Reality star Hughie Maughan revealed he’s regularly trolled on social media and called derogatory names, including “k******”, “g****” and “p****.”
The former Big Brother contestant’s revelation comes after singer Dermot Kennedy apologised for offending the Travelling Community this week by using the term “k******” in an interview.
The 31-year old Dublin singer was speaking to a live audience in a video posted online by Much, a popular music channel.
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The Giants hitmaker was asked to explain some Irish slang examples and cited the term “k******” as “really bad”.
He added: “But it’s the classic thing.. like if you were sitting at a table and someone took your food, you’d be like: “Ah, ya k******.”
Weighing in on the use of the offensive term, Hughie – who is from the travelling community in Ballymun, Dublin – said he himself is often subjected to racial slurs.
Hughie, 28, told the Sunday Mirror: “I still get called words like k****** on social media.
“Stuff like g**** and p**** too.”
Hughie said Dermot’s comments have shone a light on the continuing prejudice the travelling community face and said his apology was essential.
He hopes the singer’s apology might spark a conversation on how damaging the term is.
Hughie said: “Maybe Dermot Kennedy saying this word has brought the subject to light. We shouldn’t use this word at all, it has negative connotations.” He added that opening up the conversation might stop people from using such hateful speech.
Hughie said: “It’s a racial slur for sure and it’s used frivolously.
“When you look at how travellers are stereotyped as k******s it’s always when something has been deemed unruly. It’s always when someone has stolen something or is causing trouble. The word is almost part of Dublin culture.”
Just back on home turf after shooting a tight-lipped reality series abroad,
the telly star is gearing up for Dublin Pride.
But it took him years to accept his sexuality in the face of his treatment at the hands of bullies.
Hughie added: “I suppressed my sexuality as a teenager.
“I was definitely bullied for being gay.
“I’m a gay man and proud of myself every day. People on my halting site weren’t raised to be open minded.
“But as I get older I see the value in being raised in a very family oriented spirited community.”
