RTÉ viewers complain over Ray D’Arcy’s ‘sexist’ comments during Pamela Anderson interview

RTÉ has received a number of complaints following an interview with actress and activist Pamela Anderson on the Ray D’Arcy Show on Saturday night, the broadcaster has confirmed.

Comments made by Mr D’Arcy during the interview led to online accusations that the presenter was “sexist” in his attitude to Ms Anderson.

Mr D’Arcy asked her if her teenage sons were aware of “the effect you’ve had on other teenage boys?”

Another comment that drew viewers’ ire was a question regarding her appearance in a sitcom called Stacked.

“I only got that recently, that it was about books and they were stacked, but you were…” Mr D’Arcy said before trailing off.

The programme also displayed a photograph of Ms Anderson receiving an honorary knighthood from Montenegro in recognition of her animal rights’ activism.

“There you are on your knees in front of the Prince of Montenegro,” Mr D’Arcy said.

He concluded the interview, by saying: “It was great, I was going to say, having you. I should really rephrase that.”

The interview prompted dozens of negative messages on social media, including a tweet from broadcaster Maia Dunphy.

“The relentless innuendo of that interview was unnecessary and disrespectful. Really surprised at #RayDarcyShow. Pamela seemed lovely,” Ms Dunphy said.

The relentless innuendo of that interview was unnecessary and disrespectful. Really surprised at #RayDarcyShow . Pamela seemed lovely.

— Maïa Dunphy (@MaiaDunphy) November 14, 2015

RTÉ yesterday confirmed that it had received complaints and negative feedback.

“To date, there have been nine formal complaints about the Pamela Anderson interview on The Ray D’Arcy Show on Saturday night.

“RTÉ also received seven calls and emails offering negative feedback on the segment,” a spokesperson for the national broadcaster confirmed yesterday.