A former Hollyoaks writer has told how she ‘experienced racism’ on set as she publicly responded to Rachel Adedeji’s claims.
Claire Hanrahan, who was part of the writing team at the Channel 4 soap, made the allegations on Instagram in response to star Rachel’s statement about the racism she claimed she experienced on the show.
In a lengthy statement, Claire explained that she had debated on whether to share her views, although the reason she did was to amplify ‘Rachel and Matthew’s voices’.
‘I debated whether to share this or not, because I know now is not the time for white voices and opinions. I asked myself whether it was performative. Let me be clear that what I’m sharing is in no way deserving of a pat on the back,’ she began.
‘I did the wrong thing, and I have zero to lose here, unlike Rachel or Matthew.
And yet I‘m still scared, because looking at the racist structures that reside within me, and all the ways I benefit from white supremacy has been sickening and ugly.
‘However I also know it’s important not to stay silent, and it’s better to try and fail than not to try at all. So I’m here amplifying Rachel and Matthew’s voices and standing with them on the issue of racism at Hollyoaks.’
Claire went on to claim that she ‘personally witnessed racism’ during her time at Hollyoaks, and that ‘it cost a talented director her job’.
She continued: ‘I decided I was leaving around that time, and that I would write a letter to the head of Lime Pictures about it (along with a whole lot of other bs that went down there) once I’d left.
‘The director asked me to speak up with her at the time, but I said I felt more comfortable sending a letter in a few weeks, once I was out of there. I can make a lot of excuses as to why I did this – I was scared, I didn’t want to make it awkward for myself to be there, I didn’t want to get fired, I was pregnant, I had been bullied there and it didn’t feel safe etc etc etc.
‘I didn’t see how wrong it was to centre my own comfort in that situation. I didn’t see that it was a privilege to make the choice to stay silent while a POC lost their job and was asking me to stand with them. I didn’t see how I was using racism to make my own case, instead of honouring the needs of the person being victimised.’
Claire ended her post by urging other people to speak up.
‘I’m hoping it’s not too late to do the right thing. I’ve been back in touch with the head of Lime Pictures, following up on my letter and demanding more than token apologies and unfulfilled promises,’ she added.
‘Systemic change is needed – a podcast is not going to cut it @hollyoaksofficial
For any other white folks who have witnessed racism in the workplace, I urge you to speak up.’
A spokesperson for Hollyoaks has since responded to Claire’s claims.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk they said: ‘Lime pictures has a zero-tolerance approach to racism. Claire Hanrahan was employed in the script and story department at Hollyoaks from between 2016 and 2017.
‘Shortly after leaving Lime’s employment, Claire sent a formal complaint to the producers in December 2017. A full and thorough investigation was undertaken at the time and detailed response to Claire’s complaint was given in January 2018 and she was invited to provide more information about her complaint.’
‘No further correspondence was received from Claire until this week. In line with our commitment to do the right thing we will review this matter,’ the spokesperson added.
It comes after Hollyoaks launched an investigation into racism behind the scenes of the soap after Rachel condemned their approach to the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Channel 4 series initially shared a video of Kelle Bryan (Martine Deveraux) to support the initiative on social media, on 4 June.
However, after Rachel – who stars as Lisa Loveday – took aim at their post, recalling racial discrimination behind the scenes, soap bosses confirmed that they are taking her issues ‘extremely seriously’.
A statement shared on the soap’s Twitter page simply read: ‘Hollyoaks has zero tolerance on racism.
‘We are taking Rachel Adedeji’s comments extremely seriously and are investigating.’
Hollyoaks initially shared a video of Kelle, in which she explained that there had been ‘lots of really important conversations’ behind the scenes, following the death of George Floyd.
His death sparked protests across America and around the world, with famous faces demanding justice.
Rachel later took aim at the show in a lengthy message on her Twitter page, listing the shortcomings offset – including the lack of diversity in the directing team and slurs from a member of production.
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