‘GH’ Genie Francis Breaks Silence About Inappropriate Storyline

Genie Francis- ABC

General Hospital star, Genie Francis has started to reveal how she is feeling about a storyline from the show. Genie’s character, Laura Webber was madly in love with Luke Spencer. Their love story was one of the most popular in soap opera history. If you know anything about the soaps, you more than likely know their story.  However, there was one thing that many viewers don’t remember about how their romance began. Part of their story began in an episode back in 1979. In one scene, Luke actually raped Laura. The show, of course, ended up playing it off as just seduction, but that wasn’t the case. Now, it looks as if Francis has started to talk openly about the rape scene with her fans.

Genie Francis Opens Up About Inappropriate Storyline

Recently, Genie Francis started to reflect on what happened with Luke and Laura on the show. Francis appeared at a panel for ABC Television Critics Association this past week. She opened up about her past on the show. Genie Francis began, “You know, as a young kid, at 17, I was told to play rape, and I played it. I didn’t even know what it was. But, at 17, you follow the rules, and you do as you are told, and you aim to please.”

Genie Francis- ABC
Genie Francis- ABC

She went on, “At 60, I don’t feel the need to defend that anymore. I think that the story was inappropriate, I don’t condone it, and it’s been a burden that I’ve had to carry to try to justify that story, so I’m not doing that anymore. When a woman says ‘No,’ she should be listened to, and if you replay that scene, you don’t have Laure just saying ‘No,’ you have her screaming ‘No.'”

Genie Francis began the show in 1977 when she was just a teenager! Genie played Laura for over 40 years. Quite frequently, she would take breaks from the show. However, she would surprise her fans by showing up time and time again.

The Iconic Soap Opera Couple

When General Hospital fans tuned in for Luke and Laura’s wedding, there was so much excitement. Who knew that their love affair would begin as a rape? Additionally, fans have applauded this love story for decades. The show finally killed off Luke’s character in a cable car accident, but that didn’t stop fans from watching.

Luke and Laura General Hospital- ABC
Luke and Laura General Hospital- ABC

What do you think? Do you think that it was right of the producers to allow a 17-year-old girl to film a rape scene? What would happen now if we saw that in a soap opera? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Keep your eye on TVShowsAce for all of your soap opera spoilers.

 

Allie Johnson

3 Comments

  1. I feel something should be brought up about when Laura was kidnapped and forced to be on Cassidine island, and I assume was raped again. Nicolas and they never talk about why/how that happened. They gloss over this time in her life on General Hospital. I would like some explanation on this also.

  2. Rape should NEVER be romanticized, regardless of the age of the actor. Whoever heard of a rape victim’s falling in love with the rapist and marrying them? I agree with Miss Francis.

  3. I remember seeing that episode as a young teenager and totally freaking out. I still remember his eyes. I never watched G.H. again. Then the whole “Luke and Laura” thing happened and I remember thinking how is this character marrying her rapist? I am glad she is speaking about it now.

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