Days of Our Lives actress Arianne Zucker has brought forth a lawsuit claiming that she and other individuals were subjected to sexual harassment by Albert Alarr, the co-executive producer of the show. Zucker, who portrayed the character of Nicole Walker on the long-running NBC daytime soap opera for over 25 years, has accused Alarr of engaging in inappropriate behavior during the filming of aggressive sex scenes and threesome sequences. The lawsuit, filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Alarr made explicit comments, engaged in unwelcome physical contact such as tight hugs, and bullied female employees.
One particular incident mentioned in the complaint involves Alarr expressing his desire to switch positions with one of Zucker's co-stars during a scene. Furthermore, it is claimed that he would closely observe sex scenes being filmed from a booth and provide explicit, age-specific instructions. These allegations paint a troubling picture of an individual who allegedly abused his position of power and authority.
According to Zucker, she reported the misconduct to Ken Corday, the head of the show's production company. However, the lawsuit asserts that Corday failed to address the matter adequately following an investigation. Instead, Zucker claims that she was met with retaliation in the form of a pay cut before her character was ultimately written off the show in June 2023. The lawsuit further argues that Alarr's termination only came about after media reports emerged regarding the internal misconduct investigation conducted by Sony Pictures Television.
In response to the filing, Albert Alarr's attorney, Robert M. Barta, released a statement asserting that Zucker's allegations had already been thoroughly investigated and found to be baseless. Barta emphasized that the investigation had involved multiple individuals and lasted for two months. Ultimately, the decision was made to retain Alarr as the Co-Executive Producer of Days of Our Lives.
Albert Alarr had a longstanding tenure on the show, spanning two decades, before his departure in August 2023. His exit followed a Deadline report that exposed the internal misconduct investigation conducted by Sony Pictures Television, which revealed allegations of a toxic work environment created by Alarr. Corday Productions, Ken Corday, and Alarr himself are all defendants named in Zucker's lawsuit.
This lawsuit serves as another example of the ongoing conversation surrounding workplace harassment and the critical need for swift and appropriate action to address such claims. The outcome of this case will not only impact the individuals involved but could also have broader implications for the entertainment industry as a whole. As the legal proceedings unfold, it is essential to remember the importance of creating safe and respectful work environments for all individuals.
