LOS ANGELES, CA – Actress Arianne Zucker, who was the subject of a controversial leaked tape featuring former President Donald Trump making lewd remarks, has won a significant round in her lawsuit against “Days of Our Lives” producers. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, alleges that Zucker was wrongfully terminated from the long-running soap opera after the tape’s release, resulting in significant financial and career losses.

The recent victory came in the form of a ruling from a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, who denied a motion to dismiss Zucker’s case. The judge determined that Zucker has “plausibly alleged” that the producers’ actions were motivated by retaliation for her involvement in the tape, and not based on legitimate business concerns.

The lawsuit claims that the tape, which was recorded in 2005 and released by The Washington Post in 2016 during the presidential election, caused Zucker significant distress and reputational damage. Despite the fact that the tape featured Trump making sexually explicit comments about Zucker, her role in the incident was merely as a participant in a conversation. She was never accused of any wrongdoing or involvement in the tape’s release.

Zucker’s legal team argues that the producers of “Days of Our Lives” used the tape as an excuse to terminate her contract, even though she had a strong track record and was a beloved character on the show. They further contend that the producers’ actions were motivated by a desire to protect their business interests, fearing potential backlash from conservative viewers.

The judge’s ruling does not guarantee a win for Zucker in the lawsuit. The producers of “Days of Our Lives” maintain that her termination was based on legitimate business reasons and have vowed to fight the allegations. However, the decision to deny the motion to dismiss is a significant step forward for Zucker and her legal team.

This legal victory serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of the Trump tape and its role in the 2016 election. It also highlights the challenges faced by women who find themselves at the center of public scandals, even when they are not directly responsible for the events.

The case is expected to continue with further legal proceedings, potentially leading to a trial where Zucker will have the opportunity to present her case in full.