Two men have apologised for their involvement in the ‘sick’ video that appears to make fun of the murder of Michaela McAreavey in Mauritius.
The video has gone viral and has prompted an outcry across all of Ireland, with politicians condemning the horrible chanting.
In the video, men are heard singing a song with lyrics referencing the murder of 27-year-old bride Michaela McAreavey on her honeymoon in 2011. Mrs McAreavey, the daughter of GAA manager Mickey Harte, was found strangled in her hotel room 12 days after her wedding to John McAreavey.
In the statement, John Bell and Andrew McDade stated their regret for their involvement and blasted their own behaviour as ‘offensive, vile and wholly abhorrent’.
The statement said: “This Facebook live video was not streamed with the intent of broadcasting any offensive chants whatsoever, rather it was generally broadcasting from the room.
“However, whether broadcast or not, the relevant chants should never have been sung either in public or private.”
They added:”We offer our sincerest and deepest apology to the Harte and McAreavey families, and indeed to wider society for our actions which whilst fuelled by alcohol, can neither be mitigated or excused in any shape or form.
“Our apology is unequivocal, and our acceptance of wrongdoing is absolute.”
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald commented on the video, saying: “Those that mocked Michaela’s death bring vile sectarian cruelty to a new low. They are beneath contempt.
“John McAreavey and the Harte family have the support and love of all Ireland.”
