Joe.ie logo
Got a tip for us?

Play the JOE Pub Quiz

Joe media uk hamburger menu
NewsMovies & TV | EntertainmentQuizSportPoliticsLifeKeep discovering
BusinessCrimeWeatherTech
news
Share icon

Share

Published

Featured image

Home›news

Get our Pub Quizzes and latest news straight to you by clicking here »

More from Joe.ie

BusinessCrimeWeatherTech
NewsMovies & TV | EntertainmentQuizSportPoliticsLifeKeep discovering

Newsletter coming soon

Back to Top

More

About usPrivacy policyCookie policyTerms & conditionsContact us

Follow

InstagramFacebookYouTubeTikTokX

Contact

Contact usAdvertise with us
Log JOE Yellow

© 2026 Joe.ie or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved.

Jackson has said that he has "betrayed his family's values."

Paddy Jackson has released a statement this Friday afternoon addressing public discourse against his name and voicing his sentiments on one of the biggest court cases of the decade. Ireland and Ulster rugby duo Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were declared not guilty of raping a 19-year-old student in June 2016 and acquitted of all charges last week in Belfast Crown Court. In an interview with Press Association (PA), Jackson apologised for his actions, saying he has betrayed his family's values. He apologised "unreservedly" for engaging in "degrading and offensive" WhatsApp conversations about the incident. The fly-half said public criticism of his behaviour was "fully justified" and he expressed determination to return to the values and principles that were "integral" in his upbringing, in particular the importance of respect. https://twitter.com/DavidYoungPA/status/982226497778823169 In a full statement to PA, Jackson mentions how he was "ashamed that a young woman who was a visitor in my house left in a distressed state." https://twitter.com/DavidYoungPA/status/982229460442202112 Jackson's full statement, issued through PA, reads: "I am ashamed that a young woman who was a visitor to my home left in a distressed state. This was never my intention and I will always regret the events of that evening. "I am also truly sorry for engaging in a WhatsApp group chat which was degrading and offensive and I apologise unreservedly for this. "The criticism of my behaviour is fully justified and I know I have betrayed the values of my family and those of the wider public. "Following the trial I have taken time to reflect with my family on the values that were such an integral part of my upbringing, the most important of which is respect. My departure from these values has caused understandable public anger and I am resolutely committed to returning to those principles."
Most Viewed in news
Hole in the Wall pub closed by FSAI due to holes in the walls

Hole in the Wall pub closed by FSAI due to holes in the walls

News

Belfast attack victim’s family issue major update on his condition

Belfast attack victim’s family issue major update on his condition

News

Family of Belfast knife attack victim speaks out from bedside

Family of Belfast knife attack victim speaks out from bedside

News

Multiple Dublin swimming spots closed by council due to poor water quality

Multiple Dublin swimming spots closed by council due to poor water quality

News

Victim in Belfast knife attack lost his left eye, court hears, as suspect named for first time

Victim in Belfast knife attack lost his left eye, court hears, as suspect named for first time

News