TV Guide Canada's Nelson Branco, in an update to his Sud's Report, broke the news yesterday that
Young & The Restless star
Chris Engen allegedly walked off the set after refusing to play a scene requiring him to kiss costar
Yano Gellman, the only out gay character on the soap, according to
The Advocate.
Engen who plays "straight" Adam Wilson on the CBS drama series reportedly quit his gig while still under contract on the grounds that he is unhappy with the "dark direction" his character has taken in recent months - including, among other things, having to kiss another man. Apparently the young actor has called in sick several times lately and has frequently been visiting the executive offices of Y&R to discuss his character and his future on the show.
Engen's management issued a "no comment." statement in response to the allegations. Meanwhile Y&R, on the verge of taking legal action, has already found a replacement to recast Engen's pivotal role.
Adam will be played by Michael Muhney. The daytime newcomer has had an extensive career in primetime with notable roles on The CW's "Veronica Mars" as Sheriff Don Lamb and the short-lived CBS series "Turks."
Muhney posted on his Twitter page that "the new job is the likes of which i have never done...and i get to indulge in some interesting, perverse, warped scenarios..."
According to TV Guide, Muhney's first episode is scheduled to air June 25th.
