'Gaslighting queen': PBS's Jane Ferguson slammed over response to Bill Maher on what started Dublin riots

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jane Ferguson, a correspondent for PBS, has sparked controversy online following her comments on the recent riots in Dublin.

During a segment on Maher's show, 'Real Time with Bill Maher,' Ferguson, a respected journalist known for her insightful reporting, was invited to discuss the upheavals in Dublin.

The riots started on the evening of November 23, apparently triggered by the stabbing of three young children in the street. Rioters smashed shop windows; set fire to police cars, buses and a tram; and clashed with officers in violence rarely seen in the Irish capital.

Calm was restored the next day amid heavy police presence after 34 people were arrested.

Controversy over Jane Ferguson's response to Dublin rriots

Maher, known for his candid and sometimes provocative approach, posed a question to Ferguson, inquiring about the potential reasons behind the riots.

In what was perceived by many as a dismissive and problematic response, Ferguson made a statement that triggered a wave of backlash and accusations of gaslighting.

Ferguson described the riots as a "fomented" act by a "very tiny minority" that's "very loud and very violent."

She further characterized the movement as "anti-immigration" and "basically the usual populist kind of conversation."

Ferguson's remarks have drawn criticism from several quarters, with many accusing her of minimizing the complexities of the situation and engaging in gaslighting.

Critics pointed out that the riots were triggered by a variety of factors, not solely anti-immigration sentiment, and that Ferguson's portrayal of the events as a simple "populist" uprising is inaccurate and misleading.

Some also took issue with Ferguson's apparent dismissal of social media's role in the riots, attributing it solely to "rumors and misinformation."

This claim was met with skepticism, as many believe that social media platforms played a significant role in mobilizing and amplifying the voices of those involved in the unrest.

Public criticism mounts over Ferguson's remarks on Dublin riots

The internet backlash has been swift and vocal, with numerous users taking to social media and expressing their outrage.

One user wrote, "The fact they didn't say the reason for the Ireland Riot is disgusting!."

Another added, "That fact that a "journalist" in Ferguson can't go against the narrative and actually say what started the riots in Dublin, says a whole lot about the media and how bad they are."

One replied, ""Racism, in Ireland? Unthinkable!" How does an Irish woman not know Irish history!?."

One commented, "She couldn’t be honest. There was a stabbing of young children by an immigrant. That’s what caused the uprising in Dublin. Shame on you."

"I guess she’s not allowed to say it was triggered by an illegal immigrant stabling 3 children. She behaves like “it’s so weird” without mentioning what triggered it. Disingenuous," wrote one.