Current:Home > Stocks'Days of Our Lives' star Arianne Zucker sues producers over sexual harassment-VaTradeCoin
'Days of Our Lives' star Arianne Zucker sues producers over sexual harassment
lotradecoin transaction processing speed View Date:2024-12-25 23:23:09
Former "Days of Our Lives" star Arianne Zucker is suing the show's producers for alleged sexual harassment.
Zucker, who played Nicole Walker on the popular soap opera from 1998 to when her character was written off in June, is suing former long-running "Days" co-executive producer Albert Alarr and current executive producer Ken Corday over claims of touching including groping and kissing, inappropriate comments and creating a toxic workplace environment.
Alarr's "unwelcome physical touching," where he allegedly "forcefully touched without her consent," made Zucker feel "offended, uncomfortable, humiliated and intimidated," according to the lawsuit, obtained by USA TODAY. Allar's alleged touching near Zucker's genitals left her feeling "violated."
"Alarr would frequently grab and tightly hug, purposely pushing her breasts onto his chest, while moaning 'Oh Ari!,'" the lawsuit states.
Albert Alarr, 'Days of Our Lives'executive producer ousted after misconduct allegations, reports say
The lawsuit's other allegations include claims that during certain scenes, Zucker would have to stand up and get out of the bed with minimal clothes with nothing but pasties covering her breasts in front of a mostly male crew. Alarr, her lawyers allege, was allowed to sit in the production booth during an HR investigation while Zucker's body was exposed.
The suit alleges pay disparity, saying female actors were paid less than their male counterparts; Zucker also alleges her pay was cut after reporting the allegations. She said Codray only fired Alarr once the misconduct allegations made headlines.
Zucker "did what we tell all women who experience harassment to do, and that is to report it," her attorney Anahita Sedaghatfar said in a statement to USA TODAY Wednesday. "Ms. Zucker did just that and was the voice for other women who were too scared to come forward. Rather than condone her bravery, Ms. Zucker alleges that Corday retaliated against her and because she spoke out she has lost a job she was devoted to for two decades."
Zucker is also the subject of former President Donald Trump's infamous "grab 'em" tape featuring former "Access Hollywood" host Billy Bush, according to "Today" and The New York Times.
The lawsuit against Alarr, who served as the show's director since 2003 and co-executive producer since 2011, comes on the heels of his ouster in August after allegations of misconduct were raised against him. USA TODAY has reached out to Alarr's rep and "Days of Our Lives" for comment.
Tyler Christopher,soap opera actor from 'General Hospital' and 'Days of Our Lives,' dead at 50
Arianne Zucker alleges pay gap, pay cut after raising sexual harrassment claims
Corday confirmed Alarr's departure in a statement obtained by Deadline and Variety.
"Effective immediately, Janet Drucker will be elevated to co-executive producer of 'Days of Our Lives,' replacing Albert Alarr, who will be exiting his role," Corday wrote at the time in a memo to the show's cast and crew, per the outlets. "Moving forward, we will be implementing additional HR protocols, including an increased HR presence as well as channels for reporting any concerns. It is imperative that we have a safe and inclusive workplace environment."
Zucker's lawsuit also alleges that Codray has continued a personal friendship with Alarr in the wake of public backlash from fans and viewers after the misconduct controversy surfaced.
"As part of this lawsuit we will seek to ensure that Corday provides sexual harassment training to its employees and hires an intimacy coordinator to be on set for sex scenes," Zucker's lawyer said.
In an August statement to Deadline and People after the allegations surfaced, Alarr said, "It is hard to overstate how heartbreaking I find this situation."
"These allegations were already examined in a detailed and entirely independent investigation that lasted for two months," Alarr continued. "Dozens of individuals cooperated and every claim was thoroughly looked into. At the end of that process, the decision was made that I should continue in my role as co-executive producer. Now, with no new facts presented, the studios have reversed course and caved to a cynical pressure campaign to force me out of my job."
Contributing: Edward Segarra
veryGood! (5)
Related
- Luigi Mangione Case: Why McDonald's Employee Who Reported Him Might Not Get $60,000 Reward
- Best Christmas movies to stream this holiday season: Discover our 90+ feel-good favs
- NFL’s look changing as more women move into prominent roles at teams across league
- Stock market today: Asian shares trading mixed after Wall Street rally led by Microsoft gains
- Southern California forecast of cool temps, calm winds to help firefighters battle Malibu blaze
- The Rolling Stones are going back on tour: How to get tickets to the 16 stadium dates
- Las Vegas union hotel workers ratify Caesars contract
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Surprise Appearance at Vancouver Hockey Game
- Gen Z is 'doom spending' its way through the holidays. What does that mean?
- Both sides appeal ruling that Trump can stay on Colorado ballot despite insurrection finding
Ranking
- China says Philippines has 'provoked trouble' in South China Sea with US backing
- Bahrain government websites briefly inaccessible after purported hack claim over Israel-Hamas war
- 'Miracle dog' regaining weight after spending 2 months in wilderness by dead owner's side
- Search is on for pipeline leak after as much as 1.1 million gallons of oil sullies Gulf of Mexico
- Hate crime charges dropped against 12 college students arrested in Maryland assault
- Facing murder charges, this grandma bought a ticket to Vietnam. Would she be extradited?
- Kate Middleton Reigns Supreme in Dramatic Red Caped Dress
- Do you get dry skin in the winter? Try these tips from dermatologists.
Recommendation
-
Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
-
Powerball winning numbers for Nov. 20 drawing: Jackpot rises over $300 million
-
Teachers in Portland, Oregon, march and temporarily block bridge in third week of strike
-
Brawling fans in stands delay start of Argentina-Brazil World Cup qualifying match for 27 minutes
-
China says Philippines has 'provoked trouble' in South China Sea with US backing
-
How to pack Thanksgiving food for your flight – and make sure it gets through TSA
-
Experts provide tips on how to avoid getting sick from your food
-
Dog sniffs out 354 pounds of meth hidden in pickup truck at U.S. border