TV3 has found itself in hot water after mocking murder to promote The Restaurant.
Bosses have been attacked over a “ghoulish” and “insensitive” release promoting the appearance of State Pathologist Marie Cassidy on the show.
A support group for families of murder and manslaughter victims said it showed “childish humour”.
Appearance: Marie will be on tonight’s episode | TV3
TV3 included a number of death-related puns in their press release to promote tonight’s episode of the show.
They said: “State Pathologist Marie Cassidy hopes to knock ’em dead on TV3’s ‘The Restaurant’.”
They added: “Hoping to blow the diners away with her classic menu, Marie is keeping it simple but full of flavour.”
It also queried whether her menu will “be a grave mistake” and referring to her desert choice, said she was “dead set on sticking to her childhood favourite.”
Previous stars: Roz Purcell and Alan Shatter appeared on show | TV3
But John Whelan, chairperson of murder and manslaughter victim support group Advic, insisted it wasn’t funny.
He told the Irish Independent: “It’s insensitive and they’re trying to thinly dress it up as humour.
“The puns and the one-liners are a bit childish and insensitive. The ‘knock-em dead’ and ‘grave mistake’ line stood out, but the whole thing is juvenile.
“Will there be any references to families of people who have died on the programme? I don’t know. I’ll definitely be watching it to see.”
Sponsors Aldi did not include any similar puns in their own release. A TV3 spokesperson said it had “no comment”, when contacted by the Independent.