Bord Gáis Energy Theatre issue statement after Lion King performers and crew "subjected to racial abuse" in Dublin

Dublin's Bord Gáis Energy Theatre have issued a statement, after members of the cast and crew of The Lion King were "subjected to racial abuse on their journey home from the theatre."

In response, the theatre and Disney Theatrical Productions are set to make a donation to the Irish Network Against Racism.

The musical is currently on tour of Ireland and the UK, which includes multiple shows at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, from December 31 to February 4.

Read the theatre's full statement below:

"We are saddened to share that several of the performers and crew of The Lion King, currently performing at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin, were recently subjected to racial abuse on their journey home from the theatre.

"It is shocking that something so vile and appalling happened to our colleagues who have brought such joy to thousands of theatregoers since the show opened on 31 December.

"Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Disney Theatrical Productions strongly condemn all forms of discrimination. We fully stand with the performers and crew and have put plans in place to support those affected by this incident. We also urge that those responsible be held accountable and have reported this incident to An Garda Síochána.

"Over the last 25 years, The Lion King has been a beacon of optimism and inclusion across the globe. Its very presence and the vision of the world that our audience experiences while watching the show, is in itself an instrument to change hearts and minds. It is in this spirit that Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Disney Theatrical Productions are making a donation to the Irish Network Against Racism, which is committed to combatting racism and all related forms of discrimination in Ireland."

Although it isn't clear in the statement when the incident took place, dancer/actor Hícaro Nicolai shared the following on Twitter on Saturday, January 29:

"Last night, lovely friends from the Lion King UK & Ireland Tour cast, were racially assaulted by the stage door of the Bord Gais Energy Theatre in Dublin. After bringing so much joy to audience members.

"The saddest thing is that most of the criminals, because racism is a crime, were minors," he added. "Be aware of how your raising your children. All my love to the whole cast."

In response to the news,  Dublin City Councillor and former Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu has thanked the performers and crew "for putting on such great performances and spreading joy when people need it most."

"Majority of folks in Ireland are generous, loving and warm," she continued. "However there are some absolute gobshites and no one should be subjected to their behaviour."