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Y&R's Greg Rikaart On His Stance on Chick-fil-A Controversy & Melissa Reeves, plus Kevin's Latest Crime!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
The Young and the Restless Greg Rikaart (Kevin Fisher), who had made headlines for his stance and his blog on the Chick-fil-A controversy and fellow daytime, Melissa Reeves (Jennifer, DAYS), is once again a topic in part of the conversation in a brand new interview out today from TV Guide!
However Rikaart, one of the most talented and best young actors on daytime, also had an intriguing new plot twist to deal with on the number one soap. His soap alter-ego, Kevin Fisher is in hot water after being implicated in the sudden death of Dr. Tim Reid, all in part to trying to help the fiery Phyllis! Here are a few interesting excerpts from the conversation with TVG below!
Rikaart on getting negative responses from people who thought he may be out of line or unfair with his online tussle with Melissa Reeves: “It was very disappointing to read some of the responses. I did get a lot of support but the general tone of political discourse in this country is very disheartening. I was getting challenged by some people for having attacked Melissa Reeves when, frankly, what I said was anything but an attack. I expressed my disappointment that she has aligned herself with a company that promotes hatred and bigotry, and I stand by that. I welcome a conversation with her. It’s the only way people on different sides of an issue can meet in the middle and understand each other’s point of view. I would have loved that opportunity with Melissa but she blocked me from her Twitter account.”
Rikaart on how some people feel he attacked Melissa Reeves’ right to free speech: “No one is saying that Melissa Reeves doesn’t have a right to free speech. Dan Cathy, the president of Chick-fil-A, is also entitled to his opinions and beliefs but he’s funding organizations that are hate groups, organizations that want to criminalize homosexuality in this country and throughout the world, and that’s where Melissa Reeves’ alignment is really disappointing to me. I am proud to stand up and be an advocate for LGBT rights. This is the last hurdle of the civil rights movement. I’m glad this is such a hot-button issue. I’m glad people are so impassioned about it, even the people who are against equality for all Americans because they are reacting out of fear, fear that the LGBT community is winning. And it is winning! Part of why I stand up and am proud to be an advocate is because this is less about grownups than it is about children. This is no different than kids being bullied in a schoolyard. People wonder why there is an epidemic of bullying in this country. Well, it’s because kids are learning it from the grownups, from people like Melissa Reeves who is a grown-up bully. I believe in respecting everyone’s religious beliefs but those beliefs don’t belong anywhere near my rights or anyone else’s.”
Rikaart on how Kevin’s on-screen brother, Michael (Christian LeBlanc) may even think that his sibling may have killed shrink, Tim Reid: “Kevin is so ethically challenged it was only a matter of time before he and Michael were on opposite sides of the law, especially now that Michael is the D.A. Before this, Kevin always went to his brother for help. Not this time. He decides to lie to him, which only make things worse. Michael will insist that Kevin come down to the police station and meet with Beth face-to-face. But it’s really no crime to move a dead body…is it?”
Alright, dear soapers: Rikaart has explained his position on the negative comments towards him and his stance with Melissa Reeves and Chick-fil-A. Now, where do you stand after reading this? And, are you digging Kevin’s latest ploy gone wrong that once again had landed him on the other side of the law? Weigh-in!
He just called Melissa Reeves a bully for what she believes and yet said we are entitled to believe in what we want? I find this very two sided and confusing… just the fact he just called her a bully makes me not like him anymore. Whatever happened to loving others no matter what? Just cause Missy ate at Chick doesn’t mean she supports those organizations like Cathy does… he says he wants to talk to Melissa yet still goes to the public and says this…i find him more of a bully than Melissa at this point… maybe he should learn from Crystal Chappell on how to handle this correctly without putting others down…
Greg Rikkart said… “I believe in respecting everyone’s religious beliefs but those beliefs don’t belong anywhere near my rights or anyone else’s.”
Thats why we have seperation of church and state. hanging on to religious beliefs, before the constitution… is misleading.
Oh so get over it he got center stage for shooting his mouth off behind a computer. He is so yesterday!!!! Funny how you are a big man behind a computer would he come up to anybody’s face and shoot his mouth off I think not. JFP get rid of this troll!!!
Who is this person? He’s a big nobody and Melissa Reeves doesn’t have to respond to him. First he says he didn’t attack Missy but then in the next paragraph he’s calling her a grown-up bully. Get over yourself dude.
Greg Rikkart is not a non-entity. he’s a compassionate human being… who is advocating for our future generations… that all children have the same opportunities.
You said it Patrick!
He is not a nobody… he is a person with rights that have been denied for many many years… I applaud him for standing up for many people who do not have the forum that he has.. Very proud of him and who is he…
First of all, I think the Chick-fil-A thing has been talked about to death so I glossed over that.
I am commenting on his character of Kevin. It is not surprising that Kevin is at odds with his brother the DA since we have had 1. Daniel, 2. Phyllis, 3. Paul, 4. Abby, et al. As long as Michael is DA, everyone will be in trouble, though the fact that he is shielding Lauren is just so wrong. Let her confess and see what happens. She is a big girl.
As for Kevin. When is this guy ever going to stay out of trouble. He should just have ratted Phyllis out to Billy and been done with it. 🙂
I 100% agree that this is a form of adult bullying. Judging people because they are different than ourselves, out of fear. I agree that children learn this behavior from their parents and from the media. If Christians continue to put down/hold down/dismiss and discount the LGBT community – then the teenage bullies will continue to do so. Homosexuality isn’t going away – we need to be tolerant of each other despite our differences. In this country we have the separation of church and state and also the freedom of religion – so everyone shouldn’t have to believe in “your” religious beliefs to be entitled to the same human rights that you have. LIVE AND LET LIVE, I SAY!!!
“I am proud to stand up and be an advocate for LGBT rights. This is the last hurdle of the civil rights movement”
,,,Greg Rikkart.
“Ditto.” … Patrick.
“I stand up and am proud to be an advocate is because this is less about grownups than it is about children.”
…Greg Rikkart.
“Ditto.” …Patrick.
it’s about… stopping the cycle of closed minds. There’s no reason for angst between us… this division is effecting our future. The bigger picture of Equal rights is more than kind…. it’s loving.
Whatever, move on to something new to discuss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We will not move on until everyone has the rights that you have… have some compassion!!!
I don’t have rights like everyone else as I am a gay guy, just tired of the complaining about this issue so please do not assume that everyone who is tired of hearing this is str8.
It is your right and duty not to be stepped on by these people anymore… get up and be proud of yourself and don’t let yourself be bullied anymore Toscanti!!!!!!
right on ! There is too much suppression regarding this topic .. why ???? Homophobia is alive and well … so tragic.
“People wonder why there is an epidemic of bullying in this country”
…Greg Rikkart.
“Ditto”. …Patrick.
I will do my part to bring light to issues that lead us backward.
Civility.
I agree .. Thank you.
Well said Greg!! Also well said JMG; although I don’t think you truly do have separation of Church and State in America! Your right wing religious fanatics have way too much power IMO and that needs to change because your policies and actions affect us here in Canada.
Jeff I am in the US and I totally agree with you!
As do I. Thank you.
What Rikart chooses to believe is that he has the right to follow anyone on Twitter and in that his own special universe that everyone has to answer to him. We all have the right to follow or unfollow anyone we want. You don’t get special dispensation because you’re gay and become queen of the universe. The fallback position for striking back at someone who doesn’t agree with is to call them bigots, bullies, or racists, and Rikart is guilty of that. The people who have posed for the NoH8 campaign with duct tape over their mouths have much more of a statement than Rikart has in flapping his gums to get media attention. Maybe he should pull his head out of his sanctimonious backside and head on over the Home Depot for a roll. And maybe he should remember that free speech cuts both ways.
OH Jeff .. you are not so correct.
He is a big bully. I thought after 2o something days the story would dropped. But not with Greg he a professional bully. Its sad how he treats people.
He is our Martin Luther King of our day! Go Greg Go!!!!!!!! Melissa has learned her lesson and is a better person now for all of this happening..
Oh come on .. he’s no bully, for the right to FREELY EXPRESS HIS OPINION !
@allie.
“…after 20 something days the story would be dropped.”
It’s disheartening how people are treated. I could use the cliche… if this saves and/or helps even one person…. well, that 20 days of bringing to light… is a lifetime of just tolerance for a lot.
greg is the one that the bully and doing twitter and out in the media. Melissa mad one statement . Greg made 20 days worth of statement. He a bully.
Greg says he “reached out” to Melissa, and he was willing to have a conversation, but she “blocked him on Twitter”. Get off of Twitter then, and call her on the phone! Or write her a letter, send her a personal email. Why does this have to take place in the public arena? Greg is an attention hog, and self-righteous as well. I can’t believe he’s still harping on this.
“Why does this have to take place in the public arena?”
@maddiehayes.
I’m enlightened.
en·light·ened/enˈlītnd/Adjective: 1.Having or showing a rational, modern, and well-informed outlook.
2.Spiritually aware.
Patrick, the trouble is, this is not a “well-informed” debate, it is full of hyperbole from the left. If I thought Chick-fil-A was even HALF as bad as the left has made it out to be, it would not be getting all the support it is today. I know I wouldn’t be supporting them. When I hear hysteria from the right OR the left, I go to snopes.com. BTW, in a recent poll of New Yorkers, only 13% are boycotting Chic-fil-A.
This needs to be ” harped ” on.
Is he openly gay?
These are the inconsistent ramblings of a ,seemingly,very bitter and hate-filled person.If you disagree with Rikaart you are demonized and then he innocently states I attacked no-one. Then he goes on to call Ms.
Reeves a “grown-up bully” and ties her somehow to schoolyard bullying.That’s not an attack?Mr.Rikaart is
neither as smart nor as correct as he arrogantly believes he is.
Mellisa is a bully and coward for not speaking up, she is the one with her head up her a##.
Ditto!
I could say that; but look at it from another point .. some might express the idea that she is doing the correct thing by NOT getting into this subject .. that her hesitation is statement enough … Often silence is the loudest scream … I do agree, however , that she might have countered with a statement. I also have the feeling that cowardice could be interpreted as her middle initial.
Greg Rikkart is obviously a man of conviction. Good for him for standing up and calling bully. When someone is actively supporting an organization that not only donates but promotes hate groups, someone has to take a stand. Good for him. As JMG said, the LGBT community isn’t going away, and the sooner people realize that everyone deserves equal rights, the better off we will be.
I think so, too. He took risks in composing that article. Career wise, he might feel the backlash of this. As another example, a young actor who originally portrayed ” Adam ” Chris Engen … abruptly left the show when he learned of a portentially ” homosexual ” scene with the character Raff … He ruined his own career doing so .. the manner in which he departed. Michael Muhney replaced him. I have not seen him on any production since. He was obviously homophobic. It may work both ways.
I am proud to have Greg (as my fellow American) stand up for the right thing! It’s funny how he mentions the c***-*-* supporters are afraid the side for human rights is winning, because I just got back from school and my teacher mentioned change. Why do we need change?: To Grow, etc. Why don’t people want change?: Because they’re afraid, and they want to feel secure. In this matter, it’s also because they want to condemn people for what they think and what they believe in, because they think that will make the LGBT community turn “straight”. What can you do to support change?: Have constructive conversations, and stand up against the segregation of LGBT people from ****-***-* restaurants! I really hope Melissa sees this side of things, but that’s not any of my business, really. It’s just that no one ever said people can’t talk about their foggy (and frankly) ignorant views on “marriage between a man and woman”. Also, I didn’t know ***-***-* was financially supporting hate groups and the criminalization of the LGBT community. You just can’t ostracize people, and separate them from the people who think it’s still okay to be rude and sinful (meaning hating on others for being gay)! If you don’t open your eyes and seek the root of this human rights violation, it is because you are afraid that the world will change and the LGBT community will get more rights that you think only “straights” are entitled to. If you don’t have love in your heart, you are only going to prolong the division, estrangement, and alienation that’s going on in this country. It is truly sad…WWJD? We all want to be done with this. This is not the 50’s and 60’s when ignorant people supported the segregation of African Americans and Caucasians. I am very disappointed in those who call themselves “Christians” and then judge people like they are God! Now that’s an abomination!!! I am not judging you, I am trying to open your hearts and have empathy and love for your neighbor like Jesus loves you! Just be open-minded when you do get the opportunity to speak with people who are different than you! And when you do see the truth, I will forgive you and welcome a true, Christ-like friendship with you!
Wonderful post. Thank you.
Bullying is the consistent targeting of someone (or in this case a group of people) because they are vulnerable and/or different. It usually involves a real difference in levels of power which is why people have said that bullying is a gateway activity to future hate crimes and domestic violence.
Neither of these actors has the capacity to bully the other in this circumstance–they are public figures and what they do and don’t stand up for is subject to disagreement, even vigorous disagreement. Them disagreeing with each other is not bullying (and neither of them has claimed that the other bullied the other).
The head of Chikfila uses his profits to fund groups that are committed to discrimination against the lgbtq community which is a whole other level of activity than free speech. Boycotting his company to say we don’t want to support legislation to discriminate against any group here or overseas is legitimate political activity and is a form of standing up to bullying.
As for the importance of this issue and why some of us continue to “harp” about it, gay teens have one of the highest suicide rates of any group. People are still beaten to death for being gay. And there are the slow emotional deaths of people who are afraid to let people know who they are because of people publicly accepting such bullying and terrorism. That’s why it matters, And that’s why it matters when someone of Melissa Reeves public stature supports such a company in the name of free speech. She may be face to face a nice person who would give anyone, gay or straight the shirt off her back–but when someone supports people who support hate even by something as stupid as buying a sandwich, they deserve to be called on it.
This post is so inspiring, Michael. Homphobia and Racism, two of the biggest evils in our society and world. When will that day come when people are loved and accepted for whoever they are? No human is superior or better than another; we are all equal. Does not matter how we choose to live our lives. Life is the best and most precious gift, and everyone has a right to cherish it.
I need an apology from Melissa…. I had been a fan of hers for over 20 years.. She needs to put a statement out instead of running away from the problem and having her friends speak for her….
YESSSSSSSS !
Selective outrage for Mr. Rikkart is very telling. Funny the self righteous Rikkart was silent on the hate filled LGBT community member who rushed into a conservative think-tank and violently attacked its members. Pushed to violence by such demagoguery on the left. Gay mafia will not be tolerated anymore. People are bullied, threatened, businesses blackmailed and now shot for daring to use your freedom of opinion against the gay cabal. Not a way to win over another side. I STAND WITH MELISSA AND HER FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
@Lynn Anderson.
“Pushed to Violence by such demagoguery on the left.”
dem·a·gogue/ˈdeməˌgäg/Noun: 1.A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.
2.(in ancient Greece and Rome) A leader or orator who espoused the cause of the common people.
i read this as – targeting said peoples “weaknesses”…. hence, hearing and reading the same “arguments”… it’s a sin. pray for the sinner…. bigot…hatemonger… There’s not much you can do to justify your position… We all have minds. it’s keeping alive… that we are created equal.
Your post, IMO… obviously reads…that shared traditional values (groups) and religious freedoms’ would adhere to such tactics… however, tried and “true”… and for however long… this debate… will continue…. finding peace is the common denominator.
Pompous Ass/pom-pus ass/noun: 1. A person who writes posts like the one above.
2. (in modern-day America) A person who needs to remove his rather large head from his backside.
Lynn… I wanted the rose garden… I just am tired of those thorns!!! I want equal rights for all!! That is all…
Others stand with Mr. Rikkart, and his freedom of speech. No one is denying the
“right” of both parties to express their opinions, but Ms. Reeves has chosen not to.
This guy is absurd. Leave Missy alone. So what if she went and ate at Chik Fil A that day. OMG, nearly EVERYONE was there!! They had lines around the buildings at their restaurants so she wasn’t the only one who was there supporting them. The restaurants weren’t empty and she was the only one who was there. What about all the other people who supported it??!! I wanted to go but didn’t want to wait in those long lines. I don’t see him griping at other people who tweeted that they ate there but boy he sure had to slam her. Missy has got to be one of THE most down to earth person I’ve ever met and I stand by her and glad that I’ve never met this jerk
It is not the fact that Melissa went to Chi Fil A… it was that she boasted about it on Twitter and by her doing so… she was supporting Anti Gay business publicly. In her profession, she is in the public and has many gay fans for many years. By her “publicly” announcing her Chic Fil A to support and the businesses anit gay views, Melissa made a statement about Gays. I choose to leave her as a fan and not support her at Days of our Lives anymore, since her actions tell me that she feels that she is better and more entitled to having rights that I as a gay man am currently not entitled to. I did not decide to be gay.. I was born this way.
I am not a fan of cities banning Chic fil A from from their cities because of their views. I don’t need to support them. When someone that I admired for over 20 years publicly supports and boast about going to Chic Fi A, I have a problem with it. It hurts to know that someone that I have been a fan of and who has been in my life for over 20 years weekly by watching a soap … does not support the rights of Gay Marriage… and by her actions tells me that I am “less than” .. it is just not right. As a public person, she should keep her opnions quiet knowing that many gay people were fans of hers.
Now I really can not understand how any of you that are writing and supporting her actions can support her. She has made not apology. Today was Jack’s meoriat service.. Now I can never see Matt ever saying this. I chose to no longer support Melissa in her career. Why would I support someone that thought I was less than her??? I know this is very difficult for all of the straight people on her writing these comments. Try to see the other side… Try to put yourself in someone elses shoe that grew up knowing that they were different and gay, but knew that if they came out .. they would be shunned because they were gay.. Everybody deserves to be treated equal.. and have equal rights!!!
Oh stop that s–t.
I don’t have to stop anything. “Freedom of speech” remember!!!???? Whatever!!
Chick-Fil-A does NOT promote hatred and bigotry. A company can and should be able to express their religious beliefs w/o the pressure of public officials like Rahm Emmanuel of Chicago and whoever from Boston to use political machinations to BULLY businesses into agreeing w/ their stance on same gender marriage. The very idiotic Christine Quinn of New York was the worst though when she actually uttered that New York is abt “diversity” yet she is unaccepting of an opinion divergent from hers. Such hypocrisy!
If ppl don’t like Chick-Fil-A’s opinion on gay marriage then don’t buy their food! It’s the mainstream left-leaning media like CNN w/c is breeding hatred towards Christians by equating being against gay marriage as being “anti-gay”. CNN and the left attack Christians bec they don’t fight back physically. The mainstream media is biased and is full of hatred towards those w/ traditional opinions and Christian beliefs. Would CNN ever report on the homeless black man reading a Bible being verbally harrassed and chalked and called as a closeted gay and BULLIED by gay men outside of a Chicago CFA? Of course not bec it doesn’t go w/ the left’s distortions abt CFA being “hateful” when it is not. And how did CFA employees treat those clueless people protesting outside of the now even more successful Chick-Fil-A branche? The CFA employees gave them water! How HATEFUL of those Chick-Fil-A employees!
CNN falsely was claiming that CFA’s business was hurt by this “backlash”. Chick-Fil-A broke records w/ sales bec people were buying food to support the IDEA that people can have differing opinions! It was a great success. rikaart is another out of touch Hollywood “actor” who doesn’t get that it’s the bullying tactics of the left w/c is actually the most hateful and bigoted towards Christians.
BTW if CFA is “hateful” bec of their traditional religious beliefs then where was the left’s vitriol towards the Obama administration when they were against same gender marriage? Oh that’s right there was none. It’s bec their opinion on gay marriage “evolved” conveniently right before all of the ostentatious fundraisers from Hollywood elite like George Clooney and Vogue’s Anna Wintour where they bash the 1% yet how much is a plate for those fundraisers? Hollywood and mainstream media like CNN are the same. They are stupid and promote hatred for Christianity thru social engineering yet the issue is not abt “hatred” for gays but abt having religious beliefs and differing opinions. Ppl should tolerate opinions that differ from theirs and not BULLY people.
Try to put yourself in someone elses shoe. instead of praying… for the sinner, and his or her LIFEstyle.
That in itself… is a foretold conclusion?
But they reached too far, and their best efforts were not enough to create the sustained endeavor their vision “foretold”.
Equality for All. Now, that’s a truth.
Who cares if she is in the public eye and stated it. A lot of people who aren’t in the public eye “boasted” that they went to Chik fil A that day whether they are in the public eye or not they stated that they attended and that they supported their decision. And I’m sure if she “boasted” that she didn’t attend you would be doing the happy dance. I’m tired of hearing I was “born this way” and feel that if you don’t support then you don’t believe in equal rights. Straights are expected to support gays but not the other way around. I just don’t think its fair that she got slammed for this entire thing and people won’t support her work anymore. Yet if she didn’t say anything on Twitter everyone would still be a fan even though she could be typing away one thing and slamming people but no one seems to care.
I am in sales… so why would I go into one of my clients that is buying my product and bring up “gay issues” with him if I knew he did not approve on Gay issues. I need his business and want his business… Melissa has fans.. many gay fans… and she went public to “boast” that she is supporting “Chic Fi La”. Not a smart move…. She needs to be much smarter if she wants to maintain a fan base that wants to see her on shows… It is business…
NBC would be idiotic if they kowtowed to angry people who demanded Missy be fired bec they think she’s “intolerant” and they’re “tolerant” because these same “tolerant” people are clueless abt the real significance of CFA Appreciation Day. But this wouldn’t surprise me bec NBC stands for No Brains Channel and it has a sumptuous track record of offending people. This is the same network w/c aired the Today show Olympics coverage practically everywhere on the planet w/ stupid Matt Lauer at the helm who made condescending comments abt various countries during the NBC Olympics coverage. It even began a Shut Up Matt Lauer hashtag. And NBC is the same network w/c claims that Romney has absolutely no percentage of black people that would vote for him. Anyone w/ a brain would know that statistically that is absolutley bonkers and led to yet a new hastag: black conservatives for Romney! But this is NBC and this ties w/ the CFA kerfuffle. NBC is abt crafting a narrative to favor the democrats and the left leaning media no matter how far-fetched and outlandish their narratives are and no matter how stupid it makes the left look. This explains the ridiculous assertions from the left that Romney has no black voters w/c is statistically wrong. They paint CFA to be homophobic when it clearly is not “anti-gay” and the only people that are hateful are those that are not open to other people’s opinions and beliefs.
The “business” isn’t anti-gay. Do they refuse to serve gays? Do they have signs saying “No gays allowed? So don’t say it is an anit-gay business. Do they discrimnate against gays for empoyees? (I don’t know the answer to this question, but that would be a better argument than his personal opinion on the subject). The owner just happens to have an opinion on gay marriage etc. that doesn’t coincide with the opinion of gay marriage etc. supporters. It is his right just as much as it is of the opposition to support it. If you don’t like his views, and you think you are supporting them by visiting his resaurants, don’t go.
ANTI-people…. ANTI-anyone. if this doesn’t stop you in your tracks…. Reasoning, that we’re better off together.
Chick-Fil-A employs lgbtq people. Chick-Fil-A does not deny food to lgbtq patrons. Businesses can contribute to the causes they like. Starbucks contributes to same gender marriage advocacies. Where are the boycotts from “hateful” Christians against Starbucks? There are none. Where are the protests outside Starbucks branches from “intolerant” Christians? Oh right there are none. Where are the politicians that use their office to bash and threaten to make it difficult for Starbucks to open branches? None. And yet it’s hilarious when a politician like openly lesbian Christine Quinn of “progressive” and “liberal” new york urges nyu to drop Chick-Fil-A bec ny is abt “diversity”.
And is the huffington post that desperate for readers? They actually interviewed rikaart who bless his heart is very out of touch and clueless bec CFA Appreciation Day is a triumph for all businesses.
Where is huff’s interviews w/ Missy? Where’s a huff article where she can share her side of this kerfuffle? None as usual from the left-leaning and social engineering huff while rikaart gets his taste of a little attention outside of the daytime soap realm.
huff has to use this interview bec the left’s hate-fueled narrative against Chick-Fil-A was defeated during this culture war. CNN claimed that CFA’s business was “hurt” by the backlash. Yet CFA garnered even more financial success bec CFA Appreciation Day had record breaking sales. Yet there was no mainstream media coverage for the lines of people patronizing CFA w/ their dollars.
CFA employees showed CLASS by offering water to the clueless protest pawns of the left-leaning media. But of course the mainstream media had to label CFA Appreciation Day as a “day of intolerance” to poison people’s minds against Christians.
lgbtq people. q? lgbtq patrons. q?
lesbian gay bisexual transgender quality people. that’s right… thought you meant as much.
The letter q means queer. The word queer is not a pejorative and has been co-opted w/ shows like the blip under the radar Queer As Folk Uk and its remake. But bless your heart you thought q meant quality. I dunno if you’re a liberal and frankly I don’t care. But your reply is typical liberal projection. Liberals scream when Romney uses the term “kitchen cabinet” bec to them it’s offensive and “racist”. And yet liberal trash like Bill Maher can tweet his question if Paul Ryan is gay as an obvious homophobic put down. Bill Maher has hurled slurs and racial epithets at vocal conservative minorities. The left leaning media and its brainwashed lefties don’t scream abt the blatant homophobia and racism spewing from liberal figurehead Bill Maher. But the left screams abt “racism” from a benign term like “kitchen cabinet” w/c is very similar to the innocuous term queer w/c you mistakenly thought meant a dig abt “quality”. Strange social engineering at it’s best. This argument is clearly going nowhere when you’re grasping at straws w/ the word “quality” bec you can’t refute the double standard of the liberal media and the brainwashing left w/ regards to religious opinions. The whole point is this: people who push for tolerance become intolerant when they BULLY businesses bec they disagree w/ their Christian beliefs. This debate is done. You lose the argument Patrick. There’s no point discussing anything w/ you. CFA’s success is a triumph for everyone who believes in expressing their opinions and agreeing to disagree and tolerance.
Well said Greg! He’s right — religious views belong NOWHERE near the God given rights of human beings and their right to marry whom they love. He never attacked her and quite welcomed her to let him in on her views completely, and she shut him out. And she acted like a weak, defenseless wimp. Staying quiet is getting her nothing. If she cannot back up her damn words, then she shouldn’t say shit, quite frankly.
Freedom of speech is a good thing. It goes in all directions. I’m going to use my freedom of speech here: “Bigot is as bigot does.” Oh, also, I don’t watch DAYS any more, and I don’t eat at that chicken sandwich place. Freedom of speech can also be exercised by NOT talking. Maybe if people respected each other more and kept their mouths (or their twitter accounts) shut, we’d all get along a lot better. Just saying…….
I am in total support of Greg Rikkart’s article. While I won’t shy away from discussion, I must comment that he brings out some very ugly truths, and no one wants that, correct ?
Melissa Reeves is entitled to her opinion, but I don’t share it, not at all. I do not consider Mr. Rikkart a ” bully ” in any manner. People need to read this and think …..
I take pride in the fact that Mayor Thomas Menino of Boston, my state capitol, has banned Chik-Fil-A from ever having an establishment in Boston.
Actually, legally he cannot ban Chick Fil A and since his openly wanted to disregard Federally law, he retracted his statement and admitted that he could not block them from coming.
I support Chick Fil A, Star Bucks, Microsoft, JcPenney, and other organization or companies that stand up for what they believe in. Greg, like most new age liberals and repubs are bullies. All of these companies have donated money into what they believe in. I do not believe in gay marriage but Starbucks does. Guess what? I still drink my Caramel Frapp. Looks like the closet is closing in on Greg or maybe not. Sounds like a publicity stunt to me. I am African American and anyone who tries to compare Gay Marriage with being in a crowded ship, hosed down, and sitting on the back of the bus is delusional in thinking, It was criminalized for interracial marriages; how many people went to jail for trying to obtain a marriage license for being gay? What about the polygamist who are actual arrested everyday for their beliefs? Where is your voice for them? There is nothing new under the sun.
Love Jennifer Reeves. Love the nasty Hollywood double standard also, where if you’re extremely liberal you can say anything and everything you want and be championed for it, but if you have anything nearing conservative values you get bashed as a “hater”. Ridiculous how shamefully people behave with the advent of the Internet and social media anonymity.
“one of the most talented actors in daytime” is like saying someone is a great single a baseball player. it’s a joke.
2nd, this clown hates anyone who he doesn’t agree with, just like all liberals.
it’s not a crime to not like gay marriage. and he lives in a state that twice voted gay marriage down. he should more concerned about his co-workers who, to his face because of political correctness, claim to support him, yet in the voting booth stab him in the back.
I for one don’t care if he’s a pickle nibbler or not. but the fact he has to slam people who don’t like his lifestyle demands a stern talking to.
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.
General Hospital
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).
On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..
In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”
GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW
So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!
FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD
As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”
Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.
So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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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
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)
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
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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
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