‘Remember I am a human too’: Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug reacts to online hate

Bambie Thug will perform Doomsday Blue at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest. Picture: Andres Poveda

Ireland’s newly selected Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug has issued a statement to those “enraged by my beautiful art” after seeing hateful messages online.

Bambie Thug, who is from Macroom, Co. Cork is non-binary and uses the pronouns they/them, urged the public to “remember I am a human too”.

“I have gone through so much trauma and still show up with love after every obstacle and hard time,” they said. “I have always been a phoenix and your words and warped views cannot hurt me.” 

They said they send “the most love” to those who hate them and criticised naysayers' anger.

“If my expression of art moves you to hate and anger then you are who I send the most love to. If you don't want to be part of the Haus Of Thug you are not obligated to come on this journey with me,” they said.

“But do yourself a favour and don't waste your life hung up [on] hate, internalised homophobia, misogyny, transphobia and self-hate. Practice self-compassion and perhaps you will learn to live in love.” 

They added: “Don't be mad because I haven't forgotten the art of play, fun and creation and you have.” 

Bambie Thug was chosen as Ireland’s entrant to the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo during a public vote on Friday night with their song, Doomsday Blue.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner before the Late Late Eurosong special, Bambie said they have a thick skin.

“This creative world is amazing but, at the same time, it’s also tough. You have to have a thick skin.”