The Reason Behind Ian’s Obsession With Mariah on Young and the Restless

2025 is off to a rough start for the residents of Genoa City. Mariah came face-to-face with the man who’s caused her reign of terror. She finds out that her wife, Tessa, spoke with Ian Ward. The two share a disturbing history on The Young and the Restless.

What is Ian’s Backstory?

Ray Wise reprised his role as Ian in November. He was revealed as Jordan’s (Colleen Zenk) latest accomplice. The two have been working together to cause havoc in Genoa City. They share many things in common. Not only are they criminals on the run, but they also share an obsession with the Newmans.

Most of Ian’s obsession stems from Mariah (Camryn Grimes). He was a cult leader who stole her when Sharon (Sharon Case) gave birth to both Mariah and Cassie (also Grimes). Cassie ended up in foster care, while Mariah ended up with Ian, who claimed he was her father. Later, he used Mariah as a prop to make Sharon feel mentally unstable. Ian encouraged Mariah to act like Cassie.

READ THIS: What was Ian’s plan to destroy Mariah on Y&R?

White Wedding

That wasn’t the only time that Ian terrorized Mariah. He also made her his young bride. This happened around the time when Sharon kicked Mariah out of her house for seducing Nick (Joshua Morrow).

Ian took off with Mariah in tow. He drugged her up and made her wear a wedding dress. His associate officiated the wedding. Mariah refused to marry Ian. But she was so drugged up that she couldn’t escape. Sharon and Nick eventually rescued Mariah. She found out that Sharon was her mother. Mariah has a lot of trauma from her birth and Ian’s torture. Unfortunately, this trauma will be brought up again now that Ian’s back in town.

He’s still obsessed with Mariah. It returns the moment he sees her. This will continue as he goes head-to-head against Victor once again. Who will win this time around? (Here’s how Camryn Grimes feels about reuniting with Ray Wise.)