It’s really a soap opera over at NBC soap “Days of our Lives.” Actress Melissa Reeves, who’s been on the show on and off since 1985 and plays a central character, is under fire on social media. On Twitter she “liked” comments against Black Lives Matter made by right wing pundit Candace Owens, who herself is black but has made a career out saying and writing ugly stuff.
Owens’ comments were decidedly against Black Lives Matter. And Reeves, who has noted conservative views in the past, agreed with them. The result is a firefight among soap fans. Even worse, Reeves immediately drew the ire of a fellow castmate, Linsey Godfrey, who denounced Owens and criticized Reeves. Godfrey is white, but she was joined in her views by actor Lamon Archey, who is black. He’s one of three regular black actors on “Days,” out of a cast of 40.
Godfrey’s attack is commendable considering she’s a newer addition to the cast and doesn’t have that much leverage. Reeves is one of about a dozen “permanent” players. Insiders say she’s on now right in a supporting role but has a big storyline coming up in the fall. Godfrey, who’s much younger than Reeves, seems like a dedicated activist and isn’t going to give up the fight. Reeves, meanwhile, is taking a long time to fix her PR situation or apologize. Even though soap fans are largely conservative, this may spell trouble for her in the long term.
Godfrey writes on Twitter today: “There is no difference in opinion when it comes to racism, homophobia, transphobia or xenophobia There is no difference in opinion when it comes to racism, homophobia, transphobia or xenophobia If you disagree, you’re a part of the problem. It’s says A LOT about you. We see you.”
“Days” is averaging around 1.7 million viewers a week since the pandemic started, down from around 2 million. But that’s better than ABC’s “General Hospital,” which has stopped reporting ratings since going into reruns. They’re said to be around 1.2 million or lower.
