Production company Fremantle ‘blindsided’ by fresh racism claims on Neighbours set

Many Neighbours staff say they were left blindsided by fresh claims racism was rife on set.

Many Neighbours staff say they were left blindsided by fresh claims racism was rife on set and after two reported incidents had been dealt with and resolved internally.

Sources told The Australian both matters were handled by production company Fremantle’s human resources department during actor Shareena’s Clanton’s time on set — this included the use of the “n-word” and “slave driver” in separate situations.

And her contract with the TV drama ended with a smoking ceremony send-off last month, which staff thought had resolved any issues during her time on the show which spanned five months.

Speaking on anonymity, senior sources said Ms Clanton’s recent social media posts, which included claims of racism, sexism and misogyny on the Channel 10 program, “came without us knowing anything about it”.

“There’s a view there was an outcome and process taken but clearly that has not resolved the issue,” the insider said.

“It was the complete opposite of being brushed under the carpet, it was dealt with but clearly not to the appropriate levels others would feel, Shareena particularly.”

Internal disciplinary action was taken against staff involved in the incidents. One staff member involved was understood to have been placed on stress leave when complaints were made about them.

No employees lost their jobs as a result of the complaints.

But Ms Clanton, 32, told The Australian she spoke out about issues with the production of the long-running soap because of the “trauma” she had experienced.

“They don’t live the trauma do they, they don’t have to remain in constant reflection and actions and implications of what happened,” she said.

“These racialised hierarchies that I inscribe and talk about existed were ongoing.

“After politely addressing it with these individuals, not once did I receive an apology.”

Ms Clanton said she was told to leave the complaints she made with Fremantle and they would deal with them accordingly.

“It wasn’t dealt with accordingly in terms of the follow-up conversations and ongoing support promised and what was required to engage with cultural education and frameworks they needed to implement against anti-racism, anti-bullying, anti-harassment,” Ms Clanton said.

Former Neighbours actors Meyne Wyatt and Sharon Johal have also come forward with allegations of racism on set.

On Ms Clanton’s last day on set a 15-minute “Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony” was held at the Neighbours’ Nunawading base in Melbourne’s east to farewell her and Wurundjeri elder, Aunty Diane Kerr.

The invitation was sent to all Neighbours staff and said, “this is an important moment for all of us as we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land here at Nunawading, where our show has been produced for more than 35 years”.

“We are honoured to have Aunty Di Kerr and her daughter Melissa on site to perform the ­ceremony.”

It was held on the front lawn of the Nunawading studios on March 5.

Ms Clanton said she paid herself to have Aunty Kerr on set to ensure cultural protocols were followed when she was playing her role on the program.

But production sources said her allegations since leaving the program were distressing.

“We did that (the smoking ceremony) as a celebration of Shareena’s time with Aunty Di on there and it was with all the cast and crew,” the source said.

“That’s why we are so upset.”

Alice Springs deputy mayor Jacinta Price, who is an Warlpiri/Celtic woman, said having an elder on set “further ingrains this notion we are victims”.

“It creates this expectation that we need our hand held and be treated like children and need an elder around for us to do our jobs properly,” she said.

“It’s doing a disservice for Aboriginal people and putting employees off from wanting to employ Aboriginal people, if this is the road you want to go down you are opening up a whole can of worms. It’s taking a step backwards, it’s not … forwards.”

Fremantle, which is owned by European broadcasting major RTL, has an international network of production teams, companies and labels in more than 30 countries. Fremantle Media declined to comment.

The production company has engaged Sydney-based firm Campfire X — who describe themselves as an indigenous-led creative consultancy — to conduct an independent broad cultural review into the program both on and off set. The review is expected to begin this week.

The firm will visit the Neighbours base in Nunawading in Melbourne’s east and have access to any resources they need to determine production issues.