RTÉ are facing serious backlash for choosing to interview Shane MacGowan in a pub setting on The Late Late Show.
A host of famous faces appeared on the show on Friday night to pay tribute to The Pogues legend – and part of the set was designed to look like a pub.
Nobody was filmed drinking during the programme, but pints of Guinness were placed on the make shift pub tables.
A number of viewers took to Twitter to question RTÉ’s decision, considering Shane’s history with alcohol.
Actually a bit angry the more I watch this. He is a struggling alcoholic and not only should he not be on the show tonight but they set up a scene with alcohol all around him. Celebrate the man and the music of course but whoever put this together should be ashamed #latelate
— Paul Cashin (@PaulCashin_) December 13, 2019
One viewer tweeted: “Actually a bit angry the more I watch this. He is a struggling alcoholic and not only should he not be on the show tonight but they set up a scene with alcohol all around him. Celebrate the man and the music of course but whoever put this together should be ashamed.”
Another angry Twitter user wrote:Â “No issue with celebrating Shane McGowan…but nobody is watching this and not thinking this is uncomfortable viewing.”
“Why the alcohol all around the place? Why the celebration of the drinking culture when it has ruined this man’s life?”
No issue with celebrating Shane McGowan…but nobody is watching this and not thinking this is uncomfortable viewing. Why the alcohol all around the place? Why the celebration of the drinking culture when it has ruined this man’s life? #LateLate
— Ian Sheerin (@iansheerin) December 13, 2019
Responding to the backlash, an RTÉ spokeswoman told the Irish Independent: “The Shane MacGowan segment of ‘The Late Late Show’ was in a bar room setting, as such locations were a major feature of Shane’s musical career and a backdrop to his music and lyrics.”
“These songs were discussed and performed on the show and the alcohol on set was in context with the performances and conversations involved,” they added.
Tonight’s very special set is in place for a star-studded celebration of Shane MacGowan and Fairytale of New York!
Guests tonight include @Glen_Hansard, @thejasonbyrne, @Pat_Shortt, Aidan Gillen, Patrick Bergin, Moya Brennan, Philomena Begley and Pat McCabe.#LateLate pic.twitter.com/7mzxAFwgwV
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) December 13, 2019
