Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy has apologized after speaking about a derogatory term for the Traveler community in an interview with Canada’s music TV channel Much.
Kennedy, who will perform at Dublin’s Marlay Park on June 23-24, addressed a live audience in a video the popular music channel posted online.
As part of the interview, Kennedy was asked to give some examples of Irish slang words. The clip has since been deleted.
Kennedy wrote on his Instagram Stories on Tuesday, “I would like to apologize to the Irish travel community for any offense caused by discussing Irish slang in a recent interview.”
He continued, “I wasn’t referring to anyone in particular, and I never want to cause harm with the words I say, so I’m sorry for the heartache I caused.”
In a statement to RTÉ, Bernard Joyce, director of the Irish Traveler Movement, said the word “has been used in hate speech against the Traveler community and is experiencing high levels of social exclusion and racism.”
“This word is often used to humiliate our community and especially our children. It is totally unacceptable and there is no place for such swear words. It shows a lack of understanding on the part of those who are in a privileged position in society – they don’t know it.” Travel community.
“We have contributed significantly to the arts, culture and music in Ireland and around the world.
“We welcomed Dermot Kennedy’s apology, but he needs to go further and give it meaning through some clear actions.”
“Pop culture fanatic. Introvert. Devoted food trailblazer. Bacon geek. Lifelong coffee evangelist.”