Arianne Zucker Reaches Settlement Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Introduction to the Case

“Days of Our Lives” actor Arianne Zucker has reached a settlement with the producers of the show after her 2024 lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and discrimination on the set of the soap opera. Notice of the settlement was filed Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. No further details about the settlement were included. Zucker’s attorney could not be immediately reached for comment.

Background on Arianne Zucker and the Allegations

Zucker had starred on “Days of Our Lives” since 1998, playing the character Nicole Walker. In her February 2024 lawsuit, she alleged that now-former executive producer Albert Alarr subjected her and other employees to “severe and pervasive harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment, based upon their female gender.” Zucker claimed that Alarr would grab and hug her, “purposely pushing her breasts onto his chest” while moaning sexually, according to the lawsuit. She also alleged that he would make “sexually charged comments” to her.

Response from the Accused and the Production Company

“Our client continues to deny the allegations set forth in the complaint,” Alarr’s attorney, Robert Barta, said in a statement. “However, in order to bring the litigation to the end, he has agreed to settle. This decision was made solely to end the dispute and move forward.” Zucker’s lawsuit also named Corday Productions, which oversees the show, and its owner, Ken Corday, as defendants in the lawsuit, alleging retaliation. Zucker alleged that her pay was decreased and her travel stipend revoked after she voiced concerns. In June 2023, she said her character was written off the show after 20 years.

Details of the Retaliation Allegations

Several months later, Corday Productions offered to renew Zucker’s contract but allegedly did not negotiate with her representatives for higher pay, the lawsuit said. Attorneys for Corday and Corday Productions did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Corday Productions previously told The Times in a statement that Zucker’s claims “are without merit” and that she was offered a pay increase upon an offer to renew her contract. The company said at the time that complaints about Alarr’s on-set behavior were “promptly investigated” and the company “fully cooperated with the impartial investigation and subsequently terminated Mr. Alarr.”

History of the Show and Its Current Status

“Days of Our Lives” aired on Comcast-owned NBC from Nov. 8, 1965, to Sept. 9, 2022, before moving to the Comcast streaming platform Peacock in 2022.

Conclusion

The settlement reached by Arianne Zucker and the producers of “Days of Our Lives” brings an end to the lawsuit filed in 2024. While the details of the settlement remain undisclosed, the conclusion of this case highlights the ongoing issues of sexual harassment and discrimination in the entertainment industry. It also underscores the importance of addressing these issues promptly and taking appropriate action to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.

FAQs

Q: What was the nature of Arianne Zucker’s lawsuit against the producers of "Days of Our Lives"?

A: Arianne Zucker’s lawsuit alleged sexual harassment and discrimination on the set of the soap opera, specifically naming former executive producer Albert Alarr for his behavior towards her and other female employees.

Q: What was the response from Albert Alarr and the production company to the allegations?

A: Albert Alarr’s attorney denied the allegations but agreed to settle to end the dispute. Corday Productions stated that complaints about Alarr’s behavior were investigated, and he was subsequently terminated.

Q: What changes occurred for Arianne Zucker after she voiced her concerns about the harassment?

A: According to Zucker, her pay was decreased, her travel stipend was revoked, and her character was written off the show after 20 years.

Q: Where is "Days of Our Lives" currently airing?

A: After airing on NBC from 1965 to 2022, "Days of Our Lives" moved to the Comcast streaming platform Peacock in 2022.