Hollyoaks actress Rachel Adedeji has branded the soap’s response to the Black Lives Matter movement as “disappointing”.
In a statement shared over Twitter, the 28-year-old, who has played Lisa Loveday on the soap since 2016, slammed Hollyoaks’ “not progressive” response.
Rachel was reacting to a Twitter post shared on the official Hollyoaks page, showing actress Kelle Bryan addressing the Black Lives Matter movement.
In her statement, former X factor star Rachel highlighted a number of instances of racism she claimed to have experienced on the set of the Channel 4 soap.
While Rachel said her experience on the soap was “mostly positive,” she called for Hollyoaks to do more to support anti-racism.
Criticising their response to the BLM movement, Rachel pointed out that having just one cast member speak out on the subject was not taking sufficient action.
A Hollyoaks spokesperson said: “We are really concerned to read Rachel’s comments on social media about Hollyoaks this evening. We will be in touch with Rachel directly.”
In her statement, Rachel said: “I am disappointed with Hollyoaks’ approach with showing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement yesterday.
“Did black lives matter when I was told ‘you’re all the same’ via a makeup artist you employed and remains in employment to this day?
Rachel called the soap’s response to the Black Lives Matter movement “disappointing” (Image: racheladedeji/Instagram)
“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 castmates are deemed ‘angry, aggressive and too vocal?’
“Did Black Lives Matter when referred to as ‘bl*****s’ by a senior member of the production team?
Before adding: “Do Black Lives really matter to you if over the last four years at Hollyoaks, I have only worked with one black director?”
Rachel shared a statement over Twitter, expressing her disappointment (Image: @RachelASongs/Twitter)
Urging Hollyoaks’ bosses to “do better,” she continued: “Honestly, the list goes on. Having a black cast member speak on behalf of Hollyoaks to show that the work is being done is not as progressive as they think. As a matter of fact, very little is being done behind the scenes.
“Unfortunately, Hollyoaks’ response seems to me, performative and disingenuous. It starts within the workplace. Systemic changes must be put into practice.
“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.
Rachel has played Lisa Loveday on the soap since 2016 (Image: WireImage)
“Putting out a podcast on racism and asking your black members to teach you how to tackle racism is the bare minimum.
Before finishing: “THINK. DO BETTER. I hope Hollyoaks delivers the same energy when #BlackLivesMatter is no longer trending.”
Below, her fellow castmates commended the statement, thanking Rachel for her honesty in penning the passionate post.
Karl Collins, who played her dad Louis Loveday on the soap, wrote: “Well….. it will come as no surprise that I love this woman who I affectionately call ‘darta!’ I am so proud of her bravery!”
Phoebe McQueen actress Mandip Gill also added a series of clapping-hand emojis, showing her support.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
