Sorry, this video isn't available any more.
Jedward have hit out at people refusing to wear masks and protesting against lockdown.
The 28-year-old twins have been vocal on social media about people not abiding by measures to stop the spread of coronavirus, hitting out at anti-lockdown and anti-mask stars including Jim Corr, Ian Brown, Van Morrison and Noel Gallagher on Twitter.
And the X Factor stars claim that they were the only ones who ‘had the balls’ to tweet about it.
John and Edwards Grimes appeared on Ireland’s The Late Late Show on Friday night, and were asked by host Ryan Tubridy about why they chose to speak out about some people’s approaches to the pandemic.
John said: ‘I just feel like there was so much misleading information online. You had figures that people looked up to over the years, coming onto their Twitters and their social platforms and saying these statements. I feel it was throwing people and we should felt that we had to come on and voice our opinions, because we all have a voice.’
His brother added: ‘I feel like a lot of people didn’t have the balls to tweet about it. I was like, I’m saying what I feel, it’s been many years, I stand for all these things, let’s get it out to the people and let them know what we stand for.’
Discussing recent protests in Dublin, where people claimed that lockdown and mandatory masks were infringing on their rights as citizens, John continued: ‘We all just have to follow the guidelines – wash your hands, wear the mask, look out for your loved ones. Those people who are against it, they want to go outside, it’s all me me me. You’ve got to think of everybody, you’ve got to be more caring, just thoughtful.’
Edward, however, was a bit more straightforward.
The Under Pressure singer turned to the camera and said: ‘OK, they’re watching right now – hi, how are you, ok.
‘Wear your mask, people are dying, people have died, people have not been able to go to funerals, they’re not going to have their family members this Christmas. You wear your mask, change your ways, educate yourself.
‘There’s not conspiracies, you might be protesting or calling it a protest. It’s not a protest if you’re spreading a virus and not wearing a mask.’
The Irish stars also defended the younger generation who have been accused of being the biggest rule-breakers by throwing house parties and failing to social distance with friends.
John said: ‘People need to realise – you want to go to a club, you want to go to a bar – there is no future if this pandemic keeps going on and spreads the virus.
‘I feel like it’s the younger people who want the rules to be followed, the younger people want the best for the future. They want everyone to be accepted. I feel the younger people in Ireland are the future in Ireland, obviously… they want change.’
Elsewhere on the show, Jedward discussed the death of their mother Susanna last February.
Edward said: ‘Our mom found out five years ago that she had leukaemia and kidney failure on the same day. She was 50… then she passed away. It was all just a bit too much.
‘We were there when she passed, and we were thankful that we were there and we were able to hold her hand,’ with the singers adding that they played Fleetwood Mac songs for their mum.
Edward said: ‘My heart goes out to everyone who is not able to be with their loved ones who are passing and not being able to go to a funeral.’
The twins admitted that it was difficult going forward without their mum, with John saying: ‘It’s really hard, because you’ve got relationships and you realise your mom is never going to see your kids.’
His brother added: ‘It’s disheartening to think she won’t be at our weddings, she won’t be there for the birth of our kids.
‘But we always keep her spirit alive, we have pictures of her around and tell stories. I don’t know, you just feel so disconnected from the world when the person who kept you anchored in the world, who gave birth to you, is gone.’
John said: ‘She still wanted us to keep going, to keep living, because that what’s she was doing.’
The twins went on to perform a cover of REM’s Everybody Hurts on the show, dedicated to Susanna.
Jedward were praised on social media for tackling coronavirus conspiracy theories on the show, with journalist Orla Ryan tweeting: ‘Fair play to Jedward – as well as disputing the conspiracy theorists, they’re making great points about protecting other people and the impact of all this on our mental health.’
Your Daily Horoscope
Another tweet read: ‘Say what you will about @planetjedward they just did their mum very proud. Lovely tribute.’
MORE : Angelina Jolie celebrates National Daughters Day with intimate dinner with Zahara and Vivienne
MORE : Dog ‘sniffs out human remains near home of Carole Baskin’s missing husband Don Lewis’
Share this with