‘Benefits Street' Sequel Branded ‘Racist' By ‘Immigration Street' Residents | HuffPost

'Benefits Street' Sequel Labelled Racist By Residents

The Huffington Post UK

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The residents of Derby Road in Southampton have hit out at Channel 4 bosses over their plans to screen a ‘Benefits Street’ sequel entitled ‘Immigration Street’, which is being filmed on their road.

The residents aren’t at all happy with the prospect of starring in the show and have labelled the proposed series “racist”.

Derby Road in Southampton is set to be the focus of 'Benefits Street'

The residents shared their outrage during a meeting at a local school with Kieran Smith. the creative director of Love Productions.

According to The Sun, over 200 residents attended the meeting, where they raised their concerns about how the show could affect the area.

“It’s a racist show,” one long-term resident stated. “It will ruin our lives and we can do nothing about it.”

“You may as well be funded by the BNP,” another said. “Do you know what this programme will do to us and our children?”

Kieran Smith responded to their worries, stating: “We aren’t here to cause racial tension.”

“Producers spent several months getting to know the community,” they said. “Only those who have given their informed consent will feature in the series.”

‘Benefits Street’ received mixed reactions when it was first aired in January, however, one person who has benefited considerably from the show is White Dee.

Since featuring as one of the main personalities on ‘Benefits Street’, Dee has become something of a celebrity in her own right and is even rumoured to be taking part in ‘Celebrity Big Brother’.

Benefits Street

White Dee offered rap offer(01 of13)

Deirdre Kelly, known as White Dee in the Channel 4 series Benefits Street, at her home in James Turner Street, Winson Green in Birmingham and who claims to have been offered a musical career as a rapper. (credit:PA)

White Dee offered rap offer(02 of13)

Deirdre Kelly, known as White Dee in the Channel 4 series Benefits Street, at her home in James Turner Street, Winson Green in Birmingham and who claims to have been offered a musical career as a rapper. (credit:PA)

Benefits Street(03 of13)

Deirdre Kelly known locally as White Dee walks along James Turner Street in Birmingham. Residents of the street appear in the controversial Channel 4 series Benefits Street which has been attacked by a senior MP, who described it as a "misrepresentation" of life for people on social security. (credit:PA)

Benefits Street stars court case(04 of13)

Deidre Kelly, better known as White Dee from the television show Benefits Street, arrives at Birmingham Magistrates Court to support other members of the show who are facing drugs and firearms charges. (credit:PA)

Benefits Street star's election bid(05 of13)

File photo dated 10/02/14 of Deirdre Kelly known locally as White Dee who featured in TV show Benefits Street says she will run for Parliament after a "patronising" response from a sitting MP. (credit:PA)

Benefits Street(06 of13)

James Turner Street in Birmingham, as residents of the street appear in the controversial Channel 4 series Benefits Street which has been attacked by a senior MP, who described it as a "misrepresentation" of life for people on social security. (credit:PA)

Benefits Street(07 of13)

James Turner Street sign in Birmingham, as residents of the street appear in the controversial Channel 4 series Benefits Street which has been attacked by a senior MP, who described it as a "misrepresentation" of life for people on social security. (credit:PA)

Benefits Street(08 of13)

James Turner Street sign in Birmingham, as residents of the street appear in the controversial Channel 4 series Benefits Street which has been attacked by a senior MP, who described it as a "misrepresentation" of life for people on social security. (credit:PA)

Benefits Street(09 of13)

A misspelled sign on the house of 'Fungi' on James Turner Street in Birmingham, as residents of the street appear in the controversial Channel 4 series Benefits Street which has been attacked by a senior MP, who described it as a "misrepresentation" of life for people on social security. (credit:PA)

Benefits Street stars court case(10 of13)

Samora Roberts, better known as Black Dee from the television show Benefits Street, arrives at Birmingham Magistrates Court to answer charges of conspiracy to supply a class A controlled drug, conspiracy to supply a class B controlled drug, possession of a class A controlled drug and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate. (credit:PA)

Benefits Street stars court case(11 of13)

Deidre Kelly, better known as White Dee from the television show Benefits Street, arrives at Birmingham Magistrates Court to support other members of the show who are facing drugs and firearms charges. (credit:PA)

Benefits Street(12 of13)

The main school sign for The Oasis Academy Foundry as education chiefs at Oasis Community Learning have sent a formal letter of complaint to independent television watchdog Ofcom over claims adverse publicity generated by the Benefits Streets programme has breached the regulator's rules on the welfare of children attending The Oasis Academy Foundry, which is on the same Birmingham road where the programme was filmed. (credit:PA)

Benefits Street(13 of13)

The James Turner Street road sign made famous by TV show Benefits Street was removed last week after apparently being taken by souvenir hunters. (credit:PA)

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