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12th January 2024
08:36am GMT
Arthur Gourounlian has expressed the emotional impact the Dublin riots had on him as a parent.
In November 2023, an anti-immigration protest led to multiple incidents of vandalism, arson, looting, and assaults on Gardaí and members of the public in the capital.
The riots were triggered after rumours began circulating that a man who stabbed young schoolchildren on Parnell Street was a foreign national.
Arthur, who was born in Armenia, told the Irish Independent he found the experience 'very emotional' and admitted he fears for his Irish-Armenian daughter, Blake.
"With my story even trying to help refugees, it brings back so many upsetting memories, and it triggers me," the 'Dancing With The Stars' judge told the outlet.
"When I saw what happened in Dublin, it broke my heart, especially with our baby. She’s Irish-Armenian – is she going to be bullied? But you can’t live your life like that.
"It was very hurtful when I saw what happened. I was really upset, but that is not Ireland, Ireland is incredible and beautiful."
The TV personality welcome his baby girl with his husband, Brian Dowling, in September 2022, with Brian's sister, Aoife, acting as their surrogate.
Arthur was born in Armenia, but he and his family fled the country when he was just 12 years old amid the war with Azerbaijan.
His family sought asylum in Belgium, where he trained as a hairdresser and later became a dancer.
The couple began dating in 2002 and were together off and on for four years.
They split for a time; however, they reunited in 2011 and married in 2015.
TV presenter Brian recently shared that he and Arthur hope to welcome a second baby, revealing they were 'back on the baby train'.
“We would love for Blake to be a big sister. This is something we’ve discussed at length, and I’m happy to say we are back on the baby train. Choo choo!” the 'Six O'Clock Show' host told the Irish Mail On Sunday in November.
The 'Dancing With The Stars' judge added, “Fingers crossed! As Brian said, the baby train is on the way.”
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