this issue is about them not rehiring her as Dru…no show has to rehire any actor just because an actor wants their role back…its up to tptb if they want you back and if they dont its their right to do so especially on soaps…had they fired her…NO…she quit on her own and they didnt officially kill off the character for good…this means the character could someday return if tptb decide if and when…and if they really need the character…many characters are gone from this show…what if they all want to come back…not goin to happen…some might but not all and that still depends on those in charge…they pick and choose what characters that want to use…its not up to the actor…i dont care if your black or white…if you bad mouth my business i wouldnt rehire you no matter how good an employee you were…anyway if any blacks or other races were denied jobs behind the scenes and someone of color(white of course, they are always the bad guy now) and she had proof then just maybe id agree with her…however, she sounds like someone who only wants to work with those who are black…she is sounding very racist herself…jmho!!!
jimh(leave it to beaver)
If you are sick of talking about race and hearing about race then TOUGH. It’s a discussion that needs to be had. Sorry that it makes you uncomfortable. Yes, she quit. And she had her reasons for doing so regarding a pre-nom for an Emmy.
And who gives a damn about what happened after Debbi Morgan was let go? Victoria Rowell is NOT Debbi Morgan. I’m sure DM can speak for herself. And clearly you can’t seem to grasp what her suit is about. She isn’t playing the race card as you call it…for them not re-hiring her. I’d continue but….bored now!
I didnt say i was sick of talking about race, i said i was sick of it being ONE SIDED…also many times on this threads ive talked about race and how I WOULD LIKE ‘MORE’ DIVERSITY IN OUR SOAPS…more asians, indian americans and the reintroduction of several black characters on days…ive also mention about bringing back Dru and Olivia to the show…diversity should be about MORE than just ONE race! Enough said!
jimh(leave it to beaver) Indian American? I think you mean NATIVE American. It was enough said when I realize you are just ranting to rant. But that’s my mistake because I did see symptoms of intelligence. Clearly I was wrong.
Smooches
I agree with every word you said jimh!
I don’t believe it’s a race issue either. I think she’s just a trouble shooter. We have enough problems in the world right now without her trying to stir up issue’s that are not there. This is and always has been about her and staying in the spotlight. I don’t think she was very popular with the cast at Y & R most definitely not with the old Phyllis. If she is so worried about behind the scenes my advice is (Go back to school, get a degree in production & get behind a camera and do your own show.
Wait Anton. back when soaps like GH featured only two African American actors whose only dialogue consisted of talking about their white counterparts’ stories, we had Y&R serving us up two families of African Americans. I remember the day Drucilla got caught shop lifting by a Black cop (whose name escapes me). That cop was involved in front burner storylines all of the time. Drucllia brought with her a sister and was connected to the Abbot’s maid, her Aunt Mamie Neil came onto the scene bringing with him a brother and later, a daughter, Lily. All of the aforementioned were involved in front burner storylines for many years. Y&R is the last show which should be accused of racial discrimination as they have been ahead of all of the soaps in this regard.
Sometimes, lawsuits do need to be filed (and other unpleasant actions taken) before any real progress gets made. That said, not every lawsuit advances the cause (and that’s true of whatever the cause is). Before you applaud her too loudly for “doing something vs. just sitting around,” you may want to consider carefully whether what she’s doing is going to make things better or worse. She might have a real point—or she might not. (She comes off as an absolute nut case most of the time, but I have always said: that doesn’t necessarily mean she’s wrong.) Every time somebody plays a “card” (the “race card,” the “gay card,” the “feminism card,” the “whatever card”—take your pick), there’s a real risk that if what they’re beefing about ends up lacking substance, they will end up setting things back rather than pushed things forward, because then the next time somebody plays that same card, people pay a little less attention. It may simply be her inability to articulate her grievances coherently, but I’ve watched her statements through the years on this issue, and she doesn’t make a very compelling case. (That could mean one isn’t there, or it could just mean she can’t communicate it well enough.) Though some of the things she raises are disturbing (such as the hairdresser issue) and justify her anger, that’s a far cry from showing systematic racism and discrimination—which is going to be an uphill battle in regard to a show that consistently has had a much better record on storylines and screen time for African American characters through the years than any other soap except perhaps All My Children. And if she is really blowing smoke on this, and there’s not much to her claims, then she’s just made it harder for anyone with a legitimate racism (sexism, any other -ism) claim to get heard and to get justice—which is why I think it’s worth being careful before giving her too much applause for “doing something.”
Victoria having to have her hair done before coming in to the studio was a blessing in disguise. When she worked in Baltimore, the station sent Oprah to New York to have her hair done. She asked the hairdresser if he knew how to work with “black hair”. The hairdresser (who had a foreign accent) said yes. He did Oprah’s hair and all her hair fell out!
I am sharing this story ” tongue in cheek”. But you are absolutely right that Victoria’s experience on the Young and the Restless does demonstrate the need for diversity in hiring for behind the camera positions. African-American actresses NEED hairdressers who know what they are doing regarding African-American hair. Other races are deficient in this area. And it seems to me it would be a good business move to have personnel on staff who can work with the hair of African-American actresses. Sony/CBS could then be assured of the quality of the look of their African-American actresses. If you leave it up to the actresses to have to scramble for what they need they run a risk of inconsistent quality because things happen that are beyond the control of the actresses.
Maybe this is why there is a hiring problem in front of the camera too! Maybe Caucasian-American executives don’t want to make the effort to secure what African-American actresses will need in support staff behind the camera. Maybe they are too lazy to do so. If that is the case then the easiest thing to do is not hire African-Americans because they have needs and considerations that other races do not have. I don’t think American Indians and Asian-Americans have the same special needs regarding hair that African-Americans have.
If Sony/CBS won’t hire Victoria, maybe Tyler Perry, Spike Lee or another African-American producer will. She will work again somewhere!
Good for her!
This comment by CBS: “We harbor no ill will toward Ms. Rowell…” is beyond laughable. Their hiring practices behind the scenes is nothing short of racist. Only one African-American writer in over 40 years is an embarrassment, yet they have no shame. Ms. Rowell won’t win, but she is shining a light on Sony, CBS, and the Bells’ awful business practices.
So what. Since when do we have to hire what someone else wants or it’s called racist? Where my husband works it’s 90% family and everyone is happy. In a lot of places they only hire family why the hell do you think they call places Little Italy, China Town Jewish Community Square etc. Should we try & break them all up by telling them they have to hire whites. The problem is not African American it’s called a lot of cultures want to treat White American’s like little pee-on’s. I.M.O. This is just trouble Making.
Italians and Jewish people…though of different ethnicities and sometimes religion (there are Italian Jews) are white…just sayin’.
So tired of people playing the race card! I’m amazed that Al sharpton wasn’t there with her for his photo Op! Why is she throwing a fit when She is the one who chose to leave YR?
I wholeheartedly agree with you!!
So do I as a matter of fact I think it’s time for the body to be found and through dental records have her declared dead once & for all.
Well, there are times when the race card is applicable. This is not one of those times.
Victoria Rowell must have drank the crazy juice twice. She left the show, it was her decision, and now that she wants back on the show, TPTB didn’t want to deal with her crazy and said no, so instead of getting on with her life, she sues them!! If I quit a job, I don’t expect them to rehire me just because I made a mistake and wanted to come back. Go Away Victoria, your 15 minutes are over!
It is a shame because one can’t help but think if she had put this much time, passion and energy into her career post Y&R, she could have made the big times, like movies and wouldn’t be so fixated on this one show. Or if she had pursued social justice causes through politics or becoming a lawyer maybe she could have affected meaningful change by now. But by this course of action she is taking, she is wasting her time, talent and life— she should read Moby Dick, because she seems as obsessed with this one show as Ahab was his whale and look where that got him.
There is another article out there that states that if she does not get back on Y&R, then she wants a new role written for her on B&B. It appears she has her sights set on more then one show….
I simply no longer respect or like this woman. Just because you’re not invited back to Y&R does not a lawsuit make. She’s become a joke. One of the most self involved human beings in the history of mankind. Move on, Felicia!!
Btw…the CBS spokeman states, “We harbor no ill will toward Ms. Rowell…”. At this point, I think we ALL harbor ill will toward her.
I feel bad for Y&Rafter the year they’ve had this is another headache they have to deal with. Can you imagine the ramification if she actually wins. Would the other soaps be
forced to re-hire actors because the fans want them back? And why is she trying to get back on a show that doesn’t want her. She should be trying to get on primetime
Bringing a lawsuit against a company for not wanting to rehire you? lol. She is off her rocker. They don’t owe her anything.
Attention whore.
She left Y&R.
I’m losing whatever little respect I had for her. It’s a shame.
Victoria Rowell is true Attention Whore, for sure..
Also-
She is not right in head !!!
((She needs to take a trip to a psychiatrist and stop making fool of herself.. lol
Mo…the first 2 words in your post summed it up PERFECTLY!!!!! And…as far as I’m concerned, Victoria Rowell is nothing but a self-righteous hypocrite who needs a much-needed REALITY-CHECK!!!!! P-R-O-N-T-O!!!!!!
I am glad the issue of diversity remains in discussion. I am not happy with the acrimony here.
I have accepted Drucilla fell off that cliff and died. She was a powerful character and Miss Rowell gave her memorable vibrant life. My preference is for all to move on. Y&R needs to move forward as it rights its listing ship. I look forward to seeing Miss Rowell in other roles.
I love and respect Victoria Rowell as an actress but I hate what she is doing here. By all accounts she acted like an out-of-control diva on the set.
What I hate even more is that her faux allegation of discrimination is an insult to real cases of discrimination.
And finally, Y&R has always been the leader as far as racial diversity is concerned–they have been ahead of their counterparts for years putting African American families in front burner storylines. She needs to take control of her actions.
Bill bell adored her he helped pitch two storylines for her! LML came in like a buzz saw and started dismantling core families VR was unhappy because her peers did not pre nom her for a excuse me silly emmy they killed her off because they thought at the time Brad Bell would bring her to B&B like he had done for Eileen Davidson/Ashley. She needs to stop and think about this I use to love her character and her portrayal of Drucilla. Please stop VR and remember God does not see colr an that is all any of us should be concerned with he loves us just as we are sins and all
And if I sound preaching that is ok I have been thru hell and back the last few months with family etc! She disappoints me a great talent and you are wasting it on race most of us smart guys out here do not judge people by the color of their skin I judge you by what is in your heart!
Didn’t VR choose to leave Y&R? Strange how her lawsuit comes on the heels of Sharpton demanding an emergency meeting with Hollywood executives. Just saying.
VR won’t get her job back, but I hope this does put more African Americans in front of the cameras at Sony’s Days of our Lives!
My question is: Except for a semi-steady income, why would she want to go back to Y&R? I bailed on the show when Jill Farren Phelps came on board and haven’t been back.
However, she does spotlight valid issues that have plagued me since I started watching soaps when I was knee-high in the late 1960s. Since that time, truly accomplished and gifted African-American actors (e.g., Ellen Holly, Greta Rae, James A. Preston, Anna Maria Horsford, Peter DeAnda, Micki Grant, Kim Hamilton, Phil Morris, Michele Shay, Maidie Norman, etc.) have paraded before my TV screens with little to do except provide White characters with sage advice or a shoulder to cry on; or, when they did have storylines, it was in a vacuum that typically involved the only other AA actors in the cast.
Only a handful have enjoyed occasional front-burner status — Ms Rowell, Kristoff St John (when he wasn’t being back-burnered for the umpteenth time), Debbi Morgan, Darnell Williams, Tamara Tunie, Al Freeman, Jr. and Ellen Holly (although her status on OLTL diminished after OLTL’s first two-and-a-half years).
I fully understand Ms Rowell’s grievances. However, I doubt she will reinstated on Y&R; and, if she is, the animosity and on-set atmosphere would be too toxic to bear. I do, however, admire her for raising awareness to this matter in general.
Why aren’t you counting the two decades performance by Renee Jones in front burner storylines as Lexie Carver on Days of our Lives…A huge oversight on your part, considering she was the longest female African American lead EVER!
Lexie was huge and all the non DAYS fans missed out BIG TIME!!!
She had years when she did not have storyline. And even James Reynolds (Abe) said that daytime was racist and went on to talk about what was happening there. This is part of of the reason why Renee Jones left.
@Camp
Renee Jones rarely went without a front burner storyline. The main reason she quit DAYS was because she was tired! As for the racist remarks…They spoke of the lack of blacks on DAYS, not the lack of Renee’s/Lexie’s storylines!!!
Renee and her character was treated way better by DAYS than the African American soap viewers that chose to ignore and support her!
Why doesn’t she get another job and stop whining about this. She’s all about the $$$ and nothing else. I hope CBS sues her for anything they can.
Her talents as an actress and a ballerina have always been highlighted on the show. How can she say the things she has?…she thinks she is better than most, maybe that’s her problem. Theatre brats…
I guess something riled her up recently, basing this latest frivolous action on statute starting to run from date of last alleged infraction. I can’t take her so called ‘advocacy’ seriously since there are no palatable results as a direct result of her rants of the last 7 to 8 yrs. (Odd that there is very little to no evidence of her advocacy prior to leaving Y&R) VR is a narcissist. There are so many orgs that reach out at the HS and university levels to ensure POC interest in this field to provide available POCs for these in front of/behind the scenes positions; there are unions, POC production Cos., etc. – did she work with/thru any of them? She is supposedly a relevant actress with contacts, has she engaged them? You know, something positive that would impact not only Y&R but the industry as a whole. All I’ve seen are her rants about inequities (as they relate to her) the type of which the majority of us know about and have experienced in all walks of life.
This woman needs a Prozac the size of a volleyball and a Thorazine BIG GULP to wash it down – she’s out of control!!
VR is looking for a cash settlement she and her lawyers who are probably taking the case pro-bono are well aware she will never be allowed back on the set! i have no idea what went on over there after Bill Bell left I do know when he was running the show she pitched two storylines and he used them both. Her problem seems now to be with CBS/Sony but I do resent her including the Bells in her Twitter rampages because as far as I can tell she was well thought of by Bill Bell.
Ok, I loved her as Dru and was disappointed when SHE chose to leave. If things were that bad, why go back there? There are times when we have to move on and close doors and never look back. She does not own the rights to the character of Drucilla and if they wanted to recast the role, they could. She should make her manager earn his/her keep and LET THIS GO!
She has lost her mind. Filing a lawsuit after you quit for them turning you down is stupid. It sounds to me she needs money. If you want a job,go someplace else. There is no way she’s winning. The way she has ranted about the Bell family is awful. She would have no career today if it wasn’t for the Bell’s.
well. now both networks are in a lawsuit.
I wish you the best Victoria. Continue to fight for the rights Blacks deserve.
I agree with Antwon ; people are afraid to talk about race ; therefore, when Victoria or anyone brings it up , that person is accused of playing the race card.
One day we’ll get it right.
I agree that anyone should fight for their civil rights if they are being denied said right.. I too, hate the accusation of the race card being too liberally applied in these type of situations.
But damn it, this is not a case where the race card should be dealt a hand.
Victoria is responsible for her lack of employment due to her histrionics, her diva like fits and her apparently unstable mental state.
This has NOTHING to do with her race. To make this claim diminishes REAL cases of discrimination. She is not doing her race any favors with this frivolous lawsuit. She needs to accept responsibility for her own actions.
I wish that Victoria Rowell would STFU already!!!!! The only thing she’s succeeding in doing is alienating basically anyone and everyone she once worked with on the Y&R set…and anyone else she has worked with over the years. And if Y&R eventually decides to recast the role of Drucilla…and hopefully with an actress WITHOUT THE DIVA AND THE EGO…Victoria needs to bear in mind the following word: K-A-R-M-A!!!!!!!!!! Stupid, clueless woman.
Okay Victoria, you win, how about you Executive producing, head writing, directing and starring in the revamp #1 soap on CBS “The Young and African American!” What an ignorant women! I would NEVER watch anything she was EVER in again provided anyone is dumb enough to hire her!
What a piece of work! Talk about desperate measures to try to keep yourself ‘relevant’ and in the public eye?! She is going to alienate whatever diminishing fan base she had left by continuing her protracted campaign to get re-hired onto a show that CLEARLY has no interest. (It’s called a rear-view mirror, Diva: look into it!)
The entire 35 page court document is on-line. Why does she want to be rehired as Drucilla on YR? THE MONEY. She spoke of the emotional damage that co workers inflicted upon her..some admitted to their despicable behavior.
There’s always a risk when someone gives up a steady pay check to “persue other options”. She first asked to return to YR in 2010. She got the runaround. But was it because of her race, or her behavior?
That’s what the jury will decide..if this case makes it that far.
Victoria does not own the RIGHTS to Drucilla..even though she helped with character development.
Speaking of diversity..Bell & CBS hire gay writers and actors..but there are no gay characters on either show.
And..4 WHITE ACTORS were FIRED from YR in the past 3 years. STAY TUNED..
Yes, co-workers treated her like a slave during the ownership years. At least one co-worker spat in her face. And with the long history of sexual abuse backstage at Y&R, it’s a given that she was groped too!!
You can read the court document on Deadline.com. There are 5 defendants. Individuals were mentioned..but not named as defendants. I don’t know who she holds responsible for mental anguish..
Constitutional law: nobody is entitled to a job VR get over it move on we will see you in court!
Rebecca1 …I do understand what your saying but they still have their own little communities etc. If you go onto Victoria R. twitter it’s mostly about African American. It’s just fine to relive the getto days or slave days & I agree it was terrible but at least most of them lived. There are still a few survivor’s of the Holocaust & the stories they tell would make your skin crawl, right down to the gas chambers.. During the time of Al Capone some Italians were afraid to even go into church because these thugs would kill right on the street if you looked at them wrong. Each nationality has a story to tell but it seems like everytime we turn around their bringing out movies like “The Butler”, The Housekeepers, “Roots” “Salma” & then they wonder why things like what happened in Ferguson happened..I do get what your saying Rebecca1 I just think it’s time for V.R. to get over it & on with her life. BTW I voted for Pres. O’B because I thought he was smart,& knew how to communicate to the public unlike Winfree & V.R. I didn’t give a hoot that he was black.
What do movies like “The Butler”, ” Roots” and “Selma” have to do with what happened in Ferguson? Are young African-American men being slaughtered in the streets because African-Americans are making movies that show the African-American experience in the United States? Is this retaliation for telling the truth? Am I understanding you correctly on this? If so we need to put this on blast so the families will know why their boys were killed!
Hey Roland Martin, I’ve got some news for you about why the killing happened in Ferguson…..
I think you took what I said wrong. This last yr. or so we have had “the Butler” “Selma” “11 yrs. a slave” “The Help” and ” Mandela” just to remember a few. I’m not knocking one of those movies, & they we’re all well done but enough crying already. What these parents/grandparents/relatives are constantly telling their children about how those terrible white people treated them way back when is just putting a lot of hate in their children for the white population and in return it’s causing them to fight even if their is no problem. V.R. Is doing just that. She’s living in the past with a chip on her shoulders and using a black card against everything even trying to get her job back. She’s caused a no-win situation if they hire her back she will start her preaching to the cast & when they ignore her she’ll cry discrimination, If they don’t take her back she use her black card causing black’s to hate white’s and white’s to hate black when in actual fact they need to tell her it’s 2015, shut her mouth, stop spreading her hate, and get on with her life.
Nikki:
The only person spreading hate is you. There is no crying here by African-Americans. What happened in the past is a part of our history in this nation. It is as much a part of American history as the Revolutionary War. It is an unfortunate part of our nation’s history, but you can’t smother it or pretend it never happened.
The sad part is that there are still problems today. The difference is the tactics have changed but the motives and intents are the same. As far teaching African-American youths about our history in this nation, they understand why they experience some things today when they learn about our history. Life isn’t fair to anyone regardless of race. But there are some unfortunate truths that we African-Americans live with. Those truths include the fact pthat we have to fight a little harder than other ethnic groups in this nation. Our youths need to be prepared for what they will face in life. Learning about our history helps to prepare them for life.
If you are offended by the telling of the history of African-Americans in this nation, that is something that you will have to come to terms with. I for one will not refrain from talking about African-American history because you can’t deal with it. However what I can do is pray that you overcome whatever is bothering you.
Sony/CBS completely and totally mishandled this situation from the start. That is why they are in this mess. I have no sympathy for Sony/CBS.
Even if they were upset with Victoria, Sony/CBS could have brought her back for a few days the way they did Shemar Moore. He is on primetime TV so Shemar’s availability is limited. Sony/CBS could have brought in Victoria in a similar manner to “test the waters” and see if their issues with Victoria could be resolved quietly and under calmer circumstances. Instead, some executive do do bird pushed the situation with Victoria off into a stand-off. Thereby giving Victoria the ammunition she needed for a lawsuit! The do do bird should be fired and that salary applied to the money Sony/CBS needs to pay the lawyers handling this lawsuit.
To blast Victoria is wrong! What if it is really true that Sony/CBS has not been fair regarding their hiring practices? Is it wrong for someone, anyone, to raise this issue? What if the person raising the issue was not Victoria but someone else? What if a non-famous person who had applied for work at Sony/CBS was discriminated against and had the evidence to prove it? Would it be wrong for that person to file a lawsuit against Sony/CBS? Would that person be considered a trouble maker?
Why are persons blasting Victoria? Because she filed a lawsuit? Because she is an African-American? Or because it is Victoria, who happens to be the African-American who filed the lawsuit?
Hollywood caters to the whims and wishes of the Caucasian-American population. This time they hit a snag that will trouble them for years to come! This issue is not going away. It is just beginning!
From everything I just read and from what I’ve heard about Victoria Rowell’s departure, I strongly believe she should have brought her complaint against the (3) co-actors who did this to her. It is a crying shame when other co-actors have that much control over who I watch playing a character. Funny, I always thought the audience had that control or the current actor playing the part (meaning contract is not renewed or they decided to leave on their own). Unfortunately, Ms. Rowell will not be returning because she has probably burned too many bridges by now. However, if the writers, producers, directors are really paying attention they should realize that no matter who they put with Neil Winters as a possible mate, it hasn’t worked. So, far I haven’t liked the chemistry with any of them. Why not let Neil pull himself together by reflecting back on what he had with Dru and go forward from there. Maybe, he will find the right woman next time. He needs a woman of Dru’s character (independent, intelligent, resourceful) maybe add a twist and allow this character to have some financial pull of influence! Just saying……