Hollyoaks Star, Rachel Adedeji Accuses Soap Of Racism, Slams Their Response To Black Lives Matter
Hollyoaks star, Rachel Adedeji has condemned the show for its response to the Black Lives Matter movement.
She stated that they need to do better themselves rather than sharing a video of one black cast member at a time when black people are so scared and upset.
The 28-year-old star who plays Lisa Loveday in the soap was responding to a post shared on the Hollyoaks Twitter page that featured actress Kelle Bryan addressing the the Black Lives Matter movement.
A message from Kelle Bryan, who plays Martine Deveraux in Hollyoaks… #BlackLivesMatterEverywhere @kellebryan pic.twitter.com/BUjSjNAt0K
— Hollyoaks (@Hollyoaks) June 4, 2020
Rachel went on to list the shortcomings at her workplace, this included the lack of diversity in the directing team and shocking slurs from a member of production.
The actress and singer tweeted: ‘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 make up artist you employed and remains in employment to this day?
‘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’?
‘Do Black Lives really matter to you if over the last four years at Hollyoaks, I have only worked with one black director?
‘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 progessive as they think. As a matter of fact, very little is being done behind the scenes.“
My thoughts on the Hollyoaks response to Black Lives Matter pic.twitter.com/jvOxzCQkl0
— Rachel Adedeji (@RachelASongs) June 5, 2020
“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.
‘Putting out a podcast on racism and asking your black members to teach you how to tackle racism is the bare minimum.
‘THINK. DO BETTER. I hope Hollyoaks delivers the same energy when #BlackLivesMatter is no longer trending.’
Responding to her statement, Hollyoaks made the post below;
A statement from Hollyoaks. pic.twitter.com/PAXlFaLR6w
— Hollyoaks (@Hollyoaks) June 6, 2020
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