Kelly Monaco is speaking out about her departure from General Hospital.

In August, PEOPLE confirmed that Monaco, 48, would not be returning to the famous soap after 21 years of playing Sam McCall. In a since-deleted response to a comment on Soap Hub’s Instagram that read, “What do you got concrete in your head she wasn’t fired she didn’t take the pay cut so she had to leave,” the actress offered up her own reaction.

“‘No primary role’.. do your homework. When Billy Miller was fired, Sam’s storyline stopped. Stripping Sam of every characteristic she had,” she wrote. “Something I worked for decades to build… Slowly dismantling her, into a character that I did not recognize, let alone the audience. Call it what you will… retaliation at it [sic] finest. I will give a proper statement. The truth will set you free.”

ABC declined PEOPLE’s request for comment.

On Sept. 28, Monaco’s mom Carmina also took to her Instagram to speak out on her daughter being let go from the fan-favorite show.

“I want to take this moment to reach out to Kelly’s incredible fans and express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering love, loyalty, and support you’ve shown her throughout her time on General Hospital,” Carmina posted. “On this final day, just four days shy of the anniversary of her first episode on October 1, 2003, Kelly will close the door of her dressing room for the last time.”

“This moment is a difficult one, but knowing that she has had such an incredible, devoted fan base has given her strength,” she continued. “You’ve stood by her through every twist and turn, celebrating her achievements and providing comfort in the hard times. Your love and dedication have meant more than words can express, not only to Kelly but to all of us who care so deeply for her.”

She concluded: “Thank you for being there, for believing in her, and for reminding her of the impact she’s made. We will always be grateful for you standing with her through it all.”

Fans in the comments expressed their confusion and sadness for the loss of Monaco’s character.

“But the question is ….. why,” one user wrote.

“I have watched GH for over 46 years and no character have I ever gravitated to like Sam,” commented another. “She had me girl fanning her from day 1. My loyalty and viewing ends with [Monaco’s] last scene.”

Monaco first joined General Hospital in 2003 and has since appeared in over 2,000 episodes of the ABC soap. In 2006, she earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for best supporting actress for her portrayal of Sam.

Before the two-decade role, Monaco played Livvie Locke on the GH spinoff Port Charles from 2000-2003. She also gained recognition for becoming the first star to take home the mirrorball trophy with pro Alec Mazo in season 1 of Dancing with the Stars.