Days of Our Lives director/co-executive producer Albert Alarr is leaving the long running series, after a misconduct probe and cast petition that called for his removal.
Alarr, 67, will be replaced by series producer Janet Drucker. The daytime drama will also will institute HR presence on set as per Deadline.
Series executive producer Ken Corday made the announcement in an email to cast and crew on Friday.
‘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,’ the email read.
‘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.’
The latest: Days of Our Lives director/co-executive producer Albert Alarr is leaving the long running series, after a misconduct probe and cast petition that called for his removal
‘Production will resume, as planned, on Monday with new leadership in place. As a reminder, we still have a pre-planned hiatus set for the week of August 14th.’
News broke last week that Alarr faced an internal misconduct investigation and was accused of ‘groping’ actresses on the hit show.
And yesterday Lisa Rinna, 60, who has been seen on the show on-and-off for more than 30 years, called upon Corday and Sony Pictures Television to act on the heels of the probe.
The reality star took to Instagram Stories Wednesday evening urging the higher-ups to ‘do the right thing now’ amid a report from Deadline that at least 25 cast members have signed a petition for Alarr to be replaced.
‘Protect your talent!!!!’ said Rinna, who has played the role of Billie Reed on the soap opera. ‘Listen to what they are saying – there is a petition 25 people have signed it.’
The group of actors said in the petition that many of them ‘feel – and will continue to feel – very uncomfortable and distraught should he stay involved with the show.’
It continued: ‘Many of us have either been physically or verbally violated by him, including witnessing those objectionable and offensive actions.’
The actors in the petition asked for Alarr to be replaced, adding, ‘We all want to make the most of this significant moment, not just for us in entertainment, but for our loyal viewers and the culture as a whole.’
His replacement: Alarr, 67, will be replaced by series producer Janet Drucker (pictured). The daytime drama will also will institute HR presence on set as per Deadline
Announcement: Executive producer Ken Corday (pictured) made the announcement in an email to cast and crew on Friday
Accusations: News broke last week that Alarr faced an internal misconduct investigation and was accused of ‘groping’ actresses on the hit show; Pictured with Ron Carlivati in 2022
The show was not in production last week, and its return was delayed for a week in the wake of the report. Alarr remained slated to direct an episode this week.
Rinna last week described the work environment on the set of Days of Our Lives while under the direction of Alarr as ‘disgusting,’ as on a screenshot of an article discussing the investigation, she wrote, ‘Karma is a b***h.’
The star, who returned to play her 1990s character Billie Reed for one week in 2018, went on to add: ‘Well, this took a long time… Let’s see when’s the last time I went over there and did that week on Peacock I couldn’t believe the work environment.’
‘It was disgusting, I was shocked. I let many people know, Albert included, and they didn’t do a thing until now, it seems,’ she added.
Lisa originated the role of Billie in 1992 but left the show in 1995. She reprised her role again from 2002 until 2003, from 2012 until 2013, and for a few episodes in February of 2018.
The star last returned to play her feisty alter-ego in 2021.
It was revealed July 25 that Days of Our Lives director/co-executive producer Alarr was the subject of an nine-week internal investigation after misconduct allegations were made against him by numerous parties.
The investigation launched in March – which saw 30-40 people, primarily women interviewed – was initially sparked by a complaint made by a female employee related to recent lay-offs, which also alleged that women had been ‘disproportionally impacted’ and were not receiving equal pay for the show.
Petition: The day prior Lisa Rinna, 60, called upon Corday and Sony Pictures Television to act on the heels of the probe and the cast petition to oust Alarr; Pictured 2023
Speaking out: She took to Instagram Stories urging the higher-ups to ‘do the right thing now’ amid a new report from Deadline that at least 25 cast members have signed a petition for Alarr to be replaced
Her thoughts: Rinna previously described the work environment on the set of Days of Our Lives while under the direction of Alarr as ‘disgusting’
Last return: Rinna has appeared on the show on-and-off for more than 30 years. She last returned to play her feisty alter-ego Billie Reed in 2021. She was previously under the direction of Alarr while filming for a week in 2018; Pictured on the show in 2021
The show’s distributor – Sony Pictures Television – conducted the investigation – which is said to have ‘evolved’ when misconduct allegations were made against Alarr – including claims of groping, abusive behavior, and inappropriate and crass remarks, reports Deadline.
The long-running soap opera’s cast and crew have been left in ‘shock, disbelief, disappointment and anger’ following the outcome of the investigation into Alarr which has seen him remain in his role with a written warning.
Corday Productions confirmed the investigation in a statement and said the company had ‘taken a series of actions designed to ensure a safe and respectful work environment’ – but did not elaborate on the specifics of what those measures are.
The publication reports Alarr admitted to ‘at least some’ of the allegations during the investigation, with the report completed and handed over to the show production company, Corday Productions. He has not responded to requests for comment.