Advertisement

Hollyoaks are investigating after Rachel Adedeji's allegations following response to Black Lives Matter

Photo credit: David M. Benett - Getty Images
Photo credit: David M. Benett - Getty Images

From Digital Spy

Hollyoaks has responded to star Rachel Adedeji's criticism of show's response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

After the soap's announcement on Thursday (June 4) that it will address the Black Lives Matter movement using a special podcast about racism, Rachel posted that she was disappointed with the soap's efforts on the issue.

Photo credit: @hollyoaksofficial - Instagram
Photo credit: @hollyoaksofficial - Instagram

The soap posted a short statement on Instagram: "Hollyoaks has zero tolerance on racism. We are taking Rachel Adedeji's comments extremely seriously and are investigating.

Rachel had called out the soap on Twitter and says she's experienced racism while working on the soap.

"Did Black Lives Matter when I was told 'You're all the same' by a make-up artist you employed, and remains in employment till this day?

Photo credit: Lime Pictures
Photo credit: Lime Pictures

Related: RuPaul's Drag Race stars join together for special show in support of Black Lives Matter

"Did Black Lives Matter when a number of female black actors were forced to drastically change their hair, because if not, the viewers 'would not be able to tell them apart'?

"Do Black Lives Matter when my fellow black cast mates are deemed angry, aggressive and too vocal?

"Did Black Lives Matter when we were referred to as 'blackies' by a senior member of the production team? Do Black Lives really Matter to you if over the last 4 years at Hollyoaks, I have only worked with ONE black director?"

Photo credit: Lime Pictures
Photo credit: Lime Pictures

Related: Star Wars praises John Boyega as a hero for his Black Lives Matter speech

She added that call having a Black cast member speak on behalf of the soap was "not as progressive as you think".

"Very little is being done behind the scenes. Unfortunately Hollyoaks' response seems to be performative and disingenuous," she further alleged.

Adedeji then recommended where she feels change must begin and stressed the "positive" parts of working on the soap, but that more needs to be done.

Photo credit: Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage - Getty Images
Photo credit: Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage - Getty Images

"It starts within the workplace. Working at Hollyoaks is mostly positive, but the experiences I have encountered are a constant reminder of how difficult it is being a black woman in the industry. I am no longer standing for it," she added.

"Putting out a podcast on racism and asking your black cast members to teach you how to tackle these issues is the bare minimum. THINK. DO BETTER.

"I hope Hollyoaks delivers the same energy when #BlackLivesMatter is no longer trending."

A Hollyoaks spokesperson previously told Digital Spy in response to Adedeji's post: "We are really concerned to read Rachel's comments on social media about Hollyoaks this evening. We will be in touch with Rachel directly."

Hollyoaks airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first-look episodes airing on E4 at 7pm. Wednesdays through Fridays on E4 will feature classic episodes called Hollyoaks Favourites to compensate for the soap suspending filming.


For more information on how you can support Black Lives Matter, please visit its official website or donate here. Readers can also donate to the UK anti-discrimination group Stand Up To Racism, and the Unite Families & Friends Campaign, which supports those affected by deaths in police, prison and psychiatric custody.


Digital Spy now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.

Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage

Want up-to-the-minute soaps news, spoilers and gossip on your social feeds? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Soaps Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @soapscoop Twitter account.

You Might Also Like