Last night RTE aired the documentary on this year’s Belfast rape trial that caught the nations attention.
Acquitted focused on the nine week trial of former Ulster and Ireland rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, as well as Rory Harrison and Blaine McIlroy, who were accused of exposure and perverting the course of justice.
The trial itself divided opinions, and the ultimate acquittal of all four men raised the important question of consent in Ireland.
Since the case, both Jackson and Olding had their IRFU contracts terminated, and have both signed for French rugby clubs.
The documentary brought the entire trial to the forefront yet again, and viewers took to Twitter to voice their opinions on what was one of the most high profile cases in Irish history.
Stop with this “Jack the Lad” nonsense. Don’t normalize those text messages as “banter” Call it for what it is – disgusting degradation of women. #acquitted
— Sian Christina (@SianChristina_) July 19, 2018
I love the way people go on about the text messages .. I could guarantee if people looked through people phones there would be messages which are just as bad .. People act like they never say or do anything wrong!! #Acquitted — Laura Rachael (@LauraRGallagher) July 19, 2018
The one thing that was glaringly missing from the court case was expert evidence on the neurological response to trauma; fight, flight or freeze. You can’t assume consent just because someone doesn’t actively fight back#acquitted #acquittedtherugbyrapetrial
— Nicola Mitchell (@mitchellnicola) July 19, 2018
The lads names should have never been disclosed to the public unless they were found guilty, the only thing this tv programme has done is stir up all the same shit both sides had to go through. Utter bullshit !!! #acquitted — Cáit (@MsKatie3) July 19, 2018
Who was really on trial? Her sexual history dragged through the dirt along with his hobbies and YouTube videos? My thoughts are with the victim tonight. #acquitted @rte #istillbelieveher #suemepaddy
— Hannah Joyce (@HannahJ37869459) July 19, 2018
Neil Francis not afraid to talk!
Paddy Jacksons life ruined over a lie.
Won’t ever be able to wear the green jersey again #JusticeForJackson#acquitted @rte— Aaron Sheehan (@AaronSheehan14) July 19, 2018
The stark contrast between Stuart Oldings statement and Paddy Jackson’s is unbelievable!! At least he showed some sort of ‘compassion’ in what was a devastating time for that poor girl #acquitted #therugbyrapetrial #rte — Ciara Hayes (@CiaraHayes2) July 19, 2018
Do they look disgusting because of the text messages? Yes! Should they hang their heads in shame? Absolutely! Should a conversation happen regarding misogyny? Yep!Does that make them guilty of rape? No!
RTÉ need to highlight this distinction. #Acquitted
— Charlene Curran (@charlene_curran) July 19, 2018
Feeling alot of anger watching #acquitted on #rte , I wonder why ? #vile — Natalie O Regan (@NatalieORegan1) July 19, 2018
What did you think of the documentary?