With just one week to go until rehearsals begin for Eurovision 2023, Wild Youth and RTÉ (the Irish public broadcaster) have "cut ties" with their creative director Ian Banham
The band made the announcement on twitter, stating that Mr. Banham will not be “on or near their team” and apologise to anyone offended by his comment.
The response was prompted when it came to light that Mr. Banham had posted on Twitter 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
Mr. Banham has previously worked with Kylie Minogue, Cheryl and Lily Allen, according to his website. He has also been worked on Dancing with the Stars Ireland.
RTÉ has said: “Ian Banham is no longer a member of Ireland’s Eurovision 2023 team. RTÉ won’t be making any further comment”.
