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Production company Fremantle Media and Network 10 will launch an independent investigation into racism on set

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Stephanie McKennaThe West Australian
Production company Fremantle Media and Network 10 have issued a new statement addressing allegations of racist culture running ‘rampant’ through the set of Neighbours made by two WA Indigenous actors.
Camera IconProduction company Fremantle Media and Network 10 have issued a new statement addressing allegations of racist culture running ‘rampant’ through the set of Neighbours made by two WA Indigenous actors.

Production company Fremantle Media and Network 10 have issued a new statement addressing allegations of racist culture running “rampant” through the set of Neighbours made by two WA Indigenous actors.

Perth-raised Wongatha, Yamatji and Noongar Gitja woman Shareena Clanton slammed their original apology labelling it a “non-response” that “held no accountability/action/remorse/reform” after she and Kalgoorlie-raised actor Meyne Wyatt took to social media to call out the soap, with Clanton describing it as a “culturally unsafe space”.

In a statement released on Thursday, CEO of Fremantle Asia Pacific Chris Oliver-Taylor told The West Australian they would be “investigating all allegations fairly and thoroughly”.

Shareena Clanton.
Camera IconShareena Clanton. Credit: Instagram

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“Fremantle is committed to providing an environment where employees and others in the workplace are treated fairly and with respect, and are free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and bullying,” it read.

“We do not tolerate behaviour that does not align to our Anti-Discrimination, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Harassment & Bullying Policy and take all complaints very seriously, investigating all allegations fairly and thoroughly.

“We have asked Campfire X, creative leaders in Indigenous Cultural Protocols, to conduct an independent review of Neighbours and the production process.”

A spokesperson from Network 10 told The West they would work with all parties involved to “investigate and ensure Neighbours continues to foster a fully inclusive environment”.

“Network 10 does not tolerate discriminatory or racist behaviour in any form. We work closely with all our production partners to ensure everyone has access to a diverse, inclusive and safe working environment,” it read.

“We support ongoing education and dialogue in the fight against racism and discrimination. We will work with Fremantle, and all cast and crew, to investigate and ensure Neighbours continues to foster a fully inclusive environment.”

It comes as Clanton - whose guest role as Sheila Canning on the show is set to air next week – took to social media on Tuesday revealing her experiences working on Neighbours.

She vowed she would “never work for this show again” and was “struggling to post anything positive about the months I endured on Neighbours after multiple racist traumas and navigating ongoing counselling”.

Wyatt was a series regular on Neighbours from 2014 to 2016 and the first Indigenous actor to become a regular cast member said he had also “experienced racism on set” and was “f...... tired of calling this s... out”.

Meyne Wyatt.
Camera IconMeyne Wyatt. Credit: Supplied

“It is disappointing but not at all surprising to hear that five years later racism continues to be present in that workplace,” he wrote on Instagram.

“But what can you say, we are in Australia.

“I don’t see a lot of Indigenous actors on the show or on any prime-time television series ... but these attitudes are prevalent throughout the industry.

“And we are f...... tired of calling this s... out. Individuals, actors, cast and crews!

“To the Production companies, to the networks! Do better, be better. You can always do better. The work is not finished. Even when you think you have, just know you haven’t. Because you haven’t.”

The West Australian has reached out to Wyatt and Clanton for comment.

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