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31st Jan 2022

The Lion King performers subjected to racial abuse after show in Ireland

Melissa Carton

The Bord Gais Theatre has condemned the shocking behaviour.

The Lion King show has been a sale out sensation since it’s arrival in Dublin’s Bord Gais Theatre in December.

Unfortunately, several of the cast member were subjected to horrific racial abuse after one of the shows, which has caused the Bord Gais to release a statement condemning the appalling behaviour.

‘We are saddened to share that several of the performers and crew of The Lion King, currently performing at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin, were recently subjected to racial abuse on their journey home from the theatre.

It is shocking that something so vile and appalling happened to our colleagues who have brought such joy to thousands of theatregoers since the show opened on 31 December.

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Disney Theatrical Productions strongly condemn all forms of discrimination.

We fully stand with the performers and crew and have put plans in place to support those affected by this incident.

We also urge that those responsible be held accountable and have reported this incident to An Garda Síochána.

Over the last 25 years, The Lion King has been a beacon of optimism and inclusion across the globe. Its very presence and the vision of the world that our audience experiences while watching the show, is in itself an instrument to change hearts and minds.

It is in this spirit that Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Disney Theatrical Productions are making a donation to the Irish Network Against Racism, which is committed to combatting racism and all related forms of discrimination in Ireland.’

Many fans of the show have shared their support for the cast and their disgust at those who abused them.

As of the time of publishing An Garda Síochána have not released their own statement on the incident.