Michael Muhney, who stars on daytime soap opera The Young & the Restless as the popular Adam Newman, was fired last month following allegations that he’d sexually harassed actress Hunter King.

'Y&R's Michael Muhney Fired

King, 20, who plays Summer on the soap opera, reported to executives that Muhney had groped her chest on multiple occasions. The alleged sexual advances were not wanted or solicited, according to King, reported TMZ. King's accusations against the actor were apparently not the first, as Muhney had reportedly been the subject of complaints many times in the past.

_{Hunter King as Summer on 'Young & the Restless'}

While some doubt the veracity of King’s charges against Muhney, former Young & the Restless showrunner Maria Arena Bell believes that Muhney should have been let go sooner for his behavior.

“I am a fan of Michael Muhney the actor — not the person. Frankly he should have been let go months before because of his behind the scenes actions,” Bell told Daily Confidential. “It’s still a loss for the fans. Instead of acting quickly they tried to turn the fans against the character of Adam. Bad move. And they should not recast right away now. It’s too damaged.”

“The only thing that matters in this story is that a young girl is protected. She should have been all along," Bell added. "People should have been more decisive not less in this matter. I think they should have taken immediate action. They didn’t. Whatever happened, they need to protect the safety of the cast.”

Jill Farren Phelps Delayed Firing Muhney

If Bell’s comments are to be believed, they would implicate Young & the Restless producer Jill Farren Phelps with holding off taking appropriate action to serve her own means – namely the seamless storytelling on her soap.

Fans of the CBS soap opera and Muhney in particular are far from pleased about his axing. A group on Facebook has allegedly raised almost $800 to hire a plane to carry a banner reading, “No Adam Newbie, Just Michael Muhney” over CBS Studios in L.A., reported TMZ.

– Chelsea Regan

Get Uinterview's FREE iPhone App For Daily News Updates here.

Get the FREE Uinterview iPad app here and watch our videos anywhere.