In response to the statement ATWT released regarding Martha Byrne's (Lily) departure from the show, Martha said the following in the latest SOD:

"I have never commented on contract negotiations with AS THE WORLD TURNS throughout my 23 year association with the show. It was always a private and personal business matter. I decided to comment now to clarify the statement the show chose to release about my departure. Last year, understanding the impending fiscal restraints the show faced, I willingly signed a one-year contract with a substantial pay reduction. With six weeks remaining on that contract, the show began negotiations on a new one. I made it known I was willing to sign a multi-year contract and was committed to stay with the show. After less than three weeks of talks, we hit an impasse, which often happens with negotiations. I then learned the show that same afternoon put out a breakdown for my immediate replacement. That was the end of any further negotiations for me. Unfortunately, I what I thought to be a reasonable and workable request, the shwo determined to be unworkable.

I want to thank all the loyal fans who, over the course of two decades, have unconditionally supported me and the characters of Lily and Rose," she continues. "It was a wonderful journey, one I sincerely hoped would continue. I consider myself fortunate to have shared so many years with you. A door has been closed, but I have always found it to be true that another one soon opens up. Until then! Love to you all, Martha."

:angry:

I have no words......

TIIC at ATWT(specifically Goutman) are bastards. Martha should have gotten what ever she wanted! I'm glad Martha called their bluff.

From what I understand all MB wanted was a say in what her character does. Goutman should have given that to her.

Wow. I'm too speechless for words.

ATWT does not understand what a huge loss she is for them. Such a shame.

It says a lot that Martha Byrne has had enough of Goutman's bullcrap. Martha used to be Goutman's biggest cheerleader -- think about around the time she won the Emmy -- and now she's leaving on bad terms. Goutman needs to go; the show is bleeding out!

Good luck, Martha. You have been a huge asset to ATWT for so long, and it sucks that they treated you like this.

I'm so pissed.......I can't even put it into words how badly this infuriates me.......

Edited March 7, 200817 yr by Actor87

I cannot believe how utterly unprofessional and horrible ATWT/P&G/Goutman was to Martha Byrne. She's one of THE STARS of ATWT and ATWT will have a HUGE void when she leaves. I hope AMC or ONE LIFE picks her up. I could see her on AMC maybe as Lainie Cortlandt or Kelsey Jefferson.

Whoa, I think she might be a little ... mature for Kelsey. But, I wouldn't mind seeing her play Bonnie McFadden. (And while we're at it? Lisa Brown as Devon, too.)

OMGosh, Ryan thanks for posting this even though I am now speechless. What a class act she was agreeing to take a pay cut and then negotiating another multi year contract to stay on the show, only to have talks hit an impasse. What a way to find out the show is done with you than to see a script for your recast!!!!!!!! Something tells me the end of "the World" is not to far off.

I am glad Martha stood up to Goutman and left, here is hoping that we will see her on another daytime show. I could see her on AMC or OLTL. Heck, if she went out to the West Coast again I would not mind seeing her on Days, Y&R or B&B. I do know at one point (when she first left ATWT back in the 90's) she auditioned for the role of Billie on Days and some of the music Days has used, Martha has written. ATWT loss is and definitely will be another shows gain....

Has PGP not woken up and smelled the coffee yet, so far two of their big name stars have left their shows. First RPG, now MB.....whose next????

I cannot believe how utterly unprofessional and horrible ATWT/P&G/Goutman was to Martha Byrne. She's one of THE STARS of ATWT and ATWT will have a HUGE void when she leaves. I hope AMC or ONE LIFE picks her up.

AMC treats many of their stars as horribly as Martha was treated (unprofessional, horrible, etc. - Sabine Singh, Cady McClain, Julia Barr and probably many more).

What a loss. Lily and Holden are one of the last true supercouples left.

As if ATWT couldn't get any more unrecognizable, now this .

I cannot believe how utterly unprofessional and horrible ATWT/P&G/Goutman was to Martha Byrne. She's one of THE STARS of ATWT and ATWT will have a HUGE void when she leaves. I hope AMC or ONE LIFE picks her up. I could see her on AMC maybe as Lainie Cortlandt or Kelsey Jefferson.

She's WAY too old to be Kelsey. Kelsey is in the Fusion girl age range. I cant see Martha mixxing it up with them. Kelsey should be Greenlee's age and Martha looks like she could play her young mother