Nathan Carter has revealed he was “shocked” when he learnt of the child abuse allegations made against an American country music star who was set to feature on his RTE show.
Back in September, news broke that Toby Willis, the lead singer of The Willis Clan, who shot to stardom on America’s Got Talent, was arrested for allegedly raping an underage female 12 years ago.
Willis was one of the interviewees set to feature on Nathan’s show, but RTE made the decision to cut the interview with him entirely after his arrest.
Nathan, who initially didn’t comment on the charges back in September, has broken his silence and expressed his complete shock over the allegations.
“Like everyone else, I was really shocked when the news broke in September that Toby Willis, the father of the Willis Clan, was arrested on a child rape charge shortly after the group performed on my new RTE TV show,” he wrote in his Sunday World column.
“During the recording of the show in Sligo I interviewed Toby and his wife Brenda. The interview was all about the 12 children and their rise to stardom, appearing on America’s Got Talent, doing Irish dancing, traditional music and even wrestling.
“RTE dropped that segment from tonight’s show after Toby Willis was charged just eight days later after being arrested upon his return to America,” he said.
Although the father’s interview has been cut entirely, Nathan is glad that RTE have decided to include the Willis children’s performance on tonight’s show.
“I’m delighted that RTE have taken the decision to include the performance of the kids on tonight’s show and to let them have their moment because their father’s arrest has nothing to do with them.” he said.
The third episode of The Nathan Carter Show will air tonight at 9.30pm on RTE One.
