Actress Camila Banus recently shared a cryptic message on social media about her former costars at Days of Our Lives, expressing her disappointment in how she was treated by some individuals during her 13-year run as Gabi Hernandez on the show. The message included references to snakes and alluded to certain individuals staying silent about inappropriate behavior. Banus cited the show’s move from NBC to Peacock, as well as failed negotiations regarding her schedule, as factors that led to her decision to exit the series in November 2023.
Shortly after Banus announced her departure, news emerged of an internal investigation into allegations of on-set misconduct against the show’s director and co-executive producer, Albert Alarr. The investigation was prompted by claims of groping and non-consensual kissing by Alarr. Following the investigation, multiple cast members signed a petition calling for Alarr’s removal, which ultimately led to his departure from Days of Our Lives in August 2023. These events have shed light on issues of workplace misconduct and mistreatment of female employees in the entertainment industry.
Former Days star Arianne Zucker filed a lawsuit earlier this year against the show’s production company and executive producer Ken Corday, alleging harassment, retaliation, discrimination, and wrongful termination. Zucker claimed that she and other women were subjected to sexual harassment on set and that Corday was aware of Alarr’s alleged misconduct. The lawsuit also mentioned instances of unequal treatment of female employees compared to male employees, with examples of berating, impossible tasks, and unfair dismissals.
Days of Our Lives denied the allegations made in Zucker’s lawsuit, stating that they had offered to renew her contract with a pay increase and had promptly investigated complaints about Alarr’s behavior. The production company asserted that they fully cooperated with the investigation and took appropriate action by terminating Alarr’s employment. Despite the denials, the lawsuit raised concerns about the treatment of female employees in the industry and highlighted the need for accountability and change in workplace culture.
The fallout from these incidents at Days of Our Lives has sparked conversations about workplace dynamics, misconduct, and power dynamics in the entertainment industry. Banus’ cryptic message and Zucker’s lawsuit have drawn attention to the experiences of women working in television and the need for more transparency and accountability in handling misconduct allegations. As the industry continues to grapple with issues of harassment and discrimination, these events serve as a reminder of the importance of creating safe and inclusive work environments for all employees, regardless of gender or position.
Moving forward, it is crucial for productions like Days of Our Lives to prioritize the well-being and safety of their cast and crew members, address any instances of misconduct promptly, and implement measures to prevent future incidents. The industry as a whole must work towards fostering a culture of respect, support, and equality, where all individuals feel empowered to speak out against inappropriate behavior and where perpetrators are held accountable. By addressing these issues head-on and actively working towards positive change, the entertainment industry can create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all those who contribute to its success.
