Y&R Alum Victoria Rowell Revisits Alleged On-Set Spitting Incident

Former The Young and the Restless star Victoria Rowell is speaking out about the tensions she experienced during her years on the CBS soap, including an alleged confrontation with former costar Michelle Stafford.

Y&R Alum Victoria Rowell Revisits Alleged On-Set Spitting Incident

According to People, Rowell, who portrayed fan-favorite Drucilla Barber Winters from 1990 to 2007, previously alleged that Stafford, who plays Phyllis Summers, spat on her during an on-set incident, called her a “freak,” and shouted that nobody liked her.

Stafford has previously disputed the characterization of the incident, explaining that any spitting occurred during a scripted comedic scene.

During a recent interview with Carlos King, Rowell discussed the challenges she faced behind the scenes. She recalled receiving considerable support from Y&R co-creator Bill Bell, who encouraged her career opportunities outside daytime television.

Rowell suggested that Bell's support, along with her success in movies and her role on Diagnosis: Murder, created resentment among certain cast members.

When asked why she ultimately left The Young and the Restless, Rowell admitted she hadn't wanted to leave but felt she needed to protect her dignity and well-being.

“It's called self-preservation and self-respect,” she explained.

In 2015, Rowell sued CBS, alleging that her advocacy for greater diversity had negatively affected her opportunities to return to the soap. The legal dispute eventually ended in a settlement.

Nearly two decades after Drucilla's departure, Rowell's comments are once again drawing attention to the behind-the-scenes tensions surrounding one of Y&R's most memorable stars.

What do you think about Victoria Rowell speaking out after all these years? And would you still like to see Drucilla return to Genoa City?