Vas J Morgan thinks the TV industry caused him to view other black celebrities as rivals.
The 31-year-old TV personality – who previously appeared in ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ – has admitted that a lack of diversity within the industry led him to view other black celebrities as his direct competition.
He said: "I’d be up for a show, any show … for example like ‘Celebs Go Dating’, which I did, or the jungle, or anything like that and I would meet with casting directors and then I wouldn’t get the show.
"Then I’d watch it and I’d see a black person from ‘Strictly’ on it or a black person from ‘Love Island’ on it and I’d think, ‘OK, that’s why I didn’t get it.’"
Vas thinks the culture of the TV business was responsible for distorting his outlook.
He told FUBAR Radio’s ‘Access All Areas’: "I was programmed to think that my competition was people that looked like me and not people that had the same assets to be up for it or the same talent to be up for the job.
"I’d never see a white person as a threat, so it almost turned me against my own kind."
Earlier this month, Vas accused ‘The Only Way is Essex’ of "systematic racism".
The reality star wrote on Instagram: "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. (sic)"