Y&R Used Sharon’s Bipolar Disorder to Justify Victor Kissing Her?
One of the most controversial storylines in The Young and the Restless (Y&R) involves Sharon Newman and Victor Newman. While Sharon has been through a lot in Genoa City, one of the most bizarre moments in her history was when she kissed Victor. Many fans still struggle to understand why this happened, and as it turns out, the show justified it by tying it to her bipolar disorder.
Sharon’s History with Bipolar Disorder
Sharon has had her fair share of wild and questionable moments on Y&R. From nearly killing Phyllis to burning down the Newman Ranch, she has done a lot—but these moments were often portrayed as the result of her struggles with bipolar disorder. While the show has attempted to depict mental health realistically, there are moments when the storyline takes an unusual turn. One such instance was the infamous kiss between Sharon and Victor.
The Infamous Victor and Sharon Kiss
Fans will remember that Sharon was married to Victor’s son, Nick. So, when she kissed Victor, it shocked everyone—especially Nick, who witnessed the moment firsthand. The scene was uncomfortable on many levels, not just because of their vast age difference, but also because Sharon had once been like a daughter to Victor.
The kiss left fans asking: What was the show thinking? Even Sharon Case, the actress who portrays Sharon Newman, admitted in an interview that this was a strange plot twist. However, the writers seemingly justified the moment by attributing it to Sharon’s bipolar disorder, portraying her as being in an unstable state of mind when it happened.
Was This the Right Approach?
While Y&R has often tackled real-life issues like mental health, the way they handled this storyline remains controversial. Many viewers felt that using Sharon’s disorder to excuse the kiss was an unusual choice, as it not only felt forced but also unnecessary. Victor, being a seasoned and supposedly wise character, should have known better.
Despite the controversy, Sharon Case has masterfully portrayed the ups and downs of her character’s battle with bipolar disorder over the years. Her performance has been praised for bringing awareness to mental health struggles, making her one of the most compelling characters on the show.
Fans’ Reactions and Final Thoughts
Many longtime Y&R viewers still debate whether this storyline was necessary. While some appreciate the show’s attempt at realism, others argue that there were better ways to address Sharon’s mental health without involving Victor in such an unsettling way. Regardless, Sharon remains a beloved character, and her journey continues to captivate audiences.
What do you think about this storyline? Was it a mistake, or did Y&R handle it well? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
