There have been reams of reports criticising RTE’s Ryan Tubridy after he asked Derry Girls’ star Jamie-Lee O’Donnell her age on Friday's Late Late Show.
The actress, who plays Michelle Mallon on the hit Channel 4 sitcom, hit back during the awkward interview as she spoke about her experience of filming the third and final series of Derry Girls.
After answering by claiming to be 117, the Derry Girls star shut down the question and insisted that it had 'misogynistic undertones'.
Ryan Tubridy had said: "This might be a rude question, you don't have to answer, but can I ask you how old you are?"
Jamie-Lee quickly replied: "I'm 117. I’m very, very wise."
However, Ryan continued to pursue an answer to his question, asking, "Would you consider telling me what age you are?"
Jamie Lee said, "This is the thing about it that gets on my nerves a wee bit, no disrespect . . . it's quite misogynistic even if it's unintentionally because men don't get the same scrutiny in their career."
To which the host replied, "I would definitely have asked a male actor the same question too."
The back and forth continued with the actress saying, "You say that now but there's nobody here to take your word for it."
Ryan said there was a reason he had asked the question, adding, "I was saying to you that you are great characters playing teenagers.
“That's what I was getting at, the fact that you're of a certain age that plays teenagers and do it so well."
He quickly added: “Actually, there was a compliment coming there ... Please don't misunderstand.”
He then said: "I'm done with that question; I’m going to move on. I can read a mood when I see it."
Late Late Show viewers at home enjoyed the interaction with many praising Jamie-Lee for her reaction.
One person wrote: "Ryan Tubridy seeing his life flash before his eyes after Jamie Lee O’Donnell pointed out the age question is misogynistic #LateLateShow.”
Another said: "@JamieLeeOD is a powerhouse! She’s absolutely incredible in Derry Girls. Poor Ryan wasn’t ready for her #LateLateShow.”
A third joked: "Never ask a woman her age or a man his salary (€450,000) #LateLateShow #latelate"
One viewer said: "Loved Derry Girls reaction to Tubridy. Long overdue She's well able. We need more of that!!#LateLateShow"
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