Ireland’s Eurovision hopefuls Wild Youth have “cut all ties” with their creative director for the competition and apologised to “anyone offended by his comments”.
In a social media post, the band said it “stands for unity and kindness” and would not have Banham “on or near our team or Eurovision journey”.
It comes after Banham was accused of transphobia online over a series of tweets he allegedly sent in recent weeks.
Screen grabs shared widely on Twitter appear to show his account referring to transgender women as men.
Wild Youth is a band that stands for unity and kindness. Our song represents our beliefs as a band. We have cut all ties with Ian Banham and will not have him on or near our team or Eurovison journey. We are so sorry for anyone offended by his comments. ❤️
— Wild Youth (@bandwildyouth) April 25, 2023
“Wild Youth is a band that stands for unity and kindness,” it said.
“Our song represents our beliefs as a band. We have cut all ties with Ian Banham and will not have him on or near our team or Eurovision journey.
“We are so sorry for anyone offended by his comments.”
Repro Free: 03/02/2023 Wild Youth winner of the Late Late Eurosong 2023 and will go on to represent Ireland at the Eurovision in Liverpool in May with their song “We are One”. Picture Andres PovedaBanham was announced as the creative director for Ireland’s performance at the Eurovision earlier this year.
The band has taken the decision to cut ties with him just two weeks ahead of the show in Liverpool.
The first semi-final will be held on May 9th, with the second to take place on May 11th
The grand finale is due to go ahead on May 13th.
