Too Far! RTÉ Objected to Linda Martin ‘Drag Queen’ Joke

It really wasn’t Ireland’s night last night…

With our entry finishing in last place in the contest, Malmo 2013 will not be a Eurovision Song Contest to remember for Irish viewers.

Nor will it be a memory to cherish for former winner Linda Martin, who was the subject of a controversial ‘drag queen’ jibe from presenter Petra Mede.

Martin, who won the contest 21 years ago when representing Ireland, in Malmo, was the butt of a joke about Johnny Logan, who was referenced as a Eurovision legend for winning the competition three times. 

Now, the Sunday Independent reports that RTÉ has raised concerns that the segment was too harsh and asked for it to be toned down, a request the producers denied. 

While the vast majority of those talking about the joke on Twitter last night took it in good humour, some were offended on Linda’s behalf, particularly as she was present at the final last night.

The singer herself has refused to comment on the event, but it seems she still enjoys being part of the Eurovision experience after all these years – in the video above she’s seen taking on a cover version of the 2012 winning Swedish entry Euphoria.