Rachel Adedeji: Hollyoaks launches investigation into racism after actor says she was told 'you’re all the same’ on set
Adedeji claimed show’s response to Black Lives Matter movement was ‘performative and disingenuous’
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Hollyoaks has launched an investigation into allegations of racism on set, following claims by actor Rachel Adedeji that racial slurs were used towards her and other black members of staff.
On Saturday, Adedeji shared a lengthy post to Twitter in response to news that Hollyoaks, which she has appeared on since 2016, was planning to address the Black Lives Matter movement with a special podcast series about racism.
“I am disappointed with Hollyoaks’ approach to showing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement yesterday,” she wrote.
“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?
“Did Black Lives Matter when we were referred to as ‘blackies’ by a senior member of the production team?”
Listing a number of alleged racist microagressions and comments made towards her working on the Channel 4 soap opera, Adedeji continued: “Having a black cast member speak on behalf of Hollyoaks to show that the work is being done is not as progressive as you think. Very little is being done behind the scenes. Unfortunately, Hollyoaks’ response seems to me performative and disingenuous.
“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,” she added. “I am no longer standing for it.”
Responding to the former X Factor contestant, Hollyoaks wrote on their Instagram page: “Hollyoaks has zero tolerance on racism. We are taking Rachel Adedeji’s comments extremely seriously and are investigating.”