Controversial poet Cathal Ó Searcaigh has cancelled his scheduled appearance on RTÉ's Late Late Showtonight.
A spokesman for RTÉ said this evening that the station had received legal advice to pre-record Mr Ó Searcaigh's interview on the show.
When RTÉ advised the poet they would be following this advice, he declined to appear on the show on that basis.
Ó Searcaigh turned down an offer to appear on the show in March 2008, following the screening of documentary Fairytale of Kathmandu.
The programme, which was shown by the State-owned broadcaster, raised questions about Ó Searcaigh’s relationships with young men in Nepal. The controversy has followed Ó Searcaigh since then.
Other guests lined up for tonight's show include Babyshambles singer Pete Doherty and All-Ireland Talent Showjudges Shane Lynch, Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, Dáithi Ó Sé, John Creedon and Dana.
