Taxi company Free Now has pulled its six-figure sponsorship with The Tommy Tiernan Show following the comedian's controversial joke.
Tiernan, who hosts the popular show on RTE One, sparked controversy after recounting a joke at his Vicar Street gig. RTE presenter Emer O'Neill walked out of the gig after Tiernan began telling the audience a joke about Dublin Zoo and taxi drivers.
Free Now has confirmed it is scrapping its sponsorship deal with the broadcaster due to the joke. The decision was made in solidarity with taxi drivers across Ireland.
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Free Now wrote in a statement: "Free Now works in close partnership with taxi drivers throughout the country to provide an important transport service for passengers across Ireland."
They continued: "Prejudice of any kind towards taxi drivers is unacceptable. We decided to conclude our sponsorship of the show last week but will continue to work with RTE on other projects going forward."
The show is one of RTE's highest-rated programmes, with an average of over 400,000 viewers per show as of 2022. RTE reiterated they would continue working with Free Now on other projects despite the setback.
Tommy Tiernan has issued an apology to Emer O'Neill over email and text. An official statement was also read out on RTE's Radio 1 last night where he apologised for any offence caused.
The joke has subsequently been removed from his set. However, Emer would like Tommy to address the issue more widely as a positive message to the whole of Ireland.
The comedian's official statement read: "He has apologised personally by both phone and email and publicly by addressing it on stage the following night and every night since, reiterating his apology.
“Tommy does not condone any negative online comments received by this audience member and most definitely not in his defence.”
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