After actress Rachel Adedeji alleged experiencing racism on the set of U.K. soap opera, Hollyoaks. Lime Pictures, the producer of the show, has launched an investigation into the matter, according to Variety.
Having played Lisa Loveday in Hollyoaks since 2016, Adedeji posted a statement on social media last week concerning Hollyoaks’ lack of involvement in showing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
The actress claims that she was allegedly told by make-up artist that black female actresses were prompted to drastically change the appearance of their hair because they are “all the same,” and if they did not, the viewers “would not be able to tell them apart.” She also alleges on Variety that a senior member of the show’s production team referred to black cast members as “blackies,” and that black male cast members were “deemed angry, aggressive, and too vocal.”
Commenting on the productions lack of diversity on Variety, Adedeji commented “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.” Expressing her frustrations, she admits that she is “no longer standing for it.”
In a statement that Lime Pictures made today, they profess that “’Hollyoaks’ has been deeply shocked and saddened by issues that have been brought to our attention over the weekend.” Though the production company says to have a “zero tolerance on racism,” they admit they have “further work to do.”
Lime Pictures also added: “We are very conscious that we need to do more and are committed to making changes that we need to make. The onus is upon our company collectively and us all as individuals within our community to tackle racism, and it is a responsibility which all of us here at ‘Hollyoaks’ are taking on fully.”
The All3Media owned company asserts on its website that it is implementing several next steps to handle the issue, which according to Variety includes:
- Reaching out to all cast and staff that have raised matters to address individual issues and concerns
- Asking all cast, staff and freelancers to share any further issues of concern or instances of unacceptable behavior they have not previously raised
- Working with unconscious bias trainers
- BAME staff, freelancers and cast to be offered mentoring from Lime’s senior management
- Reviewing BAME writers and directors’ schemes
- An in-depth review of company and cast liaisons across Lime