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Maurice Benard just confirmed what many General Hospital fans hoped for. The veteran actor reached out to his struggling costar Kirsten Storms after her ex-husband obtained an emergency restraining order. His public show of support highlights the soap opera community rallying around one of their own during a difficult time.
🔥 Quick Facts
- The Support: Benard confirmed via Instagram comment that he reached out to Storms this week
- The Restraining Order: Brandon Barash obtained an emergency restraining order on April 27, 2026
- The Timeline: Storms married and divorced Barash from 2013 to 2016, sharing a 12-year-old daughter
- Status Review: A judge will revisit the restraining order case this week to determine next steps
How Maurice Benard Showed His Support
Benard didn’t hold back when expressing his concern for Storms. On Instagram, the Sonny Corinthos actor shared a throwback clip from his State of Mind podcast featuring an interview with Storms from 2022. When a fan asked if he had reached out to her, Benard simply replied, “Yes,” confirming his immediate action.
In the caption, Benard praised Storms‘ honesty and vulnerability. He wrote that he was impressed by how open she was during their podcast conversation, noting that she “talked about everything” and was “so damn impressive.” His public support sent a powerful message to fans that the soap opera community stands together in times of crisis.
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Understanding the Legal Situation
Brandon Barash, Storms‘ ex-husband from their 2013 to 2016 marriage, filed for the emergency restraining order citing concerns about their daughter’s safety. A judge approved the order after determining that Storms was experiencing a mental health crisis that required immediate intervention.
According to court documents, Storms had struggled with housing instability from June 2024 through September 2025, frequently moving between hotels. Barash claimed she believed people were following her and their child. He also alleged that Storms‘ current wife helped bring her to a hospital in 2025, where she reportedly stated she was experiencing delusions and hallucinations.
What Comes Next for Kirsten Storms
| Aspect | Details |
| Current Status | Emergency restraining order in effect |
| Visitation Rights | Supervised visitation only with 12-year-old daughter |
| Court Review | Judge to revisit case this week in May 2026 |
| Employment | Continue role as Maxie Jones on General Hospital |
“I rewatch this interview and I forgot how incredible it was. She’s genuinely kind of private. But she talked about everything she was so damn impressive.”
— Maurice Benard, General Hospital Actor and Podcast Host
The Soap Opera Community’s Response
Benard’s public confirmation of reaching out to Storms reflects the close-knit nature of the General Hospital family. The show has always been known for actors supporting each other through personal challenges. Storms has been part of the cast for years, playing the beloved character Maxie Jones, and her colleagues clearly care about her wellbeing.
In a sensitive situation involving mental health and legal matters, Benard’s simple “Yes” became a powerful statement. It signaled that despite the serious allegations and legal proceedings, her coworkers recognize that Storms deserves compassion and support as she navigates this challenging period.
Will This Resolve Quickly, or Will It Drag On?
The outcome depends on what happens at the scheduled court hearing this week in May 2026. The judge will review whether the restrictions should remain in place, be modified, or lifted entirely. Storms is currently allowed only supervised visits with her daughter, a significant limitation that will likely be central to the hearing.
Mental health crises often require time, treatment, and professional intervention to resolve. If Storms engages with mental health services and addresses the concerns raised by Barash, the court may reconsider the restrictions. However, if the situation remains unchanged, the restraining order could be extended, potentially keeping her separated from unsupervised contact with her child for months to come.
Sources
- TV Insider – Comprehensive report on Maurice Benard’s support for Kirsten Storms and restraining order details
- TMZ – Court documents regarding Brandon Barash’s emergency restraining order filing
- People Magazine – Details about Storms and Barash’s divorce and custody situation
