Soap Scandal: 'The Young And The Restless' Star Richard Burgi SLAMS Firing For ‘Inadvertent Violation’ Of COVID-19 Policy
Jan. 12 2022, Published 12:52 p.m. ET
Richard Burgi is defending his actions after being axed from The Young and the Restless for what he claims was an "inadvertent" violation of the soap show's COVID-19 policy.
Burgi — who played Ashland Locke on the CBS drama — took to his social media to "set the record straight" on Tuesday. He explained that he was "back East" visiting his family for Christmas when he contracted the virus.
According to the actor, he followed CDC protocol — which changed on Dec. 27 instructing those with the virus to isolate for 5 days, not 10. Burgi says he “took the necessary five days the CDC had recommended, came back, and then tested twice negatively at the studio."
Despite thinking he did the right thing, Burgi admits he "showed up to work, but was not within the show’s guidelines, which is a 10-day protocol," adding, "I inadvertently violated the show’s Covid rules and protocols.”
The soap star – who has also been featured in Desperate Housewives and General Hospital — says the blunder is causing him to lose sleep.
“I felt terrible about it,” Burgi says in the video. “I still do. It bothers me mightily but it is what it is. I respect whatever the show’s decision is. They’re doing the best they can, as we all are.”
Last week, Burgi dropped the bombshell that he was leaving The Young and the Restless but gave no reason why. CBS didn't skip a beat — they have already replaced him with another actor.
The network quickly announced that Guiding Light actor Robert Newman will reprise the role as Ashland Locke, a character that Burgi has played since March 2021.
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Signing off with nothing but well wishes for the man who's stepping in his Young and the Restless shoes, Burgi says, “I truly wish the gentleman who’s coming in to play Ashland a wonderful time.
“He’s going to be working with the most incredible actress and a great, great cast. It’s an amazing show, I have nothing but good memories and good wishes for it.”
