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Updated: 4.30pm
GEORGE HOOK STARTED his Newstalk show today with an apology for the comments he made about rape victims on Friday.
Last week on High Noon, Hook asked “is there no blame now to the person who puts themselves in danger?”.
Today he opened the show with an apology, saying he was wrong to suggest any blame could be attributed to victims and that everybody has the right to enjoy themselves without fear of being attacked.
It comes after campaigners and former abuse victims said Hook’s comments were ignorant and dangerous, and his Newstalk colleague Chris Donoghue described the remarks as “disgusting”.
Both Hook and Newstalk issued unreserved apologies for the comments over the weekend.
This morning it was reported that the Dalata Hotel Group, which owns the Clayton Hotels, has terminated its sponsorship deal with Newstalk following the controversy.
Apology
At the start of his programme this afternoon, Hook apologised once again and said he is truly sorry.
“I want to start the programme with a profound apology. On Friday, 8 September I made comments about rape on the programme which were totally inappropriate and unacceptable and I should never have made them.
I realise that those comments caused widespread hurt and offence and for this too, I am truly sorry.
“I would particularly like to apologise to all victims of rape, their families, the representatives of the organisations who work day and night to reduce the stigma around rape. And also for those who try to increase the reporting of crimes involving sexual violence against men and women.
It was wrong of me to suggest that any blame could be attributed to those victims or that they bear any responsibility in the crimes committed against them. By doing that I played a part in perpetuating the stigma and I unreservedly apologise for doing so.
“Everybody has the right to enjoy themselves without fear of being attacked and as a society we have a duty to our daughters and granddaughters to protect that right. On Friday, I failed in that duty of care, a failure I deeply regret and for which I am truly sorry.”
MasterCard released a statement this evening condemning Hook’s comment.
It read: “The comments made by George Hook are both disappointing and dangerous and do not in any way represent the values of Mastercard’s business or brand.
“We have been assured by Newstalk that these comments are the misguided opinions of an individual and do not represent the views of the broadcaster as a whole. We would urge Newstalk to take the appropriate actions to ensure that all of the listeners to this important channel understand that any comments that degrade women will not be tolerated.”
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Awful sad news . The Ryan’s are an excellent hurling family in Clara. People will remember this man’s son Lester receiving the McCarthy cup and giving an excellent speech, all in Irish language, only a few months ago. At dheis De go raibh a ainm.
Tragic, these stories are too common. RIP.
Rest in peace….condolences to his family.
Very sad, may he rest in peace.
Can’t understand the red thumbs on some of these comments! RIP
I think it might be how people interpret comments. For example, is it really appropriate to green thumb a comment saying “An awful tragedy”? If anything, we shouldn’t be allowed to comment on these sort of stories.
You get pr#%ks who like to go against people views no matter the circumstances… R.I.P.
Rip. Condolences to the ryan family. Dreadful tragedy
RIP
So, so sorry to hear about this today. My condolences to Lester and all the Ryan family.
Terrible stuff. Should always be 2 people working together in that type of situation. I realise it’s not always possible to hire people if they can’t afford it. #RIP
When do farmers ever have two driving a tractor?
Don’t be silly Maggie. On most farms (that can afford it) there’s always 2 people together, especially around dangerous equipment. I think it might even be law.
It’s not the time for a debate but you’re wrong on this one Fergal. Slurry spreading is usually a one man per tractor job. If you’ve your own equipment to do the job you’d usually just do it on your own. RIP to the man.
RIP, Dreadfully for the family to lose a loved one in such circumstances. Safety in industrial operations has improved over the years but safety on farming has not kept pace. There is an urgent need for compulsory education around safety on the farm.
RIP to the man and I hope his family find peace.
Shockin
Red thumbs people with fuc* all else to do only thrive on other people’s misery…would piss u off..
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