Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy has apologised after he discussed a term derogatory to the Traveller community during an interview with the Canadian TV music channel Much.
Kennedy, who is due to play Marlay Park in Dublin on 23 and 24 June, was speaking to a live audience in a video that was shared online by the popular music channel.
As part of the interview, Kennedy was asked to share some examples of Irish slang words. The clip has since 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."
He continued: "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."
In a statement to RTÉ, Bernard Joyce, the Director of the Irish Traveller Movement said the word "has been used in hate speech towards the Traveller community and experiences high levels of social exclusion and racism.
"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."
