Lottie Ryan was ordered to remove an ad for a car company on her Instagram feed, after it was filmed on RTÉ’s campus without permission.
Brand deals between RTÉ talent and other companies have been subject to intense scrutiny ever since the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal hit headlines last month.
While the deals are separate to RTÉ contracts, it’s understood they have to be approved by a line manager at the state broadcaster.
According to the Irish Independent, the video showed Lottie promoting a €50,000 Toyota car.
It was filmed at the back of the RTÉ Radio building, and even featured the RTÉ logo on a sign for a car charging point.
It’s understood the video was removed from Lottie’s Instagram feed after RTÉ was contacted for a comment on the clip.
A spokesperson said: “Permission was not given by RTÉ to Lottie Ryan for the filming or for the post in question.”
“RTÉ has comprehensive social media guidelines that all employees – staff and contractors – are contractually obliged to adhere to.”
“This matter has been addressed with her by management. The post has been taken down,” they added.
According to RTÉ’s journalism guidelines, use of the RTÉ campus “for any purposes” is by permission on a case-by-case basis.
Goss.ie has reached out to Lottie’s management for a comment.Â
