Australian soap star Sharon Johal is speaking out about the racism she endured on the set of Neighbours, claiming that she experienced “direct, indirect and casual racism” on the set. Here’s what you need to know.
The Indian-Australian actress, who played Dipi Rebecchi on the show, made the allegations in a 1,500-word statement published by The Guardian in Australia and on her own website. She left Neighbours last month after four years playing Dipi but is due to return in a guest role shortly.
In a lengthy statement published on her website, the Neighbours regular of four years detailed allegations of misconduct by co-stars and said her time portraying Dipi Rebecchi on the series has been “painful and problematic.”
Australian Soap Star Lashes Out At Highly-Rated Series Neighbors With Racism Claims
Sharon, who is also a trained lawyer, said: “Having worked on Neighbours for the last four years and being one of the few people of color to be employed as a series regular in it’s [sic] 36-year history, I have been asked by many, and feel an obligation to, to share my experiences. I feel morally compelled to support the actors who have come forward.”
She said one former castmate compared her to a bobble-head toy, and repeatedly mimicked Indian character Apu from The Simpsons in her presence “with accompanying Indian accent and movement of head.”
Another castmate, still on the show, had also repeatedly referred to her as “you people” when talking about people of Indian descent in a derogatory way. Sharon said when she asked what the castmate had meant, she was told: “You know, Indians.”
On-set racism allegations were first raised by former cast members Meyne Wyatt and Shareena Clanton. Both said it was “traumatizing to work in such a culturally unsafe space.”
Following Sharon Johal’s allegations, a Freemantle Media spokesperson told The Guardian: “We remain committed to ensuring a respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees on the set of Neighbours and take very seriously any questions about racism or any other form of discrimination. We are engaging an independent legal investigation to work concurrently with [Indigenous Australian consultancy firm] Campfire X’s cultural review and hope to work directly with the individuals that have raised concerns, following which we will take whatever next steps are appropriate.”
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