The Young and the Restless executive producer Anthony Morina accused of sexual harassment

According to breaking news from several media outlets, there is a scandal brewing that is associated with THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Soaps.com, SOAP OPERA NETWORK, and VARIETY are all reporting that the executive producer of the soap Anthony Morina has been named in a lawsuit against CBS STUDIOS and SONY. The plaintiff is Briana Thomas who briefly worked on the soap. The lawsuit alleges that Thomas was the victim of Morina's inappropriate behavior between 2018 and 2019 when she appeared as a barista on the show.

There are numerous alleged transgressions, outlined in the lawsuit against the executive and comes at a time when women are speaking out against sexual misconduct against men in high places. Included is an incident in which Morina allegedly told the actress, “It’s a tough industry to break into unless you know someone who can help you” Briana claims this took place while she was wearing a bikini for a poolside scene.

Thomas stated in the suit that when she rejected his advances Morina screamed at her on set, shouting, “I’m the reason why you have a job. I am doing you a favor. Do you understand what I’m saying?” The actress says she was distraught and embarrassed and left the scene. When she returned home she found an email indicating that she had been fired from THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Some might say the actress deserved to lose her job for walking off the set but if her allegations are true this puts everything in a different light.

In addition to sexual harassment, the defendant is also charging and CBS Sony for statutory penalties, unpaid wages, and premium pay. There is not much known about Briana Thomas but she has had roles in CAMP VIRGINOVICH in 2012 and LOVE SONIA in 2018. Thomas may have been one of the extra's onset when Kyle was naked at the pool as a publicity stunt for birthday suit. This possbly could have been when at least one of the alleged incidents took place. She is not visible in the above photo but there were other people outside of the camera shot.

Morina has been executive producer on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS since 2019. He had previously worked in a variety of capacities on the soap since 2008. He has also been a director on numerous daytime dramas including SUNSET BEACH, GENERATIONS, and SANTA BARBARA. He is married to Sally Sussman Morina, a former head writer of Y&R and DAYS OF OUR LIVES. She was also the creator, writer and executive producer of GENERATIONS.

Morina became executive producer at a pivotal time on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Mal Young was fired and Josh Griffith was hired. Some reports initially said Griffith was the head writer/executive producer and later he was referred to as a co executive producer with Morino. At this time Anthony Morino is listed as executive producer and Josh Griffith as head writer.

Both men have come under fire by fans because of the way veteran actors on the CBS soap have been treated. Many long-time fans are troubled because during the tenure of these two men Doug Davidson a 40 year veteran of the show was let go as Paul Williams. Viewers will be wondering if the lawsuit has any merit or if Briana Thomas will be seen as a disgruntled employee. Fans will also be paying attention to the response of other females on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Be on the lookout for updates related to the lawsuit and any response from Anthony Morina. Continue watching each weekday afternoon to find out what happens next in Genoa City.