Aisling O'Loughlin says ‘story' of controversial rap video in Freemasons Hall was ‘buried'
Last month, it emerged that the video to the song 'Spit in it!' featuring Irish rapper Eskimo Supreme was shot inside the Freemasons' HQ on Molesworth Street
Former Xposé presenter Aisling O'Loughlin has suggested the 'story' of a controversial music video featuring a rapper on Conor McGregor's music label in the historic Freemasons Hall in Dublin was 'buried'.
Last month, it emerged that the video to the song 'Spit in it!' featuring Irish rapper Eskimo Supreme was shot inside the Freemasons' HQ on Molesworth Street.
The video that made grotesque sexual references to the late British queen was condemned as obscene and 'morally repugnant'.
It was set in the same venue used by McGregor and right-wing US commentator Tucker Carlson to film an interview, which later resulted in the Irish Freemasons apologising and pledging to make a €2,500 charity donation.
Conspiracy theorist O'Loughlin offered her take on the controversy in a post on X where she claimed: 'If Conor McGregor really was up against the Irish Establishment - they would have destroyed him for this disgusting video from his record label made in the Grand Lodge of Ireland where he did the Tucker interview.
'It's telling they buried the story.'
It's not clear who the 'they' is that she is referring to but the story was widely reported at the time.
A piece in the Irish Independent at the time reported how the professionally produced music video included actors dressed as dissident republicans in balaclavas and combat gear imprisoned behind wire in the Victorian room.
They yell at an actor playing the Queen, using foul language: 'We are political prisoners and we demand political status.'
An explainer below the video states that the British Government has 'unlocked a freak scientific discovery whereby the saliva of Irish dissident republicans morphs a royal family member into a dragon...' including a grotesque sexual reference.
It adds: 'Theorists believe that the British Government wanted to create this royal dragon to use as a weapon of war.'
In the video, the prisoners are then released one by one to spit on the Queen, following which each one is shot dead by one of the guards. The song, which is dominated by sexualised slurs, plays throughout.
At the end of the video, the Queen is transformed into a dragon and is seen flying over London. The lyrics include references to Irish broadcaster Pat Kenny and RTE's The Late, Late Show.
Former Xposé presenter Aisling O'Loughlin
Having been watched more than 100,000 times on YouTube in the five days since it was posted, comments described it as 'crazy', 'insane', and 'madness'.
Philip AJ Daley, grand secretary of the Freemasons in Ireland, later confirmed that a probe is under way in relation to the use of their hall for the video.
'It would be inappropriate to make any further statement until our investigation is complete,' he told the Independent.
The Freemasons of Ireland had earlier said that 'incalculable' damage was caused to the organisation by Tucker Carlson's interview with Conor McGregor.
A screen grab from the controversial video
News in 90 Seconds - May 15th
The organisation apologised last month and said it would not have accepted the booking if it knew what the venue was being used for.
It said the Grand Lodge Conduct Committee would investigate the use of the Grand Lodge Room, and a risk assessment will be carried out into the security of its venue at 17 Molesworth Street.
Lodge rooms will also be only used for 'Lodge purposes' and no 'non-masonic meetings' will be held in the Lodge rooms 'until further notice'.
At a meeting of the Grand Masters Council this week, the organisation also decided it would make an anonymous donation of €2,500 to 'an appropriate non-political charity'.
Richard S G Ensor, the Grand Master Elect, told members the venue was used for 'grossly inappropriate purposes' by allowing the interview to take place there.
'The Grand Lodge of Ireland does not comment on any political matter and so regrets letting our premises facilitate any political discussion,' he said in an email to members.
He said the Freemasons are now 'fighting to restore our reputation' following the airing of the interview.
'The damage that has been caused in recent days is incalculable,' Mr Ensor said.
'I look for your support to get us over this unpleasant time and steer us back on the right path. I am personally abhorred at what has taken place and extend my personal apology to our members, family and friends.'
O'Loughlin has previously taken pot shots at McGregor, claiming in December 2023 that gardai used far right 'mercenaries' such as the MMA fighter to confuse and mislead the public following the stabbings on Parnell Square that November.
The ex-TV3 star turned conspiracy theorist warned readers of her Substack page to be aware of 'false narratives' that are being built 'to manage the public's perception'.
Referring to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, whose 'own cops don't have any faith in his abilities to govern fairly', O'Loughlin says it appears he has 'a little plan in store for those (right on cue) Conor McGregor fans and Antifa mercenaries'.
The Tucker Carlson with McGregor
'Take a bow,' she writes. 'Oh look some ready to roll art-work depicting McGregor as some kind of working class hero.
'Not the fame and money-hungry showbiz hard-man who sold out his fans during lockdown by badly reading a government scamdemic script. Sorry but it will take a lot more to convince us this time around. Has he really switched sides? We'll see.
'Looks a lot like more propaganda from where I'm standing. He may be saying all the right things, for now, but what's the end-game here?
"Is there money involved? Is McGregor really speaking up out of the goodness of his heart? Highly unlikely.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
'To say I saw appalling stuff is an understatement': Irish soldier on fighting on Ukraine's frontline
Despite the horrors witnessed while fighting the Russians on the Ukrainian frontline and suffering from post-traumatic strees, a former Irish soldier says he is actively considering returning to the warzone to fight once more with his Ukrainian colleagues. Peter*, a single man who is in his 30s and comes from the south of Ireland, served with the Defence Forces for five years. He decided to travel to Ukraine shortly after the Russian invasion in 2022 and returned home a year later. However, he told the Irish Examiner he considering going back again to help, like another former Defence Forces veteran has recently done. 'My initial decision was to defend the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and I arrived there a couple of days after the invasion. Recruits take a physiological adaptation training near frontline close to Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Sunday. 'Initially my family were supportive, but were fairly worried. At the start, it was a bit of an unknown. If I'd had gone out later, the conditions of the war would have been more apparent and my family would have worried even more,' Peter said. While he was able to keep in contact with home while fighting in Ukraine, this contact was kept to a minimum, and was essentially limited to letting them know that he was still alive. This was done through various communication channels, but Peter said he was not prepared to reveal them in order to protect others still out there who are in contact with their relatives. He was aware of other Irish people serving with the Ukrainians — although none were in his unit. Peter was posted to a special forces unit which contained a mixture of Ukrainian special forces and airborne personnel. 'I was the only non-Ukrainian in that unit. Their English was very good so communication was not an issue,' he said. Initially, he was based in Kyiv, but after two months was posted to the frontline between Kharkiv, Ukraine's second city, and Donetsk. 'To say I saw appalling stuff is an understatement. It got gradually worse as the war went on as there was heavier and heavier combat. Quite a few of my friends died,' he said. All the training he did with the Defence Forces could never have prepared him for what he saw. He said British and American soldiers he met out there, and who had fought for their countries in Iraq and Afghanistan, said it was 'even more brutal in Ukraine than those places". Sometimes, Peter and his comrades were less than 40 m from the Russian lines. The enemy would shout out 'threats of what was coming to us' and call on them to surrender. He was injured once and had to spend a week in hospital. There were times when combat didn't stop, and exhausted soldiers were forced to fight for days without any sleep. 'It was sometimes 24/7 and you would be lucky if you might get an hour to nod off. Once, there were three days of constant combat. The adrenaline would be pumping, the bullets flying and the artillery keeping you awake. You had a sense of duty to your comrades. Anyway, if you fell asleep you were dead,' he said. He managed to secure some leave and returned to Ireland when his unit was stood down for rest. 'To say we were combat fatigued would be an understatement,' he added. Peter is still seriously considering going back to Ukraine because of a 'sense of duty' to those of his comrades left behind who are still fighting. A soldier prepares a 120mm mortar to fire towards Russian army positions near Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region, Ukraine, last month. Picture: Oleg Petrasiuk/Ukraine's 24th Mechanized Brigade via AP And he readily admitted reports that the Russians are amassing 50,000 troops for a further push into the country 'could be a trigger to go back'. The Russians are currently building up troop numbers near Ukraine's northern Sumy region for what observers believe could be a planned summer offensive. Peter said he was constantly keeping himself updated and is in touch with comrades still fighting with his unit. Again, for security reasons, he won't divulge how this communication is happening. Any decision he makes to return to Ukraine may well be 'spontaneous', but if the Russians launch a summer offensive, he could well go back to help his comrades, a number of whom are close friends. He said one of these men has a wife who has come to Ireland to seek safety from the constant threat of a Russian missile attack. In terms of peace, Peter says while the outcome is 'unpredictable' unfortunately, it looks likely that Ukraine will have to cede some of its territory to the Russian invaders. In terms of dealing with his post-traumatic stress, he is thankful for the charity, ONE, which helps former Defence Forces personnel. 'I was quite reluctant to seek help initially. A mutual friend said I could do with some support and gave me the relevant contacts (with ONE). The friend realised I needed help. Some friends and family members said there were certain indications. I had anger issues, felt desensitised, and isolated when I came home,' he said. Peter is urging others who have returned from the frontline to contact ONE for help. 'I was unaware and then somewhat reluctant,' he said. He was initially advised to contact a GP, but said it was extremely hard to relate military experiences to a "civilian" who has never experienced them. 'You get cut off from reality and 'civies' wouldn't have a clue what you went through,' he added. (not his real name*) 'They all say they want to return to the frontline' Audra Larkin, charity ONE's veteran support officer, aaid she was currently offering support to three former Defence Forces personnel who have returned home from fighting in Ukraine. Audra Larkin, who is one of six ONE veteran support officers based around the country, said she was currently offering support to three former Defence Forces personnel who have returned home from fighting in Ukraine. Ms Larkin told the Irish Examiner she was aware of another former soldier she supported in her role with the charity who has since returned to Ukraine to continue fighting invading Russian forces. Those who have served in Ukraine continuously talk about 'the buddies' they have left behind and feel guilty for leaving them, according to Ms Larkin. 'They have said they would all go back tomorrow. They are all open about this. We outline the risks and possible consequences of doing this, but there is an overwhelming camaraderie,' she said. Ms Larkin said one of the Defence Forces' veterans she helped to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder returned to Ukraine last January. He is only in his 20s. It is understood he lost one of his friends in the fighting and was determined to return, despite the obvious risks. 'He felt a deep commitment to his comrades. This person felt guilty not being with them. This is part of a soldier's mind,' she said. She said the soldiers' desire to return to the frontline comes despite the 'harrowing stories' about what's happening in the brutal war in Ukraine, which has been raging since the Russian invasion of February 2022. She also said the charity she works with, ONE, started to see the 'emergence' of returning Irish fighters from Ukraine seeking counselling support towards the end of last year. Ms Larkin said she knew from those she was currently helping that there are more ex-members of the Defence Forces who have fought in Ukraine but have not approached ONE for help. 'We are urging them to just reach out [to us]. They will receive professional help from staff who will deal with them in the strictest confidence,' she said. Ms Larkin said it was important former soldiers are able to seek help from people who have knowledge of the military, with military backgrounds, and who can operate with their "shared language". Ms Larkin, who has many years of experience within the Defence Forces, said her background was hugely important in helping her understanding of veterans' needs. 'I've been in the Defence Forces my whole life. I was born into the Defence Forces. I grew up in the Defence Forces." As well as serving oversees herself, she also worked in addiction services. She joined ONE from private practice, having gained experience there in helping combat veterans deal with post-traumatic stress. Irish who died fighting in Ukraine A number of Irish citizens have died while fighting for Ukraine. The list of fatalities includes a former member of the elite Army Ranger Wing (ARW)) who was killed on September 19 while fighting alongside Ukrainian Special Forces. Robert Deegan, from Co Kildare, was killed while fighting in Ukraine. Robert Deegan was 29 and from Newbridge, Co Kildare. He had joined the fight shortly after the 2022 Russian invasion. He lost an eye while serving with Ukraine's Special Forces Unit that year. His injury was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) but once he recovered, he went back to fight alongside his Ukrainian comrades — going against advice from some family and friends. He was said to be 'laser-focused' on returning to Ukraine and 'deeply committed' to the Ukrainian cause. The highly-skilled soldier had served not only in the much-vaunted Ranger Wing, but was also involved in the Engineers Unit of the Defence Forces Training Centre. After his death, his family released a statement saying he died 'like a warrior', protecting his comrades and he had made "the ultimate sacrifice while staying true to his principles and character'. On the day he died he continued to fight on in the face of a Russian onslaught in order to provide cover for his colleagues' retreat. As a younger man, he was a champion cyclist who represented Ireland, and some of his family are understood to have had a long history of service with the Defence Forces. In December 2023, dual Irish-American citizen Graham Dale, aged 45, originally from Raheny in North Dublin, was killed while fighting for the Ukrainians. He had previously fought with the US Marines in Iraq and moved permanently to Dublin in 2020. Dale had joined the US Marines following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Finbar Cafferkey, from Achill, Co Mayo, was killed while battling Russian forces near the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk Oblas in April 2023. Finbar Cafferkey, aged 46, from Achill, Co Mayo, was killed while battling Russian forces near the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk Oblas in April 2023. Part of the Shell to Sea campiagn in the 2000s, he had previous combat experience in Syria helping Kurdish militia fight Islamic State insurgents. Rory Mason, 23, from Dunboyne, Co Meath, died while fighting for Ukraine's International Legion in the Kharkiv region near the Russian border in October 2022. Irish man Rory Mason was killed in action in Ukraine. His father, Rob, told the BBC: "Though we are deeply saddened at his death, we are enormously proud of his courage and determination and his selflessness in immediately enlisting to support Ukraine." "Rory was never political but he had a deep sense of right and wrong and an inability to turn the other way in the face of injustice. "Those who fought alongside Rory speak of a truly brave and courageous man who could have left at any time but chose not to. In August 2024, Alex Ryzhuk, aged 20, from Rathmines, Dublin — a drone operator — was also killed fighting for the Ukrainians. The youngest of the Irish to die fighting in Ukraine, he was born in Dublin to Ukrainian parents. News about rape and torture by Russian troops in the Ukrainian city Bucha in April 2022, as well as the deaths of relatives and friends fighting in the war are understood to what motivated Alex to leave Dublin and travel to the frontlines early in 2023.
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
Glasnevin Cemetery is set to host its first queer history tour
Dublin's Glasnevin Cemetery is set to host its first ever queer history tour, running from 20-22 June, celebrating Pride and exploring LGBTQ+ life in Ireland since the 1800s. Anna Collins, a tour guide and researcher at Dublin Cemetries Trust, who has written and researched the tour joined RTÉ Radio 1 to share all the details - listen back above. The oldest person discussed on the tour was born in the 1850s, while the most recent death discussed on the tour took place in 1995, so the range of characters included is incredibly comprehensive. Collecting all this information was no mean feat, and Anna says that she relied on the knowledge of her co-workers, many of whom have been working at Glasnevin Cemetery for years now. "The people who work here really care about everyone in the cemetery," she insists. "They have all these really interesting stories of people, so initially I just put a call out!" The lengthy and thorough process involved months of research, leading to fascinating stories of LGBTQ+ people in Irish history being unearthed. One of the best-known figures on the tour is Thom McGinty, an Irish-Scottish actor and street performer known as The Diceman, who spent many years performing as a living statue on Dublin's Grafton Street. "He really brought so much life to the street," says Anna. "In fact, when he died, they carried his coffin down Grafton Street, and the shops all closed and contributed to the cost of his funeral." Another great character featured in the tour is Jack Saul. Born in the 1850s in the Liberties, Saul was a sex worker who worked in the brothels of Dublin before moving to London, where he often found himself embroiled in high-profile scandals. "This regular, working-class guy was having to appear in courtrooms against lords and dukes and things like that," she laughs. "So he really developed a bit of a name for himself, quite a scandalous figure."
Sunday World
3 hours ago
- Sunday World
Country star Michael English on how Louis Walsh's mother played key role in music career
The top entertainer was the favourite Irish singer of Maureen Walsh, who died this week at the age of 94 Louis Walsh looks on as the remains of his mother Maureen are taken from church Country music star Michael English told yesterday how Louis Walsh's mother played a key role in one of the biggest highlights of his career. The top entertainer was the favourite Irish singer of Maureen Walsh, who died this week at the age of 94 and whose funeral took place in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo. And Michael English gave his final performance for Maureen when he was chosen to sing at her funeral service on Thursday, where the attendance included Westlife stars Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne, plus Eurovision winner Dana. Michael says: 'It was a huge honour to sing at it with the Kiltimagh Parish Choir. I was looking down the church and seeing the Westlife lads and seeing Dana and all these other singers, so it was a great privilege to get the opportunity to do it for Maureen. Kian Egan and wife Jodi Albert with Louis Walsh 'Maureen and her daughters Sarah and Evelyn and other members of the Walsh family used to come to my shows in the early days. 'And the first time I met Maureen she told me I was her favourite singer. It was around 2008 and I was a bit younger at the time and a bit chuffed that Louis Walsh's mother was into what I did. Family and friends of Maureen Walsh attend her funeral Today's News in 90 Seconds - 08 June 2025 'Maureen was just a lovely country woman who reminded me of my own mother. We struck up a little bond and she said, 'I'm going to get Louis to ring you now and see if he can help you in any way.' 'I thought no more of it, but sure enough Louis did ring me and we arranged to meet up. We had a good chat and I found Louis to be very similar to the rest of his family. I thought he was going to be completely different, but we got on like a house on fire.' Shane Filanwas among the mourners Louis went on to land a major record deal for English with Sony Music – and Michael ended up recording with British producer Nigel Wright, whose work includes the score for The Phantom of the Opera. 'It was a huge experience for me at such a young age and also a huge thrill to be working with Nigel because I'd been a massive fan of The Phantom of the Opera and have seen it about 15 times,' Michael says. 'Nigel arranged for me to go backstage one time to see the workings of it and the illusions that were created by magician Paul Daniels. Dana was among the mourners 'So as well as getting the opportunity to record two great albums I was living the dream – and it was Maureen who had made all that happen for me. 'I would go on to concentrate on the country music scene, but Louis had been great to me while we worked together.' Maureen had been living with Alzheimer's for 12 years before she died. 'I went to see her a few times in the nursing home,' Michael says. 'I was so fond of her and she was a very much loved person in the area, not just because her son was on The X Factor but because of who she was. Louis Walsh looks on as the remains of his mother Maureen are taken from church 'Her house was open to everybody. I was in the house a hundred times and it reminded me of my house, when people would come into my mother she'd say 'will you have a cup of tea?' and she'd take every different kind of biscuit out of the press. 'Louis's mother was like that. She ran an open house and a very welcoming house,' Michael adds.
