RTÉ’s Late Late Show told musicians not to wear pro-Palestinian symbols

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

RTÉ has confirmed it asked musicians not to wear pro-Palestinian clothing and accessories during a performance on its flagship talk show.

The Irish Women in Harmony group performed a tribute to Sinead O’Connor on Friday night’s Late Late Show.

However, Irish Artists for Palestine said that, prior to the performance, a group member was asked to change out of a t-shirt which featured the word Gaza and a love heart, while others were asked to remove badges expressing support for Palestinians.

RTÉ told the PA news agency that contributors are asked not to wear clothing related to “one particular point of view” as part of its impartiality guidelines.

What a gorgeous tribute to Sinéad #latelate pic.twitter.com/SwwrJhvsMi

— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) February 16, 2024

It said that the conflict in Gaza was not the “subject of discussion or debate” during the performance.

A spokesperson said in a statement: “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.”