“The Young and the Restless” (Y&R) spoilers report the show was given the green light to be able to recast the role of Drucilla Winters. On November 11, California Judge John Kronstadt dismissed all six causes of action against Sony, with leave to amend if the Plaintiff [Victoria Rowell] can prove viable validation to back up her claim, according to CBS Soaps in Depth.
In February 2015, Victoria Rowell heard “The Young and the Restless” has plans of announcing Troy Byer as the recast choice for her iconic role of Drucilla Winters. Her return was supposed to be the focal point of February 2015 sweeps. Rowell promptly filed a lawsuit that stated that the network had blocked her return to the soap because she had openly talked about the lack of diversity behind the camera.
Fans were divided about how they felt about her case. Victoria Rowell left on her own in 2007, and according to court documents, she claimed she had tried to come back to her role since 2010. The network has claimed that “there is not an open position that Ms. Rowell is qualified to fill.”
The network also stated that Victoria had not applied or talked to them about coming back to “Y&R”; It only responded to the rumors of Troy Byer being recast as the new Drucilla Winters. TPTB have not confirmed nor denied that there were plans to recast Drucilla.
Sony released a statement that they are well within their rights – according to the First Amendment -NOT to ask her to reprise her role especially considering her comments and behavior following her exit in 2007.
Victoria Rowell claims that the network has ignored her [loud] fans demanded to bring her back on the soap opera. Victoria threatened that they will not stop until she returns to the soap, implying it was in their best interest to rehire her.
It looks like Sony received the last laugh in the courtroom; the Judge dismissed the charges for now. With the case dismissed, the network can make plans to write Dru Winters into the storyline – with Troy Byer debuting as Drucilla.
Drucilla could spice up the largely unpopular storyline between Hilary [Mishael Morgan], Neil [Kristoff St. John], and Devon [Bryton James]. Her return would put a huge damper on Neil’s love affair with Gwen [Nadine Nicole]. Devon needs his mama right now; she could beat some sense into him for stealing his dad’s wife and to offer her support while Hilary struggles to remember their lives together.
It seems likely that TPTB will plan to have Drucilla come back around February sweep time. It would give them two months to come up with a plausible reason for her eight-year absence. Do you think Drucilla will return now that the network was given the right to recast the role?
Can Drucilla help Neil with his path of redemption with the fans? How do you feel about the Judge dismissing Victoria Rowell’s charges against Sony and CBS? Don’t forget to come back later for juicy “The Young and the Restless” spoilers, rumors, and news!
