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Irish Daily Mirror

Arthur Gourounlian on racism and homophobia in Ireland

Dancing With The Stars judge Arthur Gourounlian calls Ireland home, but says he will always experience racism and homophobia. In the early 1990s, the Armenian dancer fled his home country for Belgium, where he sought asylum. He now happily lives in Dublin with his husband Brian Dowling and their two daughters Blake and Blu. But as hate towards immigrants and refugees appears to be on the rise, Arthur told the Irish Sunday Mirror it is something he experiences. After launching Newbridge Silverware's new 'Legendary Blue Box' campaign, the choreographer said: 'Ireland welcomed me with open arms. I've been so so lucky, Ireland is my home, and nobody will take that away from me. 'We're always going to get abuse from me being a refugee, the jealousy, the racism and homophobia. Brian and I will always get that no matter what, no matter where you are. 'But they are the 3%, the 97% are absolutely incredible. So I'm speaking from my experience, my story. Online the other day I was told 'You French c**t go back home'. I had to go back and say 'Maybe get your facts right I'm Armenian'. 'But guess what? They're not going to defeat me. They're not going to do anything to me because they're not part of my life. It's okay. It's not okay, but it's okay.' The Dancing with the Stars judge is a Eurovision fanatic and was part of the panel that chose Ireland's entry on the Late Late Eurosong contest. Speaking hours before the Eurovision semi-final on Thursday, Arthur said he was very positive that Norwegian singer Emmy would take Ireland to the final with her entry Laika Party. He said: 'It's fun, it's catchy. So hopefully people are gonna hear that and see that she looks great. She can sing for the room and get seen.' Arthur said he doesn't think it's unfair that a singer who isn't from Ireland or lives here can represent the country. The Eurovision expert also thinks it could be an advantage, as Norwegians may pick up the phone for Ireland. He added: 'When people come for people, please take your facts as the girl who has co-written the song is Irish. 'It's not about the person, it's about the song. It's called the Eurovision Song Contest.' Samantha Mumba, who was one of five hopefuls for this year's entry, lashed out at Arthur and his fellow panellists - including 2fM's Laura Fox and Donal Skehan - when she wasn't chosen. Taking to Instagram, she wrote: 'Special mention to the 'panel' (aside from Bambie who I stan) who not only didn't have the credentials, experience or professionalism required and were unnecessarily rude and vile to all the finalists - my parting gift them is a bag of (aubergine emoji) to slowly choke on.' Arthur stayed fairly quiet online following the backlash but said on Thursday that contestants who can't be criticised shouldn't enter the competition. He said: 'I was paid to do a job and sit in that chair and that's exactly what I did. When you do a competition like that, no matter if it's X-Factor or any competition that there are judges or a panel you have to get ready to be criticised or told off or things like that. 'So if you can't handle that, it's not for you.' The Dancing With The Stars judge was speaking as he launched Newbridge Silverware's new 'Legendary Blue Box' campaign that tribute timeless style and craftsmanship. He produced and directed a new campaign video for the brand, who he said was 'a dream' to work with.