Why Billy Abbott is expected to fail on The Young and the Restless

On The Young and the Restless, Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) is rattling the corporate world with his recent decisions, which some feel are selfish and brash.

Billy’s mom, Jill, fell ill, and she entrusted her voting rights to Billy. Against her wishes, Billy used her votes to esure Chancelor-Winters was de-merged. Billy partnered with Lily Winters to run his mother’s company, Chancellor Industries, renaming it Abbott-Chancellor, which he claimed was to honor Jill. Lily was secretly plotting against Billy. She was going to undermine Billy by gaining his trust, ditching him, and taking the company for herself. Billy had no proof but distrusted Lily, so he used his authority to fire Lily.

Billy has a long history of being his own worst enemy and leaving a trail of collateral damage in his wake. Because of this, nearly everyone in Genoa City has told Billy that without Lily, he is doomed to fail. However, their negativity is driving Billy to be more determined than ever to succeed.

Those who are sure that Billy's downfall is inevitable have a plethora of reasons to feel that way. These are just some of Billy’s misdeeds on The Young and the Restless that are stuck in the memories of many Genoa City residents:

Liam and Sonny

When Billy came of age and returned to Genoa City, he was a love ‘em and leave ‘em type. He was confident that no one could hold him responsible for his womanizing ways because he introduced himself as “Liam,” a nickname derived from “William.” He later used the pseudonym “Sonny Crawford" to catfish Lily when she tried online dating.

More womanizing

After having a baby with Chloe, Billy claimed he’d settle down and give family life a try. Billy's sibling rivalry with his brother Jack ran deep, and while living with Chloe, Billy had an affair with Jack’s wife at the time, Sharon. After that fizzled out, Billy married Chloe—then slept with Sharon again.

Buying a baby

Later, Billly married Victoria Newman. Wanting to adopt, Victoria was thrilled at first when he brought her a baby to love, but the adoption soon tore Victoria and Billy apart. Not only had Billy brought home a black market baby, but the baby was the daughter of Daniel Romalotti. Billy's plan went sideways, and they had to give baby Lucy back to her real family.

Gambling

When Billy stumbles, he falls hard. He gambles, drinks, and gives up all hope for salvation. His gambling debts have dug some pretty deep holes, including losing a yacht, Jaboat, that he had bought for Jabot when he was CEO.

Jack’s wife, again

After Sharon, Billy set his sights on another one of Jack’s wives—Phyllis. Together, Billy and Phyllis steamed up the screen, but sleeping with someone’s wife, especially his brother’s, was one example of how low Billy could go.

Oh, yes, he did

Phyllis and Billy gave their relationship a bona fide effort, but Phyllis cheated on Billy with Nick. To get back at her, Billy slept with someone, too—Phyllis and Nick’s daughter, Summer.

Lack of Faith

Billy wanted to write an exposé on Adam Newman, despite the people it would hurt. For one person in particular, the story had a near-fatal impact. When Billy published Adam’s list of misdeeds and crimes, it had a life-altering effect on young Faith Newman, leading her to underage drinking, a car crash, and Adam donating a kidney to save her life.

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS.