Did a gay kiss for Rafe lead to a last-minute recast on "The Young and The Restless"?

Yani Gellman and Michael Muhney

TV Guide is reporting that The Young and The Restless has just recast the role of Adam Wilson, the nefarious client of gay lawyer Rafe Torres (Yani Gellman). The role will be taken over by Michael Muhney, best remembered as Sheriff Don Lamb on gay-fave Veronica Mars.

Why the recast and why would it matter to AfterElton readers? File this under "rumors and speculation" for now, but soaps columnist Nelson Branco says that Chris Engen (who previously played Adam) walked off the set after refusing to kiss Gellman for a scene and has quit the show, leading to the last-minute replacement casting. Branco adds that Engen hasn't been happy with his character's villainous ways and has previously staged a few sickouts in protest.

We've asked the show for a comment and will let you know when we hear more about the situation, but for now here's some more on Muhney and the ongoing Rafe/Adam storyline...

Muhney as Sheriff Lamb

At the very least, it's interesting to hear where Rafe's story is headed. Over on his Twitter feed Muhney hints at "some interesting, perverse, warped scenarios." Admittedly, that could mean anything considering that Adam is currently trying to drive a pregnant woman insane.

Muhney's first appearance will air on June 25, which will probably be when things start getting steamy between Adam and Rafe. It's going to be a long month.

What do you think of a potential pairing between Rafe and Adam? I think I can come up with an equal number of arguments to whether that story could work or fail.

And thanks to Joseph for the tips!