St Patrick’s Day float referencing Epstein files draws condemnation

The trailer, pulled by a tractor, featured people in wigs pursuing a female character who screamed and was pinned down on a mattress. Picture: TikTok

Rape crisis charities have condemned a St Patrick’s Day float that mimicked a sexual assault and featured signs saying “Epstein files”.

Rape Crisis Ireland called the display “an act of public grooming” that normalised sexual violence, while politicians labelled it a disgrace.

The trailer, pulled by a tractor, featured people in wigs pursuing a female character who screamed and was pinned down on a mattress. There were also Irish flags and bunting, a makeshift cage and a sign saying “Prince Andrew goin to jail”. One of the signs misspelt the name of the late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as “Epstien”.

The float joined several parades in the west of Ireland on Tuesday, when the republic celebrated its patron saint. It passed through Headford in County Galway and Kilmaine, Shrule and Ballinrobe in County Mayo.

Organisers later apologised and said they had not known in advance about the float, which they said was offensive. After noticing the display, organisers in Ballinrobe abandoned a planned second lap of the town.

Clíona Saidléar, the executive director of Rape Crisis Ireland, said it was shocking that anybody would re-enact incidents of sexual violence against women as entertainment. 

“This is an appalling failure of judgment that reflects the persistent minimisation of sexual violence and a misogynistic culture that facilitates it.” 

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said the display sent a harmful message to wider society that sexual violence was something to mock.

“The float is further evidence of a lack of awareness of the impact of sexual violence and of the harm and trauma it causes,” said its chief executive, Rachel Morrogh. 

“Parading acts of sexual violence through our main streets and turning rape and assault into a joke trivialises and stigmatises the experiences of victims and survivors.” 

Many victims of sexual violence did not report it because they feared they would not be believed or taken seriously, said Morrogh, adding: “This float and the message it sends reinforces those concerns.”

Local councillors echoed the condemnation. The Ballinrobe St Patrick’s Day parade committee said the float did not reflect its values. “Floats arrive on the day and often reflect topical themes,” it said. 

“There is no entry, registration or vetting process due to the informal, community-led nature of the event.” 

The committee said it would review procedures to ensure future celebrations were respectful, inclusive and family-friendly.

 - The Guardian