EXCLUSIVE: The drama continues on Days of Our Lives as the cast takes matters into their own hands. A petition has been signed by over 25 cast members, calling for a new leader on the show. The petition comes in response to recent allegations of misconduct and a toxic work environment involving co-executive producer/director Albert Alarr. Despite the investigation, Alarr remains in charge at the beloved daytime drama. The cast is demanding a director-producer who commands their respect and trust. They want to make a significant change not just for themselves, but for their loyal viewers and the industry as a whole.
The allegations against Alarr are described as “traumatic and disheartening” in the petition. Many cast members claim to have been physically or verbally violated by him, with some even witnessing objectionable and offensive actions. The cast is united in their belief that Alarr’s involvement with the show is unacceptable.
The situation has caused a halt in production, with last week being dark and an extended hiatus for this week. The investigation was triggered by a complaint of gender disparity in pay and recent layoffs on the show. It has since evolved to include misconduct allegations against Alarr. The accusations involve inappropriate comments, touching, and even forceful kissing. Multiple testimonies have been shared, with many current and former staff members corroborating the claims.
The new information includes additional incidents that shed light on Alarr’s behavior. One incident involved Alarr making a derogatory remark towards an actress in front of the entire crew. Another incident involved him making a sexually explicit comment to an actress on her last day. Witnesses have also described Alarr’s directing notes as vulgar and crass.
Alarr’s behavior has created an uncomfortable and hostile work environment for many on the show. The cast is determined to bring about change and ensure a safe and respectful workplace. They are committed to making the most of this moment, not just for themselves, but for the entire entertainment industry.
New Allegations: The shocking incidents continue to emerge. One actress was humiliated by Alarr’s derogatory comment in front of an all-male crew. Another incident involved Alarr making inappropriate remarks during intimate scenes. Witnesses have also revealed that Alarr has a habit of making crude comments over a loudspeaker for everyone to hear.
The cast and crew are speaking out against Alarr’s behavior, despite the fear of retaliation. They are determined to create a better working environment and hold Alarr accountable for his actions. The petition serves as a powerful statement of unity and a demand for change.
Days of Our Lives is facing a pivotal moment, and the cast is determined to make a difference. They are standing up against misconduct and toxic work environments, not just for themselves, but for the industry as a whole. The petition is a call for a new leader who will prioritize respect and create a safe space for everyone involved in the show.In the world of adults, there’s often a fine line between harmless flirtation and inappropriate behavior. But on the set of this particular show, the line seems to be crossed far too often. It starts with a friendly hug, but then it lingers a little too long. And then comes the famous line, always accompanied by a chuckle and the reminder that there’s no HR department to report to. It’s a pattern that’s been repeated countless times, as revealed by several individuals interviewed for this story.
One actress shared her experiences of being physically moved or treated as a co-star during camera rehearsals. And every time, the director would let out his signature giggle, leaving her with no choice but to keep moving forward. Speaking up could mean losing her job, so she stayed silent.
It’s shocking to hear that this behavior went unnoticed during the #MeToo movement. Long-time staffers express their surprise and disappointment, wondering how this could still be happening in this day and age. In fact, they claim it’s only getting worse on this particular show.
But it’s not just the lack of HR support that’s concerning. Employees reveal that they haven’t had an HR meeting in years, leaving them with no mechanism to seek help when needed. It’s a frustrating situation, where reporting incidents often leads to them being brushed under the rug. The fear of losing their jobs keeps them silent, creating an environment where personal lives must be kept secret.
Actors on the show also face the constant reminder that they are replaceable. This adds to their stress and anxiety as they try to provide for their families. They’ve seen colleagues being let go, only to be brought back later as if they were mere toys.
The recent budget cuts on the show have only added to the tension. Cast and crew members are now facing pay cuts, with some even having to dip into their savings just to make ends meet. Scenes are rushed, and blocking is done during lunch breaks, leaving the crew exhausted and beaten down.
Transparency is another issue. Employees were not informed about the investigation into the director’s behavior or its results. The lack of communication and action from the show’s producers is disheartening and deafening. It’s clear that the silence is not only affecting the morale of the staff but also their trust in the show’s management.
It’s worth noting that the owner and executive producer of the show has not been involved in the day-to-day operations for years. Responsibility was handed over to the director, who received a written warning and was asked to undergo training after the investigation. This decision has left many employees feeling let down and unheard.
Overall, it’s a troubling situation that needs to be addressed. The well-being of the cast and crew should be a top priority, and it’s time for the show’s management to take action and create a safe and supportive work environment.“I was always grateful to Ken, and I always had hopes that he would do the right thing, and what we’re seeing is that he’s not, and that’s very sad to me,” a longtime DoOL employee said. “It’s very sad that he’s chosen one person over the entirety of the show, and the integrity of the show.”
Reached for comment, Corday Prods. referred to the company’s statement issued to FilmmakerFocus last week, in which it confirmed that Sony Pictures Television has been engaged to “conduct an impartial investigation into this matter.” “After a two-month investigation, the independent investigator produced a report with its findings,” the statement continued. “Based on those findings, Corday Productions has taken a series of actions designed to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.”
Alarr, whose wife also works on DoOL as a writer, did not respond to a request for comment. Sony TV declined comment.
For the cast members, who signed the petition calling for Alarr’s removal, it comes down to accountability.
“If any of this had come out about any actor or actress, even remotely close, even if it was just an allegation, not even something that was true, they’d be gone,” a performer said in reference to the investigation against Alarr. “The actors are held to a standard, and the fact that a producer isn’t, it’s just madness to me.”
Added another, “Where are the people helping out the ones who feel voiceless? What is also sad is that you feel like is that this guy gets to get away with it because not enough people are coming to our rescue.”
As for the cast’s ultimate goal, “all we’re trying to do is create a safe, balanced and fair work environment,” one of them said. “We want this beautiful show to continue for as long as we can. We want all these people to have jobs.”
This is not the first time actors on DoOL have had to take things into their own hands.
“It’s really a place in which the actors have had to take care of each other, check in on one another, ‘are you OK?’,” one performer said. “Even during intimate scenes, it’s the actors taking care of one another to make sure they’re comfortable. Because that that level of consideration doesn’t come from the top, which is unfortunate.”
One actor pointed to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, which does not pertain to soap actors who are employed under a different SAG-AFTRA contract “even though we’re dealing with and facing a lot of the same things that they’re striking about, if not more, in some cases, because it’s a big-time forgotten about area of the business,” the person said. “That being said, the actors and some crew are having to band together and call for change because it just doesn’t seem as if it’s happening.”
