Robert Kelker-Kelly: Lisa Rinna Exposes Alleged Bullying on ‘Days of Our Lives’ Set
Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna has publicly accused her former Days of Our Lives co-star, Robert Kelker-Kelly, of being a bully, shedding light on a reportedly difficult work environment during her time on the soap opera. Rinna detailed her experiences in her new book, You Better Believe I’m Going To Talk About It, sparking a renewed discussion about workplace behavior in the entertainment industry.
A Toxic Atmosphere on Set
According to Rinna, she and Kristian Alfonso were provided with full-time security for three weeks after Kelker-Kelly abruptly “disappeared” from the Days of Our Lives set. Rinna, who played Billie Reed from 1992-1995, shared that despite receiving accolades like the Soap Opera Digest Award for Newcomer of the Year, her experience working with Kelker-Kelly (who played Bo Brady) was far from positive.
“Six months in, the audience started loving Billie Reed and rooting for her. I got so much juju from the fan base. That kind of validation meant so much to me. Even more than being awarded Newcomer of the Year at the Soap Opera Digest Awards. I thanked my frequent scene partner, Robert Kelker-Kelly, even though behind-the-scenes we hated each other,” Rinna wrote.
Allegations of Verbal Abuse and Manipulation
Rinna didn’t hold back in her description of Kelker-Kelly’s alleged behavior. She described him as “horrible,” “verbally abusive,” “passive-aggressive,” and manipulative, claiming he subjected her to “weird mind games.” She recounted the stress of working closely with him, often in intimate scenes, and the fear of triggering his unpredictable moods.
“If I didn’t do what he wanted, he’d give me the silent treatment. He was a ticking time bomb. I never knew when I arrived on set each morning if I’d get nice Robert Kelker-Kelly or dark Robert Kelker-Kelly. He was unpredictable and it was exhausting,” Rinna explained. She contrasted the situation with how she would handle such behavior today, stating she would have “at least had a glass of wine thrown in his face.”
Security Detail and Support Among Co-Stars
The sudden disappearance of Kelker-Kelly from the set led to heightened security measures for Rinna and Alfonso. NBC reportedly provided them with rent-a-cops stationed outside their homes and trailers for three weeks, and they were driven to and from work. Rinna emphasized the strong bond she shared with her female co-stars, including Kristian Alfonso and Christie Clark, as well as Alison Sweeney (who is reportedly Harry Hamlin’s second cousin), noting they all supported each other through challenging times.
This incident highlights the importance of addressing and preventing bullying in the workplace, even within the seemingly glamorous world of television. The allegations against Robert Kelker-Kelly serve as a reminder of the potential for toxic behavior and the need for accountability.
For more information on workplace bullying, resources are available at Workplace Bullying Institute.
