The musical guests were performing a tribute to Sinéad O’Connor.
RTÉ has confirmed that musical guests on The Late Late Show on Friday (16 February) were requested not to wear pro-Palestinian symbols.
As part of last night’s edition of the show, choir Irish Women in Harmony performed a rendition of ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ in tribute to legendary Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor.
In a statement, however, the group Irish Artists for Palestine claimed that before the performance, one of the choir’s members was “requested by the show to change out of a T-shirt with ‘GAZA [heart] printed on it”.
They also reported that others were requested to “remove Palestinian watermelon solidarity badges”.
“Sinead, a resolute protest singer, refused to be silenced, and a crucial aspect of her legacy lies in the potency of music as a voice for the oppressed,” the group also wrote.
“We stand with the artists on tonight’s show who wished to use their voices to express solidarity with Palestine.”
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RTÉ confirms it requested Late Late performers not to wear pro-Palestinian symbols
On Saturday afternoon, an RTÉ spokesperson told JOE:
“All RTÉ content follows clear guidelines in regard to impartiality. RTÉ aims to facilitate open debate on issues of public interest and concern.
“As such we ask that participants do not wear badges, symbols or emblems related to one particular point of view in the absence of a forum for a representation of all views.
“The Women in Harmony group performed a tribute to Sinead O’Connor. Gaza and the conflict was not the subject of discussion or debate on this occasion.”
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