The Young and the Restless star Richard Burgi has been fired from the long-running show after claiming he accidentally violated a COVID-19 protocol.
The actor, 63, who has appeared on 109 episodes of the popular soap opera, took to social media to tell the full story behind his shocking exit.
In a series of Instagram Story videos, Burgi explained he "naively and inadvertently" violated the show's COVID-19 safety policies after testing positive for the virus over Christmas while visiting his family — including his niece and 97-year-old mother — for the holidays.
"[I] took the necessary five days the CDC had recommended, came back, and then tested twice negatively at the studio," he told his fans, adding that was apparently not, "within the show's guidelines, which is a 10-day protocol."
"So I inadvertently violated the show’s COVID rules and protocols," he continued. "And I felt terrible about it. I still do. It bothers me mightily, but it is what it is. I respect whatever the show’s decision is. They’re doing the best they can, as we all are."
The former General Hospital star also graciously welcomed the new actor that was hired to replace him, wishing him a "wonderful time" playing Ashland Locke. Burgi told his replacement he's going to be working with "the most incredible actress and a great, great cast" during his time on The Young and the Restless.
He concluded his lengthy post by praising the daytime drama and wishing the best for the future of the show.
The mishap comes only a few weeks after the CDC updated its coronavirus isolation recommendations in late December to only five days, allegedly leading to Burgi's confusion and subsequent firing.
Alongside his long and successful career in soaps — which included early work in One Life to Live, Another World and As the World Turns — Burgi had recurring roles in Desperate Housewives, Body of Proof, One Tree Hill, 24, and crime drama The Oath.
