RTE faced 'negative' feedback from angry Claire Byrne Live viewers after a controversial interview with a Ukrainian MP where the host apologised for the "language used".
Monday night’s show focused on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with input from Ukrainian citizens and reporters throughout the night.
Among the contributors was Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko, who spoke candidly about the horrors being witnessed in Ukraine, describing how citizens are being "shot in the face at point-blank range".
But the politician, and viewers watching at home were left angered as Byrne addressed her audience and viewers, after the intense interview, saying: "I know that some people might find the words Lesia used difficult to hear but you can understand the tensions are very high.
"We might not use some of those words ourselves in describing that scene."
Shortly after, Vasylenko spoke out online, and tweeted: “The language I use when talking to media is harsh. Prob unusual for audiences who don’t put their kids to bed in cellars under the sounds of sirens.”
"And I feel angry, especially at night. Because in the morning I won’t be taking kids to school, but helping them out if that cellar."
And as fans took to social media to share their outrage, the show, which was watched by 243,000 people, received both negative and positive feedback on the night.
An RTE spokesperson told Irish Daily Mirror: “RTÉ received 8 emails to RTÉ's feedback and information office channels from members of the public, 7 negative and one positive, and there were no complaints received.”
Viewers also let their thoughts be known after the comments were made, with one even apologising on behalf of the people of Ireland.
One person said: "I would like to apologise on behalf of the people of Ireland, @ClaireByrneLive was embarrassing and completely wrong to cut you off so rudely and 'apologise' for your truthful testimony, check out the #cblive hashtag, you will see the love for #Ukraine - stay safe."
A second wrote: "#cblive @ClaireByrneLive I found the whole thing in bad taste have Ukrainians in the audience listening to people talk about how their parents, friends and family are going to be killed. And then apologising for the language of their MP in case she offends people at home."
Another person commented: "Shame on @ClaireByrneLive #Cblive @rte @RTEOne.
"Your language was fair and very restrained Lesia. No apology should have been made for it."
While someone else said: "I’m still reeling and in disbelief that #cblive would apologise for the Ukrainian MP’s very apt description of the Russian invaders. And while she was still on camera! How insensitive, unkind and thoughtless of an @rte presenter at this time. That was shameful! @ClaireByrneLive."
