Actors in long-running soap Neighbours are coming forward with allegations of racism on the set of the iconic Australian show.
Aboriginal actor Shareena Clanton was the first actor to make detailed allegations of racism on the Channel 10 series yesterday in an explosive Instagram post.
Clanton said the set was a "lonely, triggering and traumatising place to work".
Within hours, another Aboriginal actor and Neighbours cast member, Meyne Wyatt, took to Twitter to say he had also experienced racism while working on the show. Wyatt added that homophobia on the set was also "rampant".
A third actor, Sharon Johal, who played Dipi Rebecchi on the soap, expressed her support for Clanton, commenting with three heart emojis in response to her Instagram post.
In February, Johal told the Daily Telegraph appearing on Neighbours made her a target for racist trolls.
https://twitter.com/meynewyatt/status/1379334253599629312?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwIn Clanton's Instagram post, she claimed she "n-word" was openly used twice, she also said she witnessed a white actor calling another actor of colour a "lil monkey."
Clanton says when she confronted the actor she was told to go somewhere else as she was "making others uncomfortable".
A spokesperson for Fremantle said the production company would "continue to work with all cast and crew to ensure Neighbours continues to be a fully inclusive environment".
Many other actors have expressed their support for Clanton and Wyatt.
Zoe Terakes, who co-starred with Clanton in the Foxtel drama Wentworth, wrote on Instagram: "Standing with you @shareenaclanton. Remarkable, powerful, courageous you. This industry is so f---ing lucky to have you. I love you."
Actor Belinda Bromilow, who has appeared on Doctor Doctor and Packed To The Rafters, said on Wyatt's Instagram page: "I'm so sorry and angry this continues. It shouldn't be this way. I am committed to doing better."
