“Days of Our Lives”' Cherie Jimenez 'Cried a Bunch' After Facing 'Bullying' for Replacing Camila Banus as Gabi

"I was getting ripped apart in so many different ways — and people were reaching out to do it," Jimenez said

Cherie Jimenez is sharing her experience with cyberbullying.

In an interview with Woman’s World, the actress opened up about the public’s reaction to her taking over the role of Gabi on Days of Our Lives after Camila Banus' exit. Admitting that the transition into the part was difficult for her, Jimenez said she dealt with fan backlash.

“I’m not going to sugarcoat it, I cried a bunch in the beginning,” she revealed. “The fanbase was basically bullying me. People miss Camila and even though I tried to bring elements of her to the role, I’m not Camila. I was getting ripped apart in so many different ways — and people were reaching out to do it. It really hurt.”

“Bullying is not okay, in any form,” she continued. “And I choose to change the narrative and what I acknowledge. My life is very full. I’m blessed. I’m so thankful.”

Related: Camila Banus Appears to Call Out Former Days of Our Lives Colleagues’ 'Behavior' After Exit from the Show

After shifting her focus to the job and the support she received from her castmates, Jimenez said she was able to silence the outside noise. After that, things began to look up.

“I’m also proud of my work,” she said. “My producers and bosses let me know that I have exceeded their expectations, and now, I have some fans. I’d say it’s 50/50, so I’m focusing on the viewers that are giving me a chance and showing me love.”

Related: Days of Our Lives' Alison Sweeney Returns as Sami Brady After 2 Years: 'I'm So Glad to Make It Happen'

Jimenez first auditioned for the role of Gabi in 2009, so getting to play her is a full-circle moment, she said. The actress also said she auditioned last year, but was unaware that she was even up for the part.

“When I got the contract and found out that I’d been auditioning for Gabi all along, I couldn’t believe it, because what are the chances?” Jimenez said. “For this to come back around 15-plus years later is such a wild experience. I cried in gratitude, and it’s changed my life. I’ve been there for almost a year, and I love it.”

“I had stepped away from acting for a while because I wanted to focus on motherhood and that’s exactly what I did,” she added. “But the universe had other plans for me.”

Jimenez was living in Texas prior to booking Days of Our Lives, so moving with her 2-year-old son Phoenix and husband Sean Faris — who is also an actor — to Los Angeles was a major shift. She gushed over Faris, saying he is “amazing” and has been great with the transition.

“We have basically switched roles,” she told the outlet. “Now, he’s the one staying home with our little one while I go to work. He is an incredible actor, but we don’t have family here, so he’s stopped taking opportunities outside of LA. We’ve had to make some sacrifices because this opportunity has brought stability in an industry where anything can happen.”

Even with her busy schedule, she said she makes time for family activities as much as she can.

“If I get off work early, we’ll go to the zoo, Descanso Gardens, or on a little adventure,” she said. “And if I’m at work all day, I live down the street, so I’ll make a point to meet him at the park or hang out with him at home for a bit.”

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Days of Our Lives can be streamed on Peacock.