Two men have apologized for their involvement in an online video of people apparently mocking the murder of Michaela McAreavey.
The 27-year-old Irish language teacher, the daughter of former Tyrone Gaelic football coach Mickey Harte, was killed during her honeymoon in Mauritius in 2011.
The video, filmed in a room adorned with union flags and Orange Order paintings, shows a group of people singing a song about his death.
In a statement, John Bell and Andrew McDade said it was a matter of “deep shame and regret” to have been involved in the broadcast and singing about his murder.
They described it as an “offensive, vile and utterly disgusting song”.
Image: The couple appears on their honeymoon in Mauritius
“This live Facebook video was not broadcast with the intent of airing any offensive chants, but was generally broadcast from the room.
“However, whether they are broadcast or not, the relevant songs should never have been sung in public or in private.
“We offer our deepest and deepest apologies to the Harte and McAreavey families and, in fact, to society at large for our actions which, while fueled by alcohol, cannot be mitigated or excused in any way. the form.
“Our apology is unequivocal and our acceptance of evil is absolute.”
In a statement, the Order of Orange described the recording as “totally hateful” and condemned the content as “unreserved”.
“If any of those involved are found to be members of the Institution, they will face disciplinary action,” he said.
Image: Michaela’s father, Mickey Harte (center) with other bad guys at his funeral
“Hate and sectarianism have no place in our society”
The Northern Ireland Police Service said it was aware of the video posted online and was examining its contents to determine if any offenses had been committed.
Read more: Michaela McAreavey’s husband wants authorized men to be tried again. Family launch podcast to expose the “circus act” of the honeymoon murder trial
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin said he was “horrified and horrified” by the clip.
“We all remember that horrible murder of Michaela McAreavey. It’s beyond comprehension that people can behave this way, and be so indifferent to the trauma that the family and the whole community suffered,” he told reporters. to Dublin.
“It’s beyond comprehension and it’s shocking.”
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Brandon Lewis strongly condemned the video as “reprehensible” and urged anyone with information to contact police.
The Prime Minister-designate, Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O’Neill, tweeted that she had contacted Mr McAreavey’s widower, John, to express his support.
“Hate and sectarianism have no place in our society. People deserve better. Love about hate will always win,” he added.
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, MP, said: “This is vile. It is totally wrong and it is deeply hurting for Michaela McAreavey’s family.”
Linfield Football Club confirmed that it had taken immediate action against a coach from its “clearly identified” girls’ academy in the video.
“The coach in question has been contacted and it has been reported that his voluntary association with the club has been terminated with immediate effect,” he said.
In another statement, Norman Emerson Group, a quarry and construction company in Armagh County, said: “We have been informed of the highly offensive social media content that one of our employees allegedly did.
“As a family and as a company, we strive to ensure an ethos of respect, inclusion and consideration in everything we do.
“We will not tolerate or endorse sectarianism, bigotry or intimidation in any way by anyone who works for us. Make sure that a thorough and thorough internal investigation is being conducted.”