RTE's newest recruits 'The 2 Johnnies' have come under fire after airing ‘sexist and insulting comments’ in their podcast and clips used to promote their new show.
The pair have apologised for sharing the comments, which include video clips from their latest podcast on Spotify, titled ‘Hocus Pocus, Your Girl’s In My Focus’.
In the audio, the duo known as Johnny Smacks and Johnny B, discuss a number of crude references about women on car bumper stickers.
In a segment they called ‘Irish Car Stickers’, the Tipperary natives - real names Johnny McMahon, 30, and Johnny O’Brien, 35, - read out some of the sticker slogans sent in by listeners, such as: “Workin’ the land and droppin’ the hand #Keephercountry”.
Others included: “Tyres are like women, no good unless they are squealing” and “She’s not a princess, she’s a sl*t.”
Reacting to some of the slogans they were sent in, the duo said: "Jesus, I don't know who gets that and thinks it is a good idea. Scandalous."
However RTE has not yet confirmed when the duo will be back on the air, and said that the matter is under review.
In a statement, the broadcaster said: "RTÉ believes in dignity and respect and does not tolerate material or attitudes of this nature.
"The 2 Johnnies will not be on air today while we review the matter."
Meanwhile the double act have apologised for the comments, saying: "We would like to apologise for the content which appeared on our social media, these posts were offensive and should never have been published.
"This is not who we are nor what we stand for. We aim to do better in the future, we are not perfect and we are learning all the time. John O’Brien and John McMahon"
It comes after number of TD’s have condemned the clips, which were used on social media to promote their new RTE 2fm drivetime show which launched on Monday, and have called for the national broadcaster to address the matter.
Fine Gael TD, Deputy Ciaran Cannon, said: “The use of language that is deeply derogatory and demeaning of women cannot be tolerated by our national broadcaster.
“Our licence fee cannot be used to fund an undermining of our ambition to make Ireland a more equal and safer place for women.
“Negative attitudes towards women are wired into our brains early in life, and a station that targets young people should be aware of this and act accordingly.
“The ‘2 Johnnies’ have a huge following across the country, with a particularly significant influence on young men.
“Their comments directed at women were demeaning and lacking in basic respect. They objectified women’s bodies, with absolutely no regard as to their personhood.”
The comments come after Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns said RTÉ presenters should be calling out sexist comments “not laughing along with them and certainly not promoting them”.
