Daytime Confidential reports that Anthony “Tony” Morina will no longer be co-executive producing The Young and the Restless. According to the report, Morina has been “let go” by CBS, and head writer Josh Griffith will serve as the only showrunner moving forward.
Since 2007, Morina has worked on the long-running soap opera as a producer, supervising producer, and executive producer.
When contacted by Decider for comment, representatives for CBS and The Young and the Restless did not answer quickly.
In 2021, Morina was accused of sexual harassment for reportedly making approaches towards actor Briana Thomas during her 2018 and 2019 appearances on the soap drama.
Thomas, according to Variety, filed a lawsuit against Sony Pictures Television (the soap opera’s producer) and CBS Studios, alleging that Morina would behave improperly towards her.
She claimed he frequently invaded her personal space and complimented her attractiveness. She also claimed he told her she could “really be somebody” on the series and offered her special lessons.
Thomas added that he once attempted to convince her to remove her cover-up so he could see her in a bikini while filming a poolside scene.
According to Variety, Morina referred to sexual harassment training as “bullshit” and blamed “bitches” who “had their panties in a bunch” and “couldn’t take a compliment.” Thomas asserts that she was ultimately sacked from the show.
The selection of a jury has been scheduled for March 2023, citing Soap Opera Network.
“After 16 years, it’s time to go on to other things,” Morina told SoapHub, seemingly dismissing any connection between the charges and his resignation.
He stated, “I’m most pleased that COVID has kept the program continuing for the past two and a half years since we resumed production following the initial shutdown.”
Additionally, Morina has acted as a producer on Spyder Games and a director on General Hospital and The Clinic.