ARTICLE: Judi Evans Seemingly Responds to Recent Turmoil at ‘Days of our Lives’, Thanks Fans for Their Support

[Errol]

When Deadline reported a new set of allegations brought against now former “Days of our Lives” co-executive producer Albert Alarr following its initial report on the conclusion of an investigation that cited multiple instances of misconduct on and off set, one allegation that reportedly occurred just a few months ago stood out: “an actress [who] donned a spangly, somewhat tight-fitting ’70s-style jumpsuit and a David Bowie-style flock-of-seagulls haircut for several scenes.” It’s understood that the event allegedly led to Alarr calling the actress who donned said attire and hairstyle a “big d*ke.”

In the time since Deadline published their story, reports began circulating that the actress referenced in one of the allegations shared by the outlet was Judi Evans, a veteran on the show who plays Bonnie Lockhart. Said scenes with the look noted in Deadline’s reporting aired today, August 11.

“As the actress was walking off the stage with her male co-star, Alarr ‘comes walking on the set and in a big booming voice goes, ‘Hey, you big d*ke,’” said Deadline, citing an insider who was on the set that day. The outlet added that “the shocking remark caught everyone by surprise, evoking gasps among the actress, her co-star and the crew.”

Filmed in February of this year, Evans’ scenes had her appearing alongside co-stars Wally Kurth, Robert Scott Wilson, Paul Telfer and Suzanne Rogers.

Judi Evans, Paul Telfer, Suzanne Rogers (“Days of our Lives”)
Photo by XJJohnson/JPI Studios

Following Deadline’s reporting, the Jason47 Facebook page, home of the ultimate “Days of our Lives” historian, confirmed Evans as the actress the trade publication referenced. Further, sources with direct knowledge of the situation, but speaking on condition of anonymity, told Soap Opera Network that Evans was indeed the actress referenced in the Deadline piece.

Suzanne Rogers, Judi Evans (“Days of our Lives”)
Photo by XJJohnson/JPI Studios

Photo by XJJohnson/JPI Studios

Alarr, nor his representatives, responded to a request for comment by Soap Opera Network at press time. Meanwhile, Evans seemingly responded to the situation today on social media with an emotional video addressed to the fans as she thanked them for supporting her “not only today but every day for the past 40 years.”

“I can’t even begin to tell you how overwhelmed I am by all your love and support, not only today but every day for the past 40 years. It’s truly been my honor and my privilege to be able to entertain you… maybe make you laugh [or] maybe a little cry all these years, and you’ve given me so much more than I think I could possibly ever give you,” said Evans in her emotional video, which shows her on the verge of tears throughout. 

In the video, Evans says, “You’ve been there with me in the best of times and the worst of times, and your love never fails. And I really do appreciate each and every one of you. I’ve always said it’s because of you that I get to do the one thing in my life that I really love to do: entertain people.

“So, thank you! Thank you so much. I really, really, truly appreciate you, and I wish I could just say that to every single one of you in person, but just know that I’m hugging you and holding you and thanking you with all my heart.”

A fan brought up how Evans’ character looked in today’s episode of “Days of our Lives” and compared it to how Evans herself looked in her video shared on social media, saying, “[the] hairdo you are sporting above is better than the Faux Mullet you had in today’s episode. I hope it wasn’t a fav of yours,” Evans responded, stating, “that’s what we call ‘Barn Hair’ round these parts…lol….but seriously, I always love and respect the talented hair, makeup, and wardrobe department….their artistry is phenomenal…”

In response to the allegations brought against him, which led to his ouster as co-executive producer and director at “Days of our Lives,” Alarr stated, “These allegations were already examined in a detailed and entirely independent investigation that lasted for two months. Dozens of individuals cooperated and every claim was thoroughly looked into. At the end of that process, the decision was made that I should continue in my role as co-executive producer. Now, with no new facts presented, the studios have reversed course and caved to a cynical pressure campaign to force me out of my job.” He added, “To be clear, this whole situation stems from the animus of just two individuals. Those individuals, at a time of industry-wide cutbacks and economic uncertainty, have been relentlessly angling for greater pay and increased influence on the show, and, it appears, believed that their best strategy to get it was to play on vile stereotypes in order to bring down a Black man in a position of power.”

In support of Evans, fans dedicated today, August 11, #WeLoveYouJudi day! The day featured pictures, memories and a flood of support.

Joining in on the praise and support of Judi was her on-screen husband, Wally Kurth (Justin Kiriakis), who said, “With Judi, what you see is what you get. Her talent is one thing, but her humanity and personality and generosity of spirit are a gift to the world. love ya Judi.”

In response to Kurth’s post, Evans said, “Oh Wally….I feel the exact same way about you!!! Generous, kind, thoughtful, gentle, multitalented, and what a voice….you are such a wonderful partner!! Love ya right back, Mister!!!! Lucky to call you friend all these years….”

Check out Evans’ video message to fans below.

Note: The post Judi Evans Seemingly Responds to Recent Turmoil at ‘Days of our Lives’, Thanks Fans for Their Support appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website.

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[Contessa Donatella]

God love her! And finding out it was Judi really spurred people on. Already galvanized in the fan campaign effort, many noted that now Alarr had done it, he'd gone too far going after Judi! 

[AbcNbc247]

Seriously, what an amazing woman 

[Contessa Donatella]

Totally! She's been on #SoapTwitter (not gonna call it SoapUglyX) for hours today replying to people, just tweeting away. Lovely!