Adams Apologises For Racial Slur In Django Unchained Tweet

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has apologised for using a racial slur in a tweet in respect of the film Django Unchained.

In his Twitter post, Mr Adams appeared to draw parallels between the treatment of African American slaves before the American Civil War and Irish nationalists.

However, the Louth TD was criticised after using the N-word in his comments.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, 02 May, Mr Adams said: "Django Unchained is a powerful film which highlights the injustices suffered by African Americans through its main character Django.

"In my tweets I described him as a 'Ballymurphy n……' and 'an uppity Fenian.'

"I have acknowledged that the use of the n-word was inappropriate. That is why I deleted the tweet. I apologise for any offence caused."

However, Mr Adams added: "I stand over the context and main point of my tweet about the Django which were the parallels between people in struggle.

"Like African Americans Irish nationalists were denied basic rights.

"The penal laws, Cromwell's regime, and partition are evidence of that.

"In our own time, like African Americans nationalists in the north, including those from Ballymurphy and west Belfast, were denied the right to vote; the right to work; the right to a home; and were subject to draconian laws.

"This changed because we stood up for ourselves. We need to continue to do that."

(LM)