The world of daytime television was rocked recently when Eric Braeden, star of ‘The Young and the Restless’, took a powerful stand against racism on social media. The incident, which unfolded on X (formerly Twitter), showcased the beloved actor’s commitment to defending his colleagues and condemning hate speech.
The drama began when a user posted racist remarks about Tabyana Ali, an actress from ‘General Hospital’. In response, the official ‘General Hospital’ account swiftly blocked the offender. However, the story didn’t end there. The same user then targeted several Black actors from ‘The Young and the Restless’, including Sean Dominic, Christel Khalil, and Bryton James, who play Nate, Lily, and Devon, respectively.
The soap opera community on X, affectionately known as “Soap Twitter”, was quick to rally against this blatant display of racism. Actress Yvette Nicole Brown attempted to bring the issue to the attention of the official ‘Y&R’ account, hoping they would take similar action to their ‘General Hospital’ counterparts. When this proved unsuccessful, a quick-thinking fan decided to tag Eric Braeden directly.
Braeden, who plays the iconic Victor Newman on ‘The Young and the Restless’, is known for his active presence on social media, particularly in the evenings. When he saw the offensive post targeting his castmates, his response was swift and decisive.
The veteran actor, never one to mince words, unleashed a strongly-worded rebuke that left no doubt about his feelings on the matter. His message concluded with a phrase that sent shockwaves through the fanbase: “You got that, B*tch?!” This line, a variation on Victor Newman’s famous catchphrase “You got that?!”, immediately resonated with fans of the show.
The impact of Braeden’s response was immediate and far-reaching. His tweet went viral, with fans and fellow actors alike sharing and commenting on his powerful stance against racism. Soon, “Victor Newman” was trending on X, as users celebrated Braeden’s no-nonsense approach to confronting hate speech.
Dear @YandR_CBS have you seen this tweet from @ghyrbbfan1974?
She was blocked by the @GeneralHospital site for this same level of racism. https://t.co/0EBNFV01Sx
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) June 20, 2024
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of racism in media and the importance of allies in combating it. By using his platform to speak out, Braeden not only defended his colleagues but also sent a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable in any form.
The soap opera community’s response to this incident demonstrates the power of social media in addressing social issues. It also underscores the responsibility that public figures have in using their influence to promote positive change and stand up against injustice.
As we reflect on this event, it’s clear that the fight against racism requires vigilance and courage from all quarters. Eric Braeden’s actions serve as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating a more inclusive and respectful society, both online and off.
In the end, this incident proves that sometimes, life can be just as dramatic as the soap operas we love – and that heroes can emerge in the most unexpected places, even from behind a Twitter account.
