Rove backs ex Neighbours star’s fury at TV industry

Rove McManus has thrown his support behind Meyne Wyatt, after the former Neighbours actor dropped explosive claims about the show.

Triple Gold Logie winner Rove McManus has backed former Neighbours actor Meyne Wyatt’s fury at the TV industry.

Wyatt and actor Shareena Clanton say they were subjected to racist incidents while on the set of the popular Channel 10 soap. Wyatt also claimed the show was “rise” with “homophobia.”

Fremantle, the show’s producer, has launched an independent review of Neighbours to investigate the claims.

Wyatt renewed his call for change in the TV industry in an Instagram post on Friday.

“Calling s--- out takes a toll,” he said. “I’ve been working in this industry for ten years and I am still not seeing a concerted effort across the board.

“The whole entire industry is lazy. You want a pat on the back for doing the bare minimum? No thanks. People are not willing to put in the hard work for change. Too many people are content with the status quo,” Wyatt added.

“I feel pretty f---ing powerless sometimes. The ceiling keeps coming down. But sometimes you need help. I don’t want to do all the work all the time.

“Is it racist tax time yet?” Wyatt asked. “Because I got the biggest box receipts here waiting to burst out.”

Rove McManus. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Meyne Wyatt Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

TV presenter and producer McManus commended Wyatt’s remarks, and said: “You don’t need me to say it but for what little it is worth, this is so incredibly well put.”

McManus’ support follows a turbulent week at Ramsay St.

Clanton, who is set to appear on Neighbours in a guest role, claimed ‘overt and covert levels of racism were rife, often disguised as ‘jokes’, like a white actor openly calling another actor of colour a ‘lil monkey’. Twice, I endured the ‘n-word’ openly being used on set and in the green room.

Clanton added: “The retaliation for calling out this misconduct and racism often left me ostracised and further marginalised.”

While announcing the independent review, Chris Oliver-Taylor, CEO of Fremantle Asia Pacific, said: “We ... take all complaints very seriously, investigating all allegations fairly and thoroughly.”

Mr Oliver Taylor’s statement followed confirmation Fremantle staged a traditional “welcome to country” ceremony near the set of Neighbours five weeks ago.

A crew member who works at the popular soap, and who attended the ceremony, said the event was called without explanation.

“Everybody got called out the front of (Ten’s Nunawading Studios),” the production source said. “We all stood together and everybody got involved. An elder made a speech, they lit the gum leaves, we all took part in having the smoke waft across us. We all took turns, then went back to work.”

The insider said the ceremony took place five weeks ago. He said Clanton made a speech at the ceremony.

“We were told it was out of respect for the original land owners. It was a welcome to country ceremony like they do at the footy.”

A Ten spokesperson confirmed the ceremony, organised by Fremantle, took place.

TV stars including Sharon Johal, Sophia Forrest, Zoe Terakes, Belinda Bromilow, and Saskia Hempele have shown their support for Clanton and Wyatt’s charges against the show.

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