Mikey Graham has criticised RTÉ presenter Kieran Cuddihy following an interview with his daughter, Sienna Graham, on Liveline, with the broadcaster now issuing a statement defending the segment.
The former Boyzone star took to social media after Sienna appeared on Wednesday’s programme, where she spoke about her father’s recent appearance at Boyzone’s reunion concert at London’s Emirates Stadium.
Fans had voiced concerns following the performance, with Mikey appearing on stage for the opening four songs before leaving the show.
During her interview, Sienna spoke about how proud she was of her father for returning to the stage and performing in front of thousands of fans.
Following the broadcast, Mikey shared a video of himself performing to a cheering crowd and questioned comments made during the discussion.
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“I was told there was apparently some backlash mentioned on Irish radio. I can’t see any there, can you? Or is that just the usual media lust for bloodsport to gain listenership, even if it’s not true,” he wrote.
“Shame on RTÉ NATIONAL IRISH RADIO. Try to kick a guy when he’s down!”
The singer didn’t stop there, later posting a second message in which he directly addressed the interview and defended his daughter.
“Woe is not me. I’m a quiet, private man, but when a stupid and cruel excuse of a so-called talk show host tries to insult my daughter on live radio about her father, you’d better be ready for backlash from me!”
“You’re no kind of man at all to ask that question to a young girl!”
Mikey then went on to name Kieran Cuddihy directly in a further post.
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However, RTÉ has rejected suggestions that Sienna was treated unfairly during the interview.
In a statement, the broadcaster said: “Mikey Graham’s daughter Sienna appeared on Wednesday’s Liveline and was received with respect and empathy during her interview.
“For context, Sienna was asked about how it felt watching the band on stage again and then about the negative publicity Boyzone had received after their reunion in London. Edward Grimes of Jedward appeared on the programme on Monday of the same week, defending the band against the negative reviews.
“The tweets in question suggest Mikey Graham has not listened to the interview in full as host Kieran Cuddihy supported Boyzone flying the flag on the international stage.”
The controversy comes after Boyzone reunited earlier this month for their One For The Road concert at the Emirates Stadium, with Mikey joining bandmates Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch on stage.
Following the show, Sienna spoke publicly about the challenges her father faced in returning to perform, previously saying that “no one will ever know the extent it took my dad to get on stage.”
