John McAreavey has said “hate can hurt, but never win” after a video mocking the death of his girlfriend Michaela was widely condemned.
Mrs McAreavey, daughter of former Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte, was killed 10 days after her honeymoon in Mauritius in 2011.
A video was released on social media on Thursday afternoon showing people appearing to be singing a song about Michaela’s murder.
Read more: Two men apologize for participating in Michaela McAreavey’s video
On Friday night, Mr. McAreavey took to Twitter and said, “Michaela was a ship of love, courage and dignity.
“Hate can hurt, but it never wins.”
The incident has been condemned by politicians across the spectrum in Northern Ireland.
Two men have issued a statement apologizing for their involvement in the video.
John Bell and Andrew McDade said it was a matter of “great shame and remorse” that they got involved in the video.
The men’s statement said they had participated in a Facebook Live video that was not specifically intended to broadcast the song, but agreed that “relevant chants should never have been sung in public or in private.”
The Grand Orange Lodge has said it is investigating the incident and the PSNI has said it is examining the video to find evidence of whether a crime has been committed.
A Linfield FC volunteer coach has been fired from his role at the club for his involvement in the video.
Read more: Michaela McAreavey: Orange Order investigating a “disgusting” video.
Read more: Michaela McAreavey’s family lawyer believes police are closer than ever to a breakthrough
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