Sharon Johal, star of Neighbours, has updated fans on the racism inquiry, stating that the independent assessment is still underway and characterising it as “very painful.”
Shareena Clanton, who portrayed a second Sheila Canning on the show, claimed in April that she would never work on the show again after alleging discriminatory events.
Other previous cast members, including Johal, who just departed the programme as Dipi Rebecchi, spoke out later.
Johal subsequently returned as a guest star for Yashvi’s departure storyline, and she described her painful experience returning to the Ramsay Street drama on Instagram.
“As you undoubtedly know, returning after speaking up was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do. It wasn’t the best of times, “she stated
“I had agreed to return before I left the show the year before, wanting to honour my character’s tale, but only after certain precautions were taken to keep me safe, such as never being on set with my abusers, among other things, and with the help of my amazing union and representatives.”
The impact of the inquiry on Johal’s mental health was then examined, with Johal characterising it as “all-encompassing at moments.”
“The time and intensive engagement in this is substantial and re-traumatizing over and over again,” she added. “It is voluntarily without any benefit to me whatsoever, and it is solely to make things better for others, at the expense of my own mental health.”
“While I’m at ease now, investigations are still ongoing, have been all-encompassing at points, and the whole thing has been very traumatic/disappointing on so many levels, with a lack of support from those who should have known better.”
Johal thanked everyone for their support at the end of her message.
“Thank you for staying with me this far. It means a lot to me, and I really appreciate it! The adventure continues! “she said.
When approached by Digital Spy, neighbours declined to comment on Johal’s remarks.
