The executive producer of the long-running American soap opera, The Young and the Restless, Anthony "Tony" Morina has been accused of allegedly making sexual advances towards an actress, while commenting on her body and also suggesting a "private acting lesson". In a lawsuit filed on Thursday, the actress claimed that she was fired from the show when she rejected his advances. Actress Briana Thomas, in her lawsuit filed against Sony Pictures Television, which produces the CBS series, and CBS Studios, alleged that Anthony Morina had taken a special interest in her after her appearances on the show in a background role between 2018 and 2019. 

In her complaint, Briana Thomas alleged that Anthony Morina used to often stare at her, while getting close to her and complimenting her looks. He would also tell her about how she had the potential to "really be something" on The Young and the Restless. During one scene set around a poolside, the actress alleged that the showrunner tried to make her remove her sarong in an attempt to see her in a bikini. According to the lawsuit, he told Thomas, "It’s a tough industry to break into, unless you know someone who can help you. Let’s start with a private session and see if we can get you a little more comfortable," while touching her waist and fiddling with her bikini strings. 

Briana Thomas has stated that Anthony Morina harassed her from 2018 to 2019, including making sexual advances towards her. She cited another incident where Morina allegedly cornered her in a stairwell to inquire whether she was living alone, including asking her once again if she wanted any private lessons. In the suit, it has been stated that Thomas was more forceful this time in rejecting Morina's advances, which in turn made him ask her if she realized what she was doing. She took the statement as a threat after which Morina would shout at her during the shooting of The Young and the Restless, saying she was "just an extra". According to the suit, he allegedly said, "I’m the reason why you have a job. I am doing you a favor. I like you. Do you understand what I’m saying?". Later, Thomas was fired.