In a moment that sent shockwaves through the Young and the Restless fandom, legendary soap icon Eric Braeden, known worldwide as the

incomparable Victor Newman, took to social media this week with a message that left fans stunned, emotional, and scrambling for answers.

When the post appeared online with the words “Saying Goodbye”, the internet erupted with panic — but as always, Braeden had more to say, and the truth behind his message has now reshaped the entire conversation.

 

 

For more than four decades, Eric Braeden has been the backbone of Genoa City, commanding the screen with his signature intensity, power, and charisma. So when a man of his stature uses the word goodbye, fans naturally assume the worst. Is he retiring? Leaving the show? Saying farewell due to health concerns? Or stepping back from acting altogether?

 

 

Spoilers and behind-the-scenes whispers have been swirling for months, but this is the first time Braeden has publicly addressed the rumors — and he did it in the most Eric Braeden way possible: direct, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore.

The Post That Started the Frenzy

The message appeared late in the evening, accompanied by a candid photo of Braeden sitting at home. The caption simply read:

“Time to say goodbye… but not in the way you think.”

 

 

Within minutes, fans, co-stars, and entertainment outlets flooded the comments with hundreds of questions. Some cried, some begged him not to leave, and others speculated wildly about what his words meant.

But rather than allowing rumors to run the show, Eric—always one to take control of the narrative—returned hours later with a lengthy follow-up message that finally set the record straight.

“I’m Not Going Anywhere” — Braeden’s Clarification

In his second post, Braeden revealed the full meaning behind his alarming words.

According to the actor, his “goodbye” wasn’t directed at his fans, his character, or his career. Instead, it was aimed at the ongoing negativity, false stories, and online harassment he has endured in recent years.

He wrote:

“I’m saying goodbye to the nonsense — the rumors, the lies, the people who try to stir up drama where there is none. I will always speak my truth. I’m not leaving Young and the Restless. I’m not retiring. Victor Newman is alive and well.”

The statement sent an immediate wave of relief across social media. At 83 years old, Eric Braeden continues to work with the energy and passion of someone half his age, and he made it crystal clear that he has no intention of stepping away from the show that has defined his career.

A Message to the Fans: “You Are My Strength”

In the same post, Braeden took time to thank his fans — many of whom have supported him for decades — and called them the backbone of his success.

He expressed deep gratitude:

“Your support has carried me through challenges, through illness, through every chapter. I’m humbled by your loyalty. You are the reason Victor Newman continues.”

It’s no secret that Braeden has faced health struggles in recent years, including his public battle with prostate cancer. The actor has always been transparent with his supporters, updating them honestly and refusing to hide from the truth. That same transparency is why fans trust him — and why his recent “goodbye” message hit so hard.

Why He Spoke Out Now

Sources close to the production reveal that Braeden has been frustrated by repeated clickbait articles predicting his exit or claiming he’s been “written out” of the show. These false stories intensified over the last few months, prompting fans to panic unnecessarily.

Braeden finally had enough.

His post was a reminder that he alone decides when Victor Newman leaves Genoa City — and according to him, that day is nowhere in sight.

What This Means for the Future of Victor Newman

Inside Y&R, Victor Newman remains front and center. Current storylines have him reasserting control over his empire, tightening his grip on the Newman family, and stepping back into the ruthless persona he perfected years ago.

Producers reportedly have long-term plans for Victor, involving new conflicts within the Newman dynasty and a massive 2026 power struggle arc. With Braeden confirming he isn’t leaving, fans can expect Victor to play a major role in all of it.

Braeden’s Final Words: Strong, Clear, Unshakable

Eric closed his social media statement with a message that perfectly captures the strength that has carried him through decades in Hollywood:

“Don’t believe everything you read. Believe what I tell you. Believe what you see on screen. I’m here — and I’m staying.”

With those words, the panic has officially lifted, and fans can breathe again. Victor Newman isn’t going anywhere, Eric Braeden isn’t done yet, and Salem’s fiercest businessman remains firmly at the center of Genoa City.

And in true Eric Braeden fashion, he didn’t just put rumors to rest —
he crushed them.