National outrage over ‘highly offensive’ Epstein Files float in Mayo parade

The Epstein Files float in a Co. Mayo parade has caused uproar

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has spoken out about the "extremely insensitive" Epstein Files float that featured in the Ballinrobe parade in Co. Mayo.

The float featured a group of men attacking and wrestling with a person in a wig on a mattress. It also featured a man in a cage, with a sign that read, 'Prince Andrew going to jail.'

Men were also seen chasing people dressed as girls alongside the float.

There has been immense public backlash after clips of the float went viral online. Both those involved in the float and parade organisers have been slated for 'trivialising rape.'

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre issued a statement about the 'insensitive' floats.

"A float in a St Patrick's Day parade this week depicted a mock sexual assault. Sexual violence is not a joke. It is not entertainment. It is a reality that affects more than half of women and nearly a third of men in this country."

Chief Executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Rachel Morrogh, stated:

"It sends survivors a very harmful message that sexual violence is something to mock and make light of."

"Many survivors don't tell anyone what happened because they fear they won't be believed. This float reinforces exactly those fears."

The team at the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre urged survivors of sexual assault to come forward if they need support during this distressing time.

They shared, "You will be heard. You will be believed."

Ballinrobe St. Patrick's Day parade organisers said they reduced the parade from two laps of the town to one when they realised what the float was depicting.

Ballinrobe St Patrick's Day parade committee said they "condemn sexual violence, abuse and exploitation in all forms."

They stressed that the Epstein Files float "was not in keeping with the values of our parade".

"It was highly offensive to those who attended and those who viewed the material online, and we apologise unreservedly for this," they stated.

If you or someone you know has been affected by this incident or needs support after sexual violence, contact the free and confidential Dublin Rape Crisis Centre 24-hour National Helpline at 1800 77 88 88.