‘Days of Our Lives’ actress settles sexual harassment lawsuit against show producers

(KTLA) — Actress Arianne Zucker has reached a settlement with the producers of “Days of Our Lives” and former executive producer Albert Alarr in a lawsuit she filed in February 2024 alleging sexual harassment and workplace retaliation, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The settlement was filed Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, though the terms were not disclosed.

Zucker, who has played Nicole Walker on the long-running soap opera since 1998, accused Alarr of “severe and pervasive harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment, based upon their female gender,” the L.A. Times reported.

In the complaint, Zucker alleged that Alarr would grab and hug her, “purposely pushing her breasts onto his chest” while moaning sexually, and made repeated sexually charged comments.

The lawsuit also named Corday Productions, which oversees the show, and its owner, Ken Corday, as defendants, alleging retaliation after Zucker voiced concerns.

According to the filing, Zucker’s pay was reduced, her travel stipend was revoked, and in June 2023, her character was written off the show after more than 20 years. Corday Productions later offered to renew her contract, but the lawsuit claimed the company did not negotiate higher pay with her representatives.

Alarr’s attorney, Robert Barta, denied the allegations and said Alarr agreed to the settlement solely “to end the dispute and move forward,” according to the L.A. Times. Corday Productions had previously stated that Zucker’s claims were “without merit” and said Alarr’s alleged on-set behavior was “promptly investigated” before his termination. The company added that Zucker was offered a pay increase when her contract was renewed.

According to the L.A. Times, Zucker’s attorney, Anahita Sedaghatfar, previously praised her client for speaking out on behalf of other employees who were “too scared to come forward” about the alleged misconduct.

“Days of Our Lives” is one of the longest-running scripted television programs in the world, airing nearly every weekday since November 8, 1965. The show aired on NBC until 2022 before moving to the Peacock streaming platform.