‘The Only Way is Essex’ have contacted Vas J. Morgan after being left "concerned" by his recent comments.
The reality star took to his Instagram page on Wednesday (10.06.20) to share a lengthy statement, in which he accused the reality show of "systematic racism" and claimed he wasn’t "treated equally to the other cast members" during his four years on the programme.’TOWIE’ got in touch with him later that evening and hope to "discuss the issues he’s raised at his earliest convenience".
Earlier today (11.06.20), A ‘TOWIE’ spokesperson told BANG Showbiz: "We are concerned to have read Vas’s recent comments about ‘TOWIE’, and got in touch with him yesterday evening in the hope we can discuss the issues he’s raised at his earliest convenience."
The 31-year-old star also admitted he felt he was the "token representation of minority in our cast" who was "there to be paraded out as a symbol".
Part of his statement read: "While I have always been proud to be one of the only black and gay reality TV stars on British Television, I have often felt conflicted over the way I was treated and the way I was portrayed. During the four years I filmed the show, I was almost never allowed to show any sides of my personality that wasn’t angry, aggressive or negative. And while I repeatedly asked producers to allow me to show other sides of my personality; my funny, sensitive and loyal side, I was consistently put into situations that perpetuated the same racial stereotype that has been used to oppress and control black people.
"I often warned producers that I didn’t feel comfortable arguing with women as regardless of my sexuality; I was a 6.2 feet tall black man. This concern was always ignored. Countless times I’ve been in environments where I’ve had to endure racist language being used casually. The fact that it wasn’t directed at me doesn’t make it less painful to hear.
"It was often said to me and I felt that I was the token representation of minority in our cast, there to be paraded out as a symbol but never treated equally to the other cast members and despite having some of the most progressive and talked about scenes on the show, my story ark was never nurtured the way that my white counterparts were.
"The invitation to bring family members on the show was never extended to me and when I came out publicly on national television and struggled offscreen with depression, substance abuse and addiction I was never offered support in the other ways my white cast mates were. Even now, during this time of global recognition for the black lives matter movement; Towie have failed to reach out. I would have appreciated having someone to hold my hand through some of those difficult journeys but I was left alone.
"I have felt guilty for not sharing this part of my journey sooner. But like so many other people who are dependent on those in power, the fear of being blacklisted within my industry and never working again has always held me back. The experiences I had on the show are part of the systematic racism that for the first time has had a spotlight put on it on a global scale.
"This systematic discrimination starts from the tip down. From leadership positions within the network, to the writers room, to our day to day producers. During my time at Towie I only ever worked with one black producer. Out of the dozens of producers I worked with; I never met one black executive, writer or anyone in a significant position of power.
"As the show approached its 10 year anniversary it has made me think how disappointing it is to have been the only black male cast member. While I am telling my full truth, it is also important to add that I have worked with some incredible people as well.
"People who have become some of my greatest friends and supporters; Luke, Paul, Hetal, Mesha, Anthea and Kate. As a network, as a show and as a society, we must do better (sic)"
He captioned the statement: "Dear @towie I am sure my invite to the 10 year anniversary series will be rescinded after telling my truth but that is ok because @iamenough (sic)"