As the news of Michael Muhney's (Adam Newman) firing from The Young and the Restless begins to sink in, fans aren't the only ones left to process the news. The Emmy-nominated Muhney has given his first post-dismissal interview and admits that he was caught off guard when he was summoned to executive producer Jill Farren Phelps's office and told that his time on Y&R had come to an end.

"I saw it coming, and I didn't see it coming," Muhney told Nelson Branco for the Huffington Post. "I suspected it could happen, but I didn't think that it really would -- at least not now; maybe down the line."

Upon learning that he was being let go, Muhney confessed that there was a period of time when he was unable to vocalize a response and thought he was experiencing a "very vivid, surreal dream." After coming to the realization that it was not a dream, the actor began trying to figure out what may have led to his dismissal.

"Part of me feels this is because I've always been outspoken, and sometimes I've been too outspoken," Muhney explained. "Sometimes I've walked around with a big backpack full of hubris. That is entirely on me. CBS, Sony, and Jill Phelps are not to blame for that."

According to Muhney, the reason he was given for his exit was that Adam needed to be taken off the canvas for a while.

"It was explained to me that CBS and Sony want to give Adam a break for three to six months and then they'll bring him back with a different actor," Muhney stated. "Maybe he does need a break. Adam has been on screen a lot. He's not being killed off."

CBS has not responded to requests for comment on Muhney's dismissal, and networks typically do not comment on contracts.

Meanwhile, other Y&R cast members have taken to social media to ask that fans be patient and understanding of the situation.

"Honestly, [Phelps] 's is not to blame. She is terrific," Emmy winner Doug Davidson (Paul Williams) shared on Twitter in defense of the show's executive producer. "Trust me, there is more to the story. Please know we love you guys and we will continue to bring you the best show we can. I've got at least 20 castmates that vow the same pledge."

"Been a crazy day," added Joshua Morrow (Nick Newman). "All I can say is we will endure, we will keep working our butts off to make a good show for you. Have faith in that."

For more on Michael Muhney's firing, please click here.

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