Kelly Monaco calls ‘general hospital’ exit ‘retaliation’

Calling “General Hospital” fans.

Kelly Monaco, who has played Sam McCall for 21 years on the soap, was confirmed not to be returning to the long-running series in August.

The 48-year-old actress is now speaking out about her departure in a since-deleted response on Instagram.

Monaco responded to a comment on Soap Hub’s Instagram post Tuesday that read: “What concrete do you have in mind, she wasn’t fired, she didn’t take the pay cut, so she had to leave.”

In response, the actress wrote: “‘No starring role’…do your homework.” When Billy Miller was fired, Sam’s story ended. Stripping Sam of every characteristic she had. Something I worked for decades to build… Slowly dismantling her, into a character I didn’t recognize, much less the audience. Call it what you want… the finest retaliation (sic). I will make an appropriate statement. The truth will set you free.

The Post has contacted Monaco’s representative for comment.

A few days earlier, Monaco’s mom, Carmina, shared a lengthy message on her Instagram about her daughter’s firing from her role on “General Hospital.”

“I want to take this moment to reach out to Kelly’s incredible fans and express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering love, loyalty and support you have shown her throughout her time on General Hospital.” , she wrote on September 28. On this last day, just four days before the anniversary of her first episode on October 1, 2003, Kelly will close the door to her dressing room for the last time.

Carmina went on to explain that while it’s been a difficult transition for her daughter after two decades, the unwavering fan base has made it a little easier.

“This moment is difficult, but knowing that she had such an incredible and dedicated fan base has given her strength,” the former figure skater continued. “You supported her every step of the way, celebrating her achievements and providing comfort during difficult times. Your love and dedication means more than words can express, not only to Kelly but to all of us who care about her so deeply.

“Thank you for being there, believing in her and reminding her of the impact she had,” Carmina concluded. “We will always be grateful that you were by his side through all of this.”

She captioned her post: “Thank you. You are the best of the best!

Fans flocked to the comments section over Monaco’s shocking exit.

“I’ve been watching GH for over 46 years and no character has ever drawn me in like Sam,” one user shared. “She made me fan my daughter from day one. My loyalty and viewing ends with Kelly_m23’s last scene.”

Another remark read: “I’m so devastated and don’t know if I can continue watching without her.”

Rounding out the heartfelt messages, one person exclaimed: “Kelly is so loved and supported by so many and she didn’t deserve this!! I will always love and support her! I love you both. she will always be the iconic Samantha McCall of my/GH. Always there for you guys.

The actress was reportedly “blinded” by the channel’s decision to kill off her character.

Monaco first appeared in the town of Port Charles in 2003 and has since starred in more than 2,000 episodes of the ABC soap opera. Three years later, in 2006, she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Best Supporting Actress.

Monaco previously played Livvie Locke on “GH” “Port Charles” spin-off from 2000 to 2003.

In 2005, she also gained notoriety after becoming the first star to win the Mirrorball trophy with professional dancer Alec Mazo on season 1 of “Dancing With the Stars.”

“I wanted to win,” the “General Hospital” star admitted to ESPN in 2011. “I didn’t realize how many hours I put in because my end goal was to win the title and I reached it.”