Why does Ian Ward hate the Newmans?

The Young and the Restless's Ian Ward has long been a menace to the Newman family. Causing much chaos to Victor and Nikki and their loved ones, Ian's own personal vendetta, manipulation,n and desire for twisted revenge drove his passionate dislike for the Newmans as he continuously comes up with ways to create trouble for them.

Ever since Ward was introduced in the show, his strange inclination towards Nikki and exploiting her has been one of the key traits of the antagonist, who takes a step further and even becomes an adversary to Nikki's husband, Victor, and those around him. His hatred for the Newmans isn't limited to just Nikki.

He also persistently tries to make things difficult for Victor, going as far as to interfere in his work and business, and attempting to hurt their loved ones as well.

This sub-plotline has given birth to some of the most intense confrontations on the show as the cult leader continues to terrorize the Newmans. But where does Ian's dislike for the Newmans come from?

Ian Ward's history with the Newmans

Ian's interest in the Newman family began with Nikki Reed. Having led a life of sheer difficulties as she navigated through her career as a stripper and a prostitute, Nikki found herself in the middle of a complicated murder case and trial, where she was threatened to not testify.

She soon leaves town and ends up joining the New World Commune. A community that she later realizes is actually a cult.

Here is where we are introduced to Ian Ward. A charismatic leader, he charms his way into Nikki's life and ends up raping her. Subsequently, Nikki flees and gives birth to Ian's son Dylan McAvoy, who she gives up for adoption. It is, however, revealed later on that Ian is not the father of Dylan because he is sterile and cannot have children.

Soon after, Nikki gets over her traumatic past as she starts life afresh with Victor Newman. But little does she know that the villain from the past will soon make another appearance in their lives. Ian joins Jordan Howard in destroying the Newmans, and the two plot several attempts to destroy the family.

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Ian Ward and Jordan Howard's attempts to destroy the Newman family

Ian and Jordan make multiple attempts to destroy the Newman family. These range from tampering with Sharon Newman; Victor's daughter-in-law's bipolar medicines, to becoming a personal assistant to Nikki to gain access to the family as she attempts to create trouble for them. Soon after, the show reveals that Ian is working with her to bring the Newmans down.

Even though they both have separate ambitions on why they want to destroy the Newmans, they work together to achieve their villainous goals. However, the duo often gets into tension as Jordan accuses Howard of using her to fulfill his own revenge against the Newmans. They choose Sharon as their main target as Ward attempts to kill her and make it seem like it was a car crash.

Ian Ward's hatred for the Newmans is one of the prime driving forces in the Young & The Restless plotline. His desire for revenge, traits of manipulation, and tactics of exploitation become a huge problem for the Newmans who have already been through so much.

His legacy as one of The Young and the Restless’ most cunning villains remains intact, and fans know that when it comes to Ian Ward, trouble is never far behind.

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