Eurovision Song Contest – have announced that they have parted ways with their creative director, Ian Banham, following alleged transphobic and anti-vax statements.Formed of Conor O’Donohue, David Whelan, Ed Porter and Callum McAdam, the band made the announcement on Twitter earlier today (April 25), explaining that they aim to represent their beliefs in their music, and will no longer have Banham with them for their “Eurovision journey”.“Wild Youth is a band that stands for unity and kindness,” they wrote. “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.”They later confirmed that Raidió Teilifís Éireann – a National Public Service Multi-Media Organisation for Ireland – are aware of their actions and stand by the decision: “And just to note […] @rte were as horrified as we were.”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, 2023And just to note we were with @michaelkealy1 and both himself and @rte were as horrified as we were.— Wild Youth (@bandwildyouth) April 25, 2023The announcement was later reiterated by an update page for the song contest, which explained that the decision stemmed from Banham’s recent comments regarding the trans community and vaccinations.“RTE have fired Ian Banham as creative director for Wild Youth at Eurovision 2023, following a series of transphobic and anti-vaccine tweets emerging online and after.
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