Following the controversy surrounding Dermot Kennedy allegedly using a “racial slur” when speaking about Irish slang, actor John Connors has defended the star.
Dermot Kennedy has issued an apology to the Irish Travelling community after he used what some media outlets described as a “harmful slur” in a recent interview.
During said interview with the Canadian musical channel Much, Kennedy used a derogatory term when discussing Irish slang.
The video has since been deleted following waves of backlash.
Since his apology, Connors has spoken out about the controversy, saying that the comments made did not offend him or the Travelling community.
Taking to Instagram, he said: “I don’t like weighing in on politics anymore it’s sewage. For me art is the only way.
However I feel compelled to comment on this @dermotkennedy “Controversy”. My record on Traveller’s rights can’t even be questioned by those Traveller Org representatives who dislike me because I refuse to be a victim.
“Knacker is not a racist slur. It’s a derogatory term no doubt. You could say it’s an ethnic slur except for the fact that it is also used against working class people. Words have meaning and power but everything has context. Dermot Kennedy provided the context that it is a bad word and he actually gave the correct definition for the word and he did not direct it at Traveller’s.
“Are we now saying that you can’t even say the word knacker even if you contextulise by saying it’s bad? Really? Have we lost our minds? I’ve lots of family members going to his next gig and they do not buy into this at all. He’s flying the flag for our country and doing a stellar job.
“To be branded a racist is the worst thing in our society, thankfully but only if it’s true. When it’s not true, imagine how damaging that could be for that individuals mental health? Horrible accusation if it’s unfounded.
“He’s clearly a good man, does plenty of charity work and is not in the least racist. Dermot, for these people who are attacking you, don’t sing ‘You’ve got that power over me’. Just know that ‘Better days are coming’.”
