Twist in bombshell Neighbours racism claims

An investigation into claims of racism and cultural insensitivity on the set of Neighbours has wrapped up, but there’s a twist to the findings.

The findings of an investigation into claims of racism on the set of Neighbours will not be revealed.

The investigation into the loudly voiced claims of racism and cultural insensitivity on the set of Neighbours has been completed but in a surprise twist the findings will not be made public.

It is understood the investigation was quietly concluded before Christmas and while some conversations are still in process, recommendations from the report are believed to have already been incorporated into the show’s production.

Neighbours is filmed in Melbourne at studios in Nunawading.

Fremantle, the producer of Neighbours, declined to provide details of the findings nor the changes implemented at set level.

The revelations come as Fremantle and Network 10 confirmed on Thursday that a white knight investor had not been found and that Neighbours would wrap for the final time after 37 years on June 10.

The final episodes of the long-running, much-loved soap will air in September on 10 Peach.

In April 2021 claims of racism and cultural insensitivity on the Neighbours set exploded into the public realm.

Noted First Nations actor, Shareena Clanton, took to social media that month detailing a raft of concerning experiences and encounters she allegedly endured while filming a guest role on the show.

Shareena Clanton described the Neighbours set as a ‘toxic’ environment. Pic Jay Town

She described the show when she was filming last year as a “toxic” environment where she encountered commentary that was “highly inflammatory, sexist, misogynistic, crass and crude – the kind of comments that if I were to make in any other workspace would absolutely [result in] instant dismissal.

“It’s been lonely, triggering and traumatising to work in such a culturally unsafe space.”

Other former cast members also came forward, with some revealing examples of allegedly culturally inappropriate language being used around or to them.

Following the outcry, Fremantle confirmed it was launching an independent legal investigation into the claims and had also employed indigenous consultancy firm Campfire X to undertake a cultural review into the show.

Former Neighbours actor Sharon Johal says she was referred to as ‘the black one’ on set.

While the investigations have concluded it would appear there are no plans to make the findings public.

The end for Neighbours came after its UK production partner Channel 5 confirmed last month it was dropping the show.

“This difficult decision came after the search for an alternative UK broadcast partner proved unsuccessful,” Network 10 said in a statement.

“Ramsay Street, Erinsborough, is a cul-de-sac recognised all over the world and has been home to Scott and Charlene, Des and Daphne, Dr Karl and Susan, Dee and Toadie, Aaron and David and many, many more neighbours.

“Network 10 thanks the cast, crew, all the production team and Fremantle for bringing the perfect blend of soap and sunshine to audiences in Australia and around the world.”

Fremantle said: “It is with sadness that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast, we are confirming that Neighbours will cease production in June.

“The show has brought a sunny slice of Australia into the homes of millions of viewers around the world launching the careers of dozens of household names along the way.

“But as this chapter of Ramsay Street comes to a close, we promise to do everything we can to give the show the send-off it deserves.”

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Originally published as Twist in bombshell Neighbours racism claims