RTÉ had THIS to say about Michaella McCollum’s interview

Two years after being arrested and charged for drug smuggling in Peru, Tyrone-native, Michaella McCollum, sat down for an interview with RTÉ in a move which ignited serious debate on social media this week.

Slamming the national broadcaster for their approach to the interview, viewers asked why the 23-year-old was given such a gentle grilling in light of her high-profile conviction, and questioned whether the former model had received payment for her participation.

Responding to public outcry which followed Sunday night's interview, RTÉ have released a statement, saying: "Michaella McCollum spoke to RTÉ. As she felt doing so would deter other people from engaging in criminal activity.”

"It’s the story of a young Irish woman who committed a serious crime in a foreign country and her arrest, subsequent conviction and prison sentence have generated significant media coverage both nationally and internationally."

"RTÉ can confirm that neither Michaella McCollum nor any member of her family was paid for the interview screened on RTÉ One last night. Nor did RTÉ make any contribution to any fund relating to Michaella McCollum."

Defending their decision to air the interview with one of the 'Peru Two', RTÉ highlighted the public's fascination with the story which made headlines in August 2013.

"Last night’s interview was watched by an average of 550,000 viewers with one in three people watching television last night watching the programme, reflecting the significant public interest in the story," they explained. "We welcome the public discussion generated by this programme."

Michaella. who expressed regret at her actions, was released from prison on March 31st following a two year and three month prison sentence.

Photograph: Mariana Bazo/Reuters