Punjabi-Aussie 'Neighbours' Actor Says She Copped Racism, Death Threats

Sharon Johal. Photo: Facebook

Sharon Johal, beloved Punjabi-Australian actor and reality television personality, has opened up about the relentless racism and death threats she has endured throughout her career in the public eye. 

Known for her long-standing role on the iconic Australian soap opera Neighbours and her appearance on the hit reality series The Block, Johal’s revelations highlighted the persistent challenges faced by people of colour in Australian media.

In a recent podcast interview with SBS, Johal spoke out about the abuse she has faced both online and off-screen. “I have copped the craziest amount of trolling and racism when I was on Neighbours—directly whilst I was on set, but also off set, like when I'm at home online,” she said. 

Racism On Ramsay Street

Sharon Johal, second from left, as Dipi Rebecchi in 'Neighbours'.

The actor recalled particularly distressing experiences, such as when her character’s family arrived on Ramsay Street. “There were conversations about us bombing the street and like, all this kind of really ugly, ugly stuff,” Johal recounted.

Johal’s exposure to racism intensified when she appeared on The Block alongside her friend Ankur. As the first Indian contestants on the show, they faced heightened scrutiny and abuse. “We had no experience. I wouldn't ordinarily do reality television, but it was pitched to me as like this would be so great for the Indian community,” Johal explained. 

No Support From Producers

However, the aftermath was far from positive. “After that show, the racism was like, next level, because probably the demographic that watched it. Like death threats, I wanted to call the police. I went into hiding, I've got a stalker.”

The actor expressed frustration with the lack of support from producers. “They didn't take that responsibility of us being the first (Indians) seriously, because they've got no vested interest in it. We had the vested interest in it for it to be a positive representation for our community, because the last thing that we want to do is make our community's lives harder,” she said.

Ankur Dogra and Sharon Johal in The Block (2022).

Racist Slurs Used On The Set

Johal has spoken out previously about the racism she faced on the sets of Neighbours, after other actors came forward with allegations of racism and discrimination on set.

Johal, who played Dipi Rebecchi on the show between 2017 and 2021, alleged that she experienced both direct and casual racism, including racist slurs from white castmates and culturally insensitive scripts. She stated that she did not feel adequately supported when raising these issues and described the investigation process as “re-traumatising”.

"On more than one occasion, a current cast member," not a person of colour, "directly referred to me as 'you people' when speaking in derogatory terms about an altercation they were involved in with an Indian person,” Johal said in a statement that was first reported by The Guardian. She alleged that she was told a cast member referred to her as “the black one”. 

In response to the allegations, Fremantle, the production company behind Neighbours, announced an independent review and reiterated its commitment to diversity and inclusion.