The Block 2022: Sharon’s family concerned for her after racist abuse

The Block star Sharon Johal has revealed that her family was concerned about her mental health after she was the target of an online hate campaign.

The 35-year-old actress suffered a barrage of ‘brutal’ racist abuse after her ‘rogue operation’ saw her become entangled in a string of scandals on the Channel Nine renovation series.

She told the Herald Sun on Monday her family and friends contacted her via RU OK? Day because they “were really concerned about me.”

The former Neighbors star, who considers herself a “survivor” of the show rather than a contestant, said: “The Blockheads are the audience’s most passionate and ruthless fans.

“These guys go to the next level every day digging up dirt and it always ends with a racial undertone.

‘A few weeks there around RU OK? Day, my family and friends were really concerned about me.

“It’s pretty rude and disgusting how much effort people go to to destroy you. Why go to these stories when it’s a reality building show?’

The 35-year-old actress suffered a barrage of ‘brutal’ racist abuse after her ‘rogue operation’ saw her become entangled in a string of scandals on the Channel Nine renovation series

She went on to say that, despite being “media savvy,” she felt “crushed” by the seemingly endless hatred that had been thrown her way since the show’s inception.

The former lawyer and her husband Ankur Dogra were caught up in a cheating scandal early in the season, which they say was not accurately framed.

She said everyone else on set knew they were “set up” to become the scandal of the week, “but unfortunately people [at home] believe what they see’.

Sharon (right, with husband Ankur Dogra) told the Herald Sun on Monday that her family and friends contacted her on RU OK? Day because they were ‘really concerned about me’

Sharon and Ankur often wondered if finishing The Block was worth the damage to their mental health, but decided to stay until the end because they are “the couple that doesn’t give up”.

Despite breaking diversity barriers by being the first Indian couple to appear on the show, Sharon said there were times when she regretted ever participating.

The couple previously criticized their “rogue operation” and admitted that it had been “hard” to look back on their “dark” experience.

The former Neighbors star, who considers herself a “survivor” of the show rather than a contestant, was shocked when viewers tried to “dig up dirt” about her professional history

“It was dark but it was tough on the show and we came through stronger than ever,” Ankur, 45, told Daily Mail Australia in a recent interview.

“It was a little chilling sometimes to look at myself.”

Sharon also said she found it difficult to relive the drama that unfolded during filming.

Sharon and Ankur often wondered if completing The Block was worth the damage to their sanity, but decided to stay until the end because they’re ‘the couple that won’t give up’