The long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives has paused production due to an investigation surrounding Albert Alarr. Amid two ongoing strikes, production delays are happening nonstop. Another long-running soap opera, General Hospital, is hiring scab writers to work around the Writer’s Guild strike. However, Days of Our Lives, which currently runs on Peacock, is halting production for a different reason. Executive producer and director Albert Alarr has been facing disturbing allegations. 30 to 40 people, primarily women, have accused Alarr of inappropriate comments and physical contact. Such behavior has included inappropriate groping and kissing. Alarr’s behavior has allegedly been a problem for years. The investigation into Alarr’s conduct has forced Days of Our Lives into an unplanned hiatus.
Accusations Against Albert Alarr Result in ‘Days of Our Lives’ Halting Production
One former Days of Our Lives star made her own experience on set known in a now-expired Instagram story. Lisa Rinna, who originated Billie Reed on the show in 1992 and reprised the role in 2021, called the work environment disgusting. “I was shocked,” Rinna said. “I let many people know, Albert included, and they didn’t do a thing until now, it seems.” Rinna also expressed concern for the young actors who continued to work on set. Additionally, she voiced her frustrations with human resources for leaving the matter “unchecked.”
Interestingly, Days of Our Lives is distributed by Sony Pictures Television. Sony is already dealing with production halts and delayed movie release dates due to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. However, this investigation into Albert Alarr’s behavior on the Days of Our Lives set may be their biggest issue. Movie studios are under much heat since the rise of the MeToo movement, and Rinna calling out Sony’s HR department may be problematic for the production company.
Days of Our Lives went dark this week, but production was set to resume on Monday. However, the show will now remain dark until at least August 7.
