Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy apologized after discussing the derogatory term directed at the traveling community during an interview with Canadian music channel Much, reports RTE.
Kennedy, who will perform at Marley Park in Dublin on June 23 and 24, spoke live to the audience in a video shared online by the popular music channel.
As part of the interview, Kennedy was asked to give some examples of Irish slang words. The clip has already been deleted.
Writing on his Instagram stories on Tuesday, Kennedy said: “I would like to apologise to the Irish Traveller Community for any offence caused when discussing Irish slang in a recent interview. I was not referring to anyone specific, and I never mean to cause harm with the words I say, so I am sorry for any distress I’ve caused,” reports RTE.
In a statement to RTÉ, Bernard Joyce, the Director of the Irish Traveller Movement said: “This word is commonly used to humiliate our community and in particular our children. It’s completely unacceptable and there is no place for such slur words. It shows a lack of understanding by those in a privileged position within society – they don’t know the Traveller community. We have significantly contributed to arts, culture and music within Ireland and globally. We welcomed the apology by Dermot Kennedy, however, he would have to go somewhat further and make this meaningful with some clear actions,” reports RTE.
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