Irish Eurovision entry Bambie Thug said they are sending "love and light" to people who have criticised them and their music.
Appearing on RTÉ One's Late Late Show, the Cork musician was asked by presenter Patrick Kielty to respond to the criticism that has come their way since they were selected to represent Ireland at this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö in Sweden.
They said they were "sending love and light" to the critics, some of whom have described the singer as a "Satanist".
Bambie Thug explained: "There was a petition to get me off Eurovision because I am apparently, a Satanist.
"I like to dress up for the stage because I wear a lot of black and because I pioneer our ancient Ireland – we're a pagan country before anything.
"I just find it fascinating, our history – I love the aesthetics of witchcraft, I love the essence, I love the message of it – it’s your own religion, it’s a personal freedom. I'm sorry if it upsets you."
The performer, who is known for their dark gothic image and style, appeared on the show without the strong white make-up they sported during Eurosong last week.
"That's why I came out with not the white face on or anything today, to show you that I am just a person."
Speaking about their experience in the music industry, Bambie Thug told Kielty that they had been writing music for six or seven years for other artists, before feeling the urge to make their own music as Bambie Thug: "I just want to make weird witchy music".
They also revealed that they had been a victim of sexual assault. Bambie Thug said: "I have been a victim of sexual assault a few times in my life but what I will say is that it's part of my story - but it’s not my story.
"And I think when you have a platform, it’s important – not that everyone needs to speak about it because, obviously it’s very difficult – but if I can show solidarity to help anyone see that they’re not alone in that, then I will always be that support."
Asked for the highlight since they were chosen to represent Ireland, Bambie Thug said, "I guess just the absolute love that I've gotten from the country and just everyone discovering my Doomsday Blue song and also my old catalogue, and just going crazy over it... it's beautiful!"
Revealing that they have received shout-outs from Irish country pop singer CMAT, as well as former Irish Eurovision entries Johnny Logan and Dustin, they said, "It's nice 'cause I was on Dustin’s Daily News when I was 12!"
Discussing what it will be like to perform in front of over 160 million viewers in the Eurovision Song Contest, Bambie Thug said they are "100%" ready for the challenge.
"Can’t wait. I want that big stage. It’s something I’ve always dreamed about - getting my visions seen by the world and what a better place to realise [that] than on the Eurovision stage."
They also spoke about their background, saying that they and their sister grew up "surrounded by music".
"We always used to rewrite musicals and annoy our mum by putting on elaborate shows."
"We would have Lyric on in the morning - there’d be rap, there’d be rock, musicals, jazz, everything – so it kind of makes sense why my music is so big 'smush' of everything."
They also revealed that Irish boyband Westlife was among their first musical influences, telling Kielty that they had been to see the band in concert "five times – they were my first five concerts".
"I really wanted to marry Shane [Filan]!" they said, laughing.
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