Days of Our Lives has been serving drama since 1965 — but it looks like that drama may be just as relevant offscreen as it is onscreen. According to a Deadline report, the long-running soap opera’s co-executive producer and director Albert Alarr has been under investigation after staffers accused him of misconduct.
Alarr, who began working on Days in 2003 before becoming co-EP in 2015, was reportedly investigated for nine weeks after a female employee claimed women were disproportionately affected by a recent round of layoffs. Sources claim that of the seven women affected, five of them were let go or demoted to recurring status and two of them quit on their own — while only one male actor was fired.
Not to mention, of the five episodes that air on Peacock every week, only Monday’s episodes are directed by a woman, who works with three full-time male directors. Other soaps like General Hospital have four full-time female directors and only one male director.
Aside from the gender disparities, sources told Deadline that Alarr has a habit of “belittling people” — especially since coming into a position of power.
“He became much more tyrannical, I think he became much more aware of his unilateral power, and that Ken [Corday] wasn’t going to be involved in decision-making,” one source alleged, referring to the show’s other EP and Corday Productions owner. “I think [Alarr] took the ball and ran with it, and I think it’s ruined the show.”
While there have reportedly been many women who have left the show as a result, men have reportedly also been at the receiving end of Alarr’s supposed bullying. One male actor, who was not under contract at the time, departed abruptly after Alarr allegedly screamed at him for getting a hair trim in front of the cast and crew.
Others claimed he frequently made “inappropriate” comments that made “everybody feel uncomfortable” and that his directing notes were often given in “the most vulgar, crass ways.” Two sources recalled Alarr telling a male actor, “You’re fucking horny, man, you just want to fuck her,” while filming a love scene.
In other instances, there were allegations of groping, including one scenario where he allegedly grabbed and kissed an actress without her consent after the show won an award. A person close to the situation claimed the lasting impact left the actress “terrified” to be left alone with Alarr.
With no set HR department at the show, sources said there is a “huge fear factor” among cast and crew that plays a part in many refusing to speak out.
“You don’t want to challenge him, because he’s in charge of everything; he decides who stays, who goes, who get stories,” one staffer alleged. “If you are someone that was going to make a problem for him, he would just call you a budget cut and get rid of you.”
During the investigation conducted by Sony Pictures Television — in which 30-40 people were interviewed — Alarr reportedly confessed to some of the accusations.
“Corday Productions engaged Sony Pictures Television, which distributes Days of our Lives, to conduct an impartial investigation into this matter,” Corday Productions said in a statement to Deadline. “After a two-month investigation, the independent investigator produced a report with its findings. Based on those findings, Corday Productions has taken a series of actions designed to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.”
While it’s unclear what those actions are, sources told the outlet that Alarr received a written warning and will be forced to undergo training. However, he will reportedly still maintain his roles as co-EP and director.
If you or someone you know needs to reach out about sexual abuse or assault, RAINN is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE (4673), or online at RAINN.org.