“A True Prophet”: Why Sinéad O’Connor Risked Her Career to Call Out Catholic Church Abuse

In an in-depth interview, we look at the life and legacy of the groundbreaking musician Sinéad O’Connor, who converted to Islam and also started using the name Shuhada’ Sadaqat in 2018. O’Connor died last week at the age of 56 and was known for her music as much as for her outspoken activism. In 1992, she performed Bob Marley’s “War” on Saturday Night Live, then proceeded to rip up a photo of Pope John Paul II on live TV to protest systemic child abuse in the Catholic Church, of which she was a survivor. The move provoked widespread uproar. O’Connor was also an ally to LGBTQ communities, an opponent of police brutality on some of her earliest records, a staunch supporter of Palestinian rights, and marched for abortion rights decades before it was legalized in Ireland. We are joined by Jamie Manson, president of advocacy group Catholics for Choice, and Allyson McCabe, music journalist and author of the recent book Why Sinéad O’Connor Matters.
Transcript: www.democracynow.org/2023/8/1...
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[@seamusrenrut1499]

I was seventeen when she ripped up the photo of the pope. I was a student in an Irish catholic boys' school at the time. Was so happy to see her challenge the church, was clear as day to me and many others that abuse was rampant in my school. A few years later a number of priests who taught at my school were charged with abuse. The principle was found guilty of over fifty counts of sexual abuse. One priest fled the country, the other killed himself rather than face justice. Plenty of teachers knew what was happening and kept their mouths shut. Was disgusted with people booing her at the Dylan tribute. She was an amazing vocalist and songwriter! Listen to young people.

[@Muhdah1972]

💯

[@edwardduarte7393]

​@@SuperEmpathy Its called Spotlight. Its about The Boston Globe going after the Catholic Church and how they cover up all the abused. I thought about Sinead while watching this movie.

[@seamusrenrut1499]

@@SuperEmpathy Unfortunately, its a very common story in my country. The schools are much better now and we have some of the best child protection laws in the world. I work with young children now and we give them a proper caring environment, things have changed much.

[@helenantonopoulos4273]

SO SAD PEOPLE LIKE HER KILL THEM SELF'S!!!!! SHE COULD OF GIVE A LOT TO THIS WORLD BECAUSE SHE IS BEEN ABUSE FROM HER OWN MOTHER AND IT SEEM NO ONE HELP THAT FAMILY!!!! REST IN PEACE GOD BLESS HER SOUL

[@GaryTornado-zy2mz]

Sinead was a warrior. Rest In Power Queen ❤

[@RoccoGeorge]

I was raised Mexican Catholic, and we cheered when she ripped up that picture. We were poor, and abused children and finally someone spoke out for us! Not to mention "Lion and the Cobra" is brilliant.

[@J.M.-nb4gw]

Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@mjw12345]

You probably know John Paul II as late as 2004 was fraternizing with one of the most notorious sexual predators, Marcial Maciel Degollado of Mexico, founder of the Legion of Christ every though there were a legion of complaints against him over the preceding decade and transmitted to Rome. Besides, John Paul II was 'Reagan's Pope' and anti-Communist crusader and apologist for the Contras.

[@joesatana]

She was cheered in my home too

[@kwameadams1140]

It is HUGE when people take our side and SEE us. It is a paradigm shift when what we are used to is being ignored being silenced, told we are stupid, we are 'imagining' and we need a take a time out...then here she comes, a blinding kilanova shattering and shifting the conversation entirely. She is missed.

[@paulkielty3800]

It’s a great album 🇮🇪

[@jayharr6250]

What Sinead O'Connor did on Saturday night live was extremely gutsy. I applaud her for what she did. it was the stepping-stone to opening the door of knocking down the dominoes of sexual abuse within the Catholic church and it's scandalous horrible crimes against so many children. Sinead O'Connor was truly a martyr in this regard. Literally, Nothing compares to you Sinead for your stance against the catholic church. May your legend live on & shine bright against injustice and abuse🌹✌️

[@jillcannon9308]

Thank you so much for doing this tribute. She, like all who speak truth to power, was vilified. As a child I was led to believe that she was crazy. I now know and appreciate just how courageous and insightful she was. May she rest in peace.

[@richersonkate]

I like to believe she took villification by the powerful as the badge of honor it is. She knew the consequences and Stood Up Anyway. Be at peace, lovely wonderful woman. We will carry on in your stead...it's not over, I promise you

[@wafflesmomforlife9215]

I cannot say it enough, I TRULY wish that the world had been kinder to this beautiful soul. My heart breaks for her because of all the bs that was forced upon her. I wish her...peace.

[@OlafsonN]

@@Pierrespere-vm5ofI doubt it. Source please.

[@Andrew-su7vd]

Thank you Amy Goodman of Democracy Now.

[@amylynnhunt55]

Many people did offer her kindness and compassion. If you have experienced compassion fatigue.... As I wrote earlier, every day for a long, sad time, many of us would literally wake up every morning and check IS she still alive?!? I don't know the lady personally but I wrote to her, prayer with her... she was so tragically broken inside and eventually, my own illness needed attention. I'm just one of literally millions who cared deeply for her. I loved her I still think she's an artistic genius. But as most of know, the great tragedy of so many artistic geniuses? They often suffer from crippling Depression. And whatever is worse. I'm not sure why you don't know that people WERE kind, but respectfully, she pushed away a lot of kindness - which probably was the disease of Depression, *not* Sinead herself, doing the pushing. I hope more than I can say that she's at peace now. I think she is. 💜

[@amylynnhunt55]

@@Andrew-su7vd what did Amy Goodman do or say?

[@tomdickandharry7024]

@amylynnhunt55, uhhh… Amy is the founder, creator and host of democracy now, the show you were watching in this video….. she’s the one who decided to honor Sinead for her moral, ethical and political stands fighting for freedom and justice by devoting this time to the subject and inviting these guests on to discuss her…. if you ever want to see and hear honesty and integrity in the peoples interests in news reporting there are very very very very few places in the world where u can get it more or better than democracy now! virtually all of her guests are censored or blackballed from mainstream media because they don’t toe the fascist capitalist imperialist colonialist white supremacist patriarchal line and can’t be counted on to refrain from telling important truths!

[@jamesharrington4752]

She spoke out against the sexual abuse of the Catholic church and was a big supporter of Palestinian rights.

[@jaylucas8352]

One of the ONLY celebrities that DARED to speak up about the abuses of Palestine. every other hollywood celebrity was SILENT. NEVER FORGET. rip. Sinead. 💚

[@letshugandlove324]

what did she think about the iran protests? as she wore a hijab herself?

[@buahburke9912]

​@@letshugandlove324you're not going to get an answer for that here; once again, MSM is jumping on board twisting yarns to fit their narratives when it's safe & profitable, even while giving her props for doing the opposite! How ironic that her "long overdue Media attention" whirls in on the backs of LGBQT+-@??? activists AFTER a backlash has arisen for the😢 child and familial destruction has gotten solid attention almost nationwide due to child consent and late-term/post birth "abortion." I despise the way vultures brush under the rug Sinead's "Cannonization" by an obscure portion of the Catholic Church while MSM and FEDS attack devote Catholics, Conservatives and start in on true Christians. While I'm sorry for the loss and despair she felt at the end of her life, with the loss of her child, and apparent catastrophic depression, these people jumping in with praise after she's gone is a day late and about $500k short! Unlike Sinead, who I do not agree with, but can relate to, most media are hypocrites to the core. 😢

[@bernadettesandoval3990]

​@@letshugandlove324Funny, that she called out the greatest social welfare organization in history for abuse committed by predators while joining the most abusive organization in history

[@robertpendergrass7996]

​@@bernadettesandoval3990 You mean America the country that's been at war with someone around the world 4 the last 70 years ?

[@jeanyvestheriault8362]

As a french Canadian, Quebecois, I knew so well the abuse of the catholic church over children, so when she did the rip up of the pope picture I was so happy that finally the world will know and some people would finally been found guilty for those abuse, unfortunetly nothing happen back then. She was a real human been, will miss her.

[@pamelarose3848]

Bravo for writing a book about Sinead while she was alive! We should appreciate people while they are alive! RIP Sinead, my condoléances to the family.

[@MauriceCharles]

She had more courage than 99% of our current world. 5:48

[@leona2222]

I was thinking the same thing. Would I have had that same courage? Doubtful

[@nicklang7670]

I want the same courage.

[@cassiusdhami9215]

"Current" ? She was booed and banned from SNL in the 90's.

[@MauriceCharles]

@@cassiusdhami9215 she was an activist through her music the entirety of her life in spite of the mistreatment. She was unapologetically an advocate for the downtrodden and never joined the bullys.

[@suzannekaufmann5205]

Completely agree with you.

[@MadTeaMarie]

I have NEVER forgotten Joe Pesci's response. You can see him raise the back of his hand. As though he was a moral authority, starring in film after film filled with abusive language, violence, and then threatening to hit a young woman for being upset over child abuse and a conspiracy to facilitate it. He lost me that day.

[@leona2222]

Me too. I hadn’t seen his response until today. And now I’m done with him as well.

[@jessepowell1891]

I stand with you. I call her shahuda despite thst for most of her life she went by sinnead. Forgive me. She was a moral titan who called out all injustices. We will all miss her. I will only say that as a patron of music not the mainstream - from death metal from Europe to New age music by Steve roach and vangelis - I didn't pay much attention to her. Apologies. But being Cherokee, knowing now just what we've lost in her death, she will be missed. As the boys from kpfa would put it, we can honour her legacy by creating a world where we all can thrive. On my part, thst lead me to Buddhism. No matter who we are, let's honour our dear departed by creating a world where we all can thrive.

[@Bailey2006a]

Frank Sinatra also chimed in with a threat of physical violence. However, I will love kris Kristofferson forever . He stood by her and never wavered.

[@Kiwigd]

Pesci and Sinatra embody the mysoginistic culture that the entertainment industry needs to purge itself of. Its not the actors and artists themselves, but their culture..

[@hglavina908]

Pesci will hardly be a footnote in history. Best forgotten.

[@nutmegriot209]

she was a true activist. she recently donated 30 years worth of her clothes and unused makeup to trans youth in ireland. as a trans person this means so much to me. in a year we've lost civil rights in so many places, and how society generally tells us to stay hidden, of course she shows an act of embrace and acceptance. i remember her wearing black lives matter shirts a few years ago. she was always in the right place at the right time and set beautiful examples for the rest of us so many times. i think we're losing her too soon. going to miss her presence so much

[@joanembleton910]

I loved her music and understand the level of deep abuse she suffered during her life and the church. I am also an abuse survivor and pray that she has found peace now. Terrible loss

[@thea42]

❤ Sinéad was a true hero, she gave a voice and strength to many, I wish she knew what a difference that really made. Thank you Sinéad. ❤

[@JayKauffman]

even just with her music alone, which is so healing and powerful, from the heart... she has saved so many of us who have loved her all along her career.

[@thea42]

I hope you become more informed and self aware as a human being and think about what discrimination is and about your own stigmatising beliefs and how they make the world worse for us all. Sinéad was a hero to many and that is a fact no matter your clearly limited understanding.

[@cecilingram6018]

​@@Matthias_Fischerand you know this how

[@arthurfoyt6727]

She was a tool for divisiveness and evil. When she joined Islam and had hate filled rants against people I do NOT see that as "good" for mankind.

[@ta9143]

Thank you @DemocracyNow! for providing extended context and narrative to this important biographical obit.

[@malagupta4289]

And giving a rounded emotional farewell for the world and her hidden and unsaid followers..

[@ShaunNugent-bp6hl]

I watched this program with my Irish father and we both loved Sinead! Thank u for her story. She fought hard in life for millions.

[@BehaviorCoachNeysa]

Emotional pain IS physical. Medicating symptoms doesn't address the cultural and behavioral 'norms' that allow the abuse of women, children, and marginalized others. Back in the '80's, many of my fellow grad-school classmates arrived directly from Ireland. It was such a delight to know and work w/ them on a project to stop child abuse. Witnessing Sinead's pain and resilience (and the rise of destructive 'religions' here in the U.S.), I feel such heartfelt admiration for her voice -- in song and in speaking the truth. R.I.P.

[@DK-zu6tt]

This is why I can't understand why anyone adheres to organized religion. It may be amazing for some, but there will always be scores of people who are oppressed (women, in most modern religions) and abused or stolen from.

[@surenperera9288]

I'm really ashamed that I didn't know how amazing she was when she was alive. Rest in power Sinead.

[@marieperry109]

You know her now, she always said she was a seed. Become a branch from the tree that shall grow from the tree and carry her baton on into the future for yourself, your family and all the women, men, girls and boys that she passionately fought for.

[@ninaaden8338]

​@@Pierrespere-vm5ofyou hate muslims clearly

[@surenperera9288]

@@marieperry109 I will.

[@baratheda777]

Dive in! Her music will always be here. Savor it

[@mrsspock4804]

We can still carry on with her message and look into the direction she was pointing to 🤍

[@deanballantyne8640]

"Lion and the Cobra" was one of the first CDs I purchased. I was eighteen, and now, at fifty-four, it remains one of my absolute favorites. As an african american male who listened to the likes Of PUBLIC ENEMY, STEEL PULSE, and BOB MARLEY. I can proudly say I've always admired her fighting spirit. She took the road less traveled by most and paid a heavy price. She has taught me that showing love and empathy for those less fortunate in today's society is a heavy burden. Only those with strength of character can carry that burden. In my house, your songs are gonna be played a lot louder. RIP.

[@elstonturner7008]

Shalom Brudda! We ain't no Afro African American Negroes (byword names) either but we are Israelites Jews by blood.

[@lorimiller4301]

😊

[@metaphysicswithariyana2794]

Amen!❤❤❤

[@bcoke9049]

Beautifuly said ! Carry on louder 🥰☮💜

[@susanwynne5894]

As an Irish woman who grew up listening to her l thank u ❤

[@Jane_under_a_tree_with_a_book]

When I was a young woman, I moved into a shared house with three friends who had grown up Catholic and attended the same schools. Their horror stories of physical and emotional abuse by nuns was new and alarming to me. They were strong woman because they validated each other and knew the truth of what they had endured togethet as little children. I still remember the names of the mean-spirited and spiteful nuns just from those long-ago conversations.

[@DK-zu6tt]

My mother was raised strict Catholic, attending an all girls Catholic school from kindergarten thru high school. My mother also spent her toddler and very young child years growing up rurally, wild and free, ridding her horse off when she was between 2-3 on her own all over my grandparents 30 acres. I also think she had ADHD but it was never diagnosed. She told me stories of nuns abusing her, back handing her so hard they left bruises and gave her nose bleeds, because she could not sit still and be quiet. She hated how they treated her so much that my brother and I never grew up with religion at all. She never spoke of god except to curse, and the only church exposure I got was when I would occasional stay with my cousins on a Saturday night and they drug me with them off to mass on Sunday. The Church believed the "spare the rod, spoil the child mantra." But to me, it's the most hypocritical thing a church can do to abuse children in horrific ways---and I think by what little I know about Jesus and his compassion, he would have been appalled at how the church treated children in his name.

[@Solomay55]

Exactly , I’ve worked for 30 years with women , I’ve never met such cruel women to their children ever as they’ve been hypnotised by the dark forces of religion and take the cruelty out on their own children and still do sadly 💧From such an incredibly spiritual country full of such talent and beautiful people I hope these next years will see the restoration of the wisdoms & rise of the Irish ☘️

[@shodopoet]

She was a warrior a freedom fighter Respect ✊🏼 in Peace

[@ridge7524]

True💯🕊

[@arthurfoyt6727]

Anyone who supports Islam is NOT pro-freedom. Sorry, but I think her mental issues clouded good judgement.

[@rjburrows94]

Anyone who thinks like you is profoundly mentality and spiritually ill.

[@dedswift]

@@arthurfoyt6727 Christianity and Judaism aren’t pro freedom either.

[@keithgrillo8096]

It’s good to see her finally getting respect from the media.

[@victorvaca7429]

from the liberal media lol

[@johnboyy2540]

Extremely sad it's coming after her passing. 😢😢😢 RIP MY MISUNDERSTOOD FRIEND. ❤

[@mr.kilpatrick2991]

yeah...great time to pay respect lol

[@kwameadams1140]

it's rather bitter sweet....

[@rlud304]

Nothing sweet about it@@kwameadams1140

[@sharonalbanese8084]

She was ahead of her time, she was strong yet fragile. She refused to be put in a box by the record companies. She was one of a kind. I hope she is finally at peace now RIP beautiful soul. ❤❤❤

[@coleengoodell7523]

If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything. Ms O'Connor stood her ground against injustices she saw. That kind of light never goes out, it goes on into eternity.

[@brenellhornsby6566]

She stood on the platform of love and compassion with every issue she addressed. Here is where entertainment becomes enlightenment to anyone realizing that ignorance has no place in the world anymore!

[@brenellhornsby6566]

@@yourturn777 Indeed!

[@gaslight1944]

She was meant for us during this time. She did well, she did well.

[@elvisiscat]

🙌Kudos Democracy Now👏 Your extended tribute truly did Sinead justice in celebrating her life and her immeasurable contribution to our world. 💕

[@janispanizza9932]

As they leave our border wide open to human traffickers including child trafficking? Research it. Democrat party is part of the cover up, as the democrat president ignores it. Whoever's side they're on its not ours or what's right, theo they pretend to be, just like the Catholics she called out.

[@LKre-vi5oq]

Thank You, Sinead. For everything you gave us, whether it was easy or hard.

[@ShredderTainment]

She is way too smart and honest for the mainstream world. Glad to be learning more about her. Sadly, it’s post humous timing. I trust she is watching us all honor her.

[@lovely-mk4rt]

From the first time I heard O’Conner I loves her dearly. Because I went to Catholic school in Europe, and I am brown, as a child it was obvious to all the difference of “care” from the nuns. Sinead was a woman that was ahead of the times. She’s courage and strength and love and integrity and right. I will always admire and love her 🌺

[@lovely-mk4rt]

*loved

[@thecoin5394]

​@@lovely-mk4rtInstead of calling out the Catholic church on the child abuse, she should have called out the radicalists and jihadists in Islam.

[@jessepowell1891]

Tsk tsk. Already the critiques of Shahuda are appearing. Show respect for the dead and instead focus on, as kpfa's Cat Brooks would put, focusing on creating a world where all people can thrive. Believe it or not but the catholic church has alot to account for, starting with undoing the effects of the papal bull known commonly as the doctrine of discovery, which sanctioned thr genocide of all native peoples around the world, from the indigenous peoples of thr Americas, to the blacks from Africa who were introduced to the "new world" in chains, from cultures that knucklehead from Florida spouting crap like the slaves "benefited from being slaves" (when they'd been taken from functional societies thst had metallurgy skills already for example), and onwards, all the way to Asia, including the advanced kingdoms of India who were, before being conquered by the British by 1800 had advanced and nuanced societies rivaling those in Europe, to China where all the Europeans settled after the criminal Opium Wars and the exclusion of Chinese from their own parks and gardens, treated by ALL the colonizers as dogs in their own country, and lastly the middle east, Britain taking Palestine, Egypt and Jordan, France taking Syria and Lebanon. She was an ally to all oppressed peoples of the world, calling out atrocities like the oppression of Palestinians, African Americans, Asians and more. To the very day she died. Show some respect. She fought for us all.

[@jaylucas8352]

@thecoin534…Sounds like you’re a xenophobic pedophile apologist . Shameful.

[@seanjames6879]

​@thecoin5394 it's people like you who supports evil, racism corruption and hatred. I wish there were more like her to speak out. The papacy is evil and we can see it throughout history.

[@1LaOriental]

I am devastated by her passing. Rest in peace and power, warrior goddess!!

[@herahagstoz6934]

Her song “Nothing Compares to You” was a song that was everything I couldn’t say about my first love at 13 who was struck and killed by a drunk driver in May of 89. When her song came out in early 90 it sang what my broken heart felt. Forever afterwards when I hear it I go right back to that profound year of my life. I didn’t know much about her, just loved her song. Learning more about her decades later while watching a documentary made me realize how much we had in common in values and spirit. Knowing she lost her son at 17 from suicide breaks my heart and makes me grateful for my own making it past that age dealing with similar issues. I’m certain she died of a broken heart. I felt the same way at 13 and she helped me heal. The world has lost a seer of art, truth and courage. I think we still have a lot to learn from her as we come to a better understanding of her life’s struggles and works. Thank you Sinead.

[@abbynormal3068]

I’m heartbroken at the terrible loss of Sinead O’Connor. Her life swimming upstream was intense highs and lows, forcing her to take refuge in the music we are so lucky to have been the recipients of. Thank God her recordings survive. RIP, beautiful Irish rebel.

[@KimSooAcu]

Came across some men decrying her as a drama queen - did they know she'd lost her son? The pain of seeing your child go is - what? Immeasurable....Not even brave Sinéad could bear that pain. I gave them Joe's smack. They didn't take it well, but they took it. Sinéad lives.

[@petermartell568]

it is good to know that people such as Sinead pass through the world. They make it livable.

[@themaggattack]

Just not for themselves. 😔

[@virtuallyme2518]

they give one hope ... that decency and morality is truly still alive ... (particularly when you consider the insanity of the current "woke" movement ... ugh!

[@saleemsiddiqui1870]

I love her and I love Irish 'sad she's not here we will miss her forever. After all she is in peace for sure.

[@denicerenee1970]

We all need to stand up like her. She has given me strength throughout my life, speaking up when something isn't right

[@victorialeif9266]

The Lion and the Cobra came out in my senior year of High School, and it just blew my mind. I intuitively knew what she was conveying, her vocals alone spoke of anger and pain.

[@gaslight1944]

Once in a generation comes an artist that has an enormous effect on the human race. Had it not been for her pain, tribulations and hardship in her life, we would not know of the music and influence Sinead created. I thank her for her contribution during my lifetime and for the many generations to come. Sinead will never be forgotten. She created music not just for herself but for millions of others who also have endured pain and trauma. May she be at peace!

[@Diaz.et.Pam.]

I remember when I first heard her voice as a teen, I got goosebumps.She spoke the truth, wrote gorgeous music that dealt with racism, sexual abuse and every injustice known to humans. She was one of the bravest women to ever walk the earth. She will be very missed❤️

[@akc1739]

I felt that way about her voice and Kate Bush’s

[@michaelmalzahn-tx2zi]

what do you think she thought of muhammad marrying a 9 year old?

[@rosemarymccarron3887]

She was married 4 times,had 4 children to 4 different men,two of whom fought for custody of the children and suffered mental illness all her life. She was no role model for any woman

[@roni349]

Sinead became a muslim towards the end of her life by her own free will till her last breath. This is all God's will. She took a new name Shuhada. Alhamdulillah! All praises be to Allah. God is Great...

[@michaelmalzahn-tx2zi]

@@roni349 right. so should she be called 'a true prophet'? we isn't liberal npr using her islamic name? and why did she continue to sing with musical instruments backing her up? is music not haram?

[@danielcaraveo4844]

A true anarchist and a revolutionary. Long live O'Connor. And no religion or church is exempt from hypocrisy, theft, murder and so on. Se called them out on their B.S.

[@kingsugulleh]

She would have liked to be remembered as a Muslim before anything else. It's kinda funny how none of her fans care about that

[@danielcaraveo4844]

@@kingsugulleh you sure about all that?

[@letshugandlove324]

@@danielcaraveo4844 she wore a hijab, you know the one that got Mahsa Amini killed for not wearing?

[@kingsugulleh]

@@danielcaraveo4844 yeah that's why she converted to Islam. Maybe you should actually listen to what she has to say about it.

[@aarondigby5054]

She's a Saint.

[@arcanondrum6543]

I watched Sinead live when she sang that night on SNL(she was an extremely popular singer before the torn picture). When she ripped it up, I didn't mind a bit, I was curious "why". I was raised Catholic and the church to me was very traditional, very strict. I went through all the expected rituals; Catechism, First Communion, first Confession, Confirmation... I was never molested but I was smart enough not to be automatically angry with someone who would demonstrate something that she seemed to know more about than I. The corporate media and press went absolutely bonkers on Sinead. It was they and not she that was out of line. Investigation? None whatsoever. It was as though society had remained ruled by the church instead of being secular, elected governments. When the story of church abuses finally became public, the same media and press acted as though it was they who had been Sinead O'Connor all along and yet they STILL got the details wrong; any church with skeletons to uncover was simply mentioned in in the media as "THE church", leading people to believe that every reported incident was linked directly to the Catholic Church but many incidents DID NOT involve the Catholic Church, it involved other Christian (but not Catholic) Churches. It is a shameful, shameful testimony to the lazy, sensationalist media that doesn't care about the truth, they only want to excite and steer a mob.

[@lorimiller4301]

💯 Excellent post !

[@arcanondrum6543]

@@lorimiller4301 Thank you but actually, I neglected to mention that when the media finally covered the abuse, they NEVER mentioned Sinead O'Connor at all. I suppose it may have been implied by what I already wrote but I'm just making that clear now.

[@CrystalShadow]

💯💯💯

[@pnuemenos]

What courage, what an inspiration. Thank you for reminding us of what is true greatness.

[@bellakrinkle9381]

OMG, Tragic Sadness. Sinead had SOUL and was one of my favorite singers. May she RIP.

[@yomama6350]

Thankyou for honoring this truly inspirational human! I just discovered a song that Kris Kristofferson wrote about her called "Sister Sinead". Beautiful song

[@tensaijuusan4653]

What a great balanced and grounded interview about the legendary Sinéad O'Conner. Thank you.

[@pamelareid1131]

I was 18 and was watching SNL that night. I already loved her from her first album. I love every single one of her songs. Each song is a masterpiece. Forever, my hero.❤

[@bituquinnabituquitan5686]

She was so incredibly brave.❤

[@farrahirrgauss2599]

It seems that suffering produces genuine and rebellious people: I am deeply 'saddened by her passing away. RIP

[@jamillawebb3567]

May she rest in peace! She suffered because of her courage but didn’t back down. I’m also glad she was able to live long enough to see major media outlets to finally share the atrocities caused by those in power. It is heartbreaking.

[@traegermethod3802]

A true prophet indeed. The best tribute we can make is to live by her example and to spread her music and message.

[@Jill-K]

She was typical of my generation in Ireland, she said what we all thought. We fought to get the church out of our lives.

[@judithmosier8314]

She is a beautiful eternal warrior🌹😔🌹

[@hoobyhoo]

RIP Sinead. The minds you helped open will forever be astronomical and fully unknown. The first time I saw her on SNL, I was early teens and very sheltered. The immediate "controversy" after that was what opened my eyes. How brilliant. All I think now is that while I am sad she was before time was ready, am happy what she was truly about is recognized now and will forever be her great legacy.

[@laurakobetich9809]

Wow. I’ve been traveling and am just now hearing about her death. I’ve been a long time fan of Sinead O’Connor, and listened to the album Lion and the Cobra probably a hundred times or more in the late 90’s. This was beautifully done and im crying for the loss of a powerful voice.Thank you to the folks at Democracy Now for your reporting.

[@jo-annerichardson34]

Finally a respectful in-depth look at one of the most important artists and activists of our time. Thank you very much Democracy Now for this. Rest in power and peace Sinead. You lit the way for so many and will be so missed.💜💜❤❤

[@kathleenhack3897]

Poor woman,all she did was tell the truth. She stood up for all people who are looked down on in society.

[@St99748]

I’m so glad she’s no longer suffering. She suffered so much in her life. Life was so cruel to her, but I wish she could’ve gotten better. I pray she’s with her precious son now.

[@annel.bo.briggs]

I went to a terribly abusive Catholic elementary school, but most of the abuse I witnessed was done to the boys. It was traumatizing to see nonetheless. My mother was so blind to the Catholic church, and I was psychologically abused by her as a result of their mentoring. My father finally denounced the church, and he was taken away with divorce papers by the sheriff, which led to me running away from home. I can't think of a more damaging institution than the Catholic church. I did not love the church as Sinade did. I feared them.

[@reemee3701]

It is sad that there were monsters in the church guised as good men, but I will not take away from the good ones. Some of us grew up with supportive priests and nuns.

[@appleoranges9772]

😮🤔

[@appleoranges9772]

@21:20, while tuning into one of her recent interviews, I heard her recount her journey of embracing Islam in a rather touching manner. She shared how her path unfolded, saying that she had delved into various religious texts, including the Bible, since her early years. Her exploration of different faiths aimed to unveil the ultimate truth about a supreme being. Interestingly, she saved Islam for last due to preconceived notions she held. Her initial biases dissipated as she immersed herself in the pages of the Qur'an, particularly focusing on chapter 2. It was in that moment that she had a profound realization, thinking, "I've found my place, my spiritual home. I've been a Muslim all my life without truly knowing it."

[@Muhdah1972]

I always listened to her and the Nothing Compares to You documentary on Showtime gave me a chance to hear her tell her story, what happened to her personally and in her career. I'm glad Morrissey made a statement; I agree wholeheartedly and he's is one of the best people to read the press their whole card. When I first saw her head shaved years ago, i thought of Joan of Arc. Now I think that's who she was for my generation back in the 90s. May she rest in power 🙏

[@leona2222]

Yes, Joan of Arc

[@mrsspock4804]

Morrissey is right, but we can still carry on with her message and look into the direction she was pointing to 🧨🎉

[@rajo741]

I remember that SNL episode and I was immensely impressed by her ferocity and dedication to truth. She was a rare blessing for this world and as the old expression goes “too good for this world”. She should be made a saint and I’m an atheist.

[@lorimiller4301]

❤🎉😊

[@Marxist2]

May this great human being rest in peace. I thank her for her music & for her activism.

[@leafnlore2712]

Democracy Now is a gift that we should never take for granted. Amy Goodman is an icon- courageous, passionate and tenacious. I'm so glad that she and Juan are still keeping us informed and challenged. Sinead was a warrior. She spoke truth, she withstood abuse on so many levels and never wavered. She will be sorely missed. Thank you all for your courage and determination. Stay strong!

[@DJRJAU]

I feel privileged to share a planet with that giant of a soul for such a fleetingly brief period of time. So many of us will spend decades catching up to her in the path she blazed.

[@aarondigby5054]

God created an angel, now she's with him explaining how she risked everything to fight child abuse.

[@janispanizza9932]

​@@aarondigby5054 Yet it's the democrats who refuse to acknowledge much less do anything about the huge crisis of child trafficking at our border, even undid the attempts to stop it by the former president, while many of us watch, horrified.

[@ArthurOfTheBritish]

a celebration of an authentic, aware, human being... RIP

[@unicaonesimo]

Thank you, Amy Goodman, for this touching tribute. It is SO well deserved.

[@vickimckenzie7247]

What a shame,we should all be discussed for the way we treat her. The world has no idea what we just lost. RIP u beautiful angel 💗💗💗💗🇦🇺

[@rajo741]

Thank you Amy and the entire team at DN for this important remembrance.

[@SleepyOx2023]

Pure respect to those standing tall against culture cancellers in front of massive live audiences. Standing up for what's right in a world of right wing liars. This is the kind of rebel every one of us can be.

[@DSnake655]

Gotta say, I've never seen "cancel culture" used *against* the far right.

[@hitreset0291]

​@@Matthias_Fischer ⬅️closet critic.

[@DDd-gm8uz]

@@DSnake655 It's common enough among "centrist" circles, a la Bill Maher, et al.

[@jodawson5268]

Cancel culture is a weapon of the left not the right.

[@arthurfoyt6727]

No, she joined the biggest religion of child abuser on the planet. That's not "standing tall" so much as falling in line...

[@margyduke1136]

Beautiful honouring piece in tribute to Sinead. Her book, Rememberings, read by Sinead herself, is extreamly eye opening and answers the 'whys'. But then, for me, an ex Catholic and 18 months her junior....i understond the 'whys'. Rest in Power sista...with your son in your arms and sitting in the lap of God. ❤❤

[@jchow5966]

I remember when she burst onto the scene here in the USA. - she was HUGE and she really pioneered the whole alternative music scene. She was a very talented and brave person. God rest her soul.

[@kathybenavides4585]

I remember seeing her rip up the pope's picture live on SNL. I'm not Catholic so it didn't offend me, but I remember the silence and shock and bravery. For sure it seemed like she was cancelled afterwards. My 17-year-old is suicidal, and my sis in law died by suicide, also taking my niece, so I can almost relate to her deep grief. I hope she rests in peace with Shane.

[@jameswall007]

@kathybenavides4585, I relate with what you've shared. I want to ask you to consider, for your 17's sake, the possibility that they live an entire life, while feeling suicidal. That they might reach your age, or beyond, despite feeling suicidal the entire time... I'm several decades into my own suicidality, and never knew that it could be survived this long. Had I known it was "possible," I might have restricted my options a bit less. Hopelessness impacts our expectations so much that we paint ourselves into a corner. I hope for your 17 that they can employ a willing suspension of disbelief and allow themselves to still imagine a future, however unlikely it will feel. You have a tremendous opportunity and I'm thankful you've got each other. ❤️

[@jessepowell1891]

I can say that, as a Buddhist, she will be reunited with those she lost. And they will be united again in their next lives. Hopefully without tragedy of the sort now unfolding. I would hope, or wish to see them pick up where they left off. If not in music then something related. I also recall her tearing up the picture of the pope on SNL. I kept track of the scandal surrounding church abuse of women in Ireland as the story unfolded both on thr bbc as well as Rte. As I don't listen to rock music (I prefer what some call space music or new age) I never bought much modern music save for Steve roach and Kitaro. I didn't connect the dots until I got the news like everyone else. Tragic. I also saw Morrissey's critique that we are only praising her after her death. I regret ignoring the modern rock scene of the 1990s and 2000s as I could have heard her critiques within her music, of church abuses of the young and women in general. I think one thing we can do to honor her is to carry the torch she was carrying and continue the fight for social justice to their logical conclusion. To create a world we can all thrive in.

[@Areflection4]

I am so sorry for your loss and pain. I pray that you find peace once more.

[@billytheweasel]

I'm sorry...

[@oneseeker2]

It was a.picture

[@angelagrabill3366]

I was 16 when she became famous. I remember her standing up to the abuse. I love her music. She showed strength and curious. It was so devastating when her son took his life. I just felt it in my soul and knew as a mother. This is the worst pain a mother can endure. God bless children and family.

[@arthurfoyt6727]

Her life was one of mental problems and giving abuse. I hope she is now finally at rest and can give up the hate.

[@francesleader2746]

@@arthurfoyt6727 - did you meet her or are you quoting lame stream media opinions?

[@arthurfoyt6727]

@@francesleader2746 I've seen enough bi-polar and mentally ill people to figure it out on my own. That and being a music performer with access to drugs during those years pretty much cinches the idea of an unhappy life.

[@arthurfoyt6727]

@@fairfood7304 "Why Sinéad O’Connor Risked Her Career to Call Out Catholic Church Abuse" only to support much worse child and women sexual abuse under Islam. Sorry, but talk about a misguided and wasted life!

[@amylynnhunt55]

I don't know how I missed this. She was such a talent, I know her songs are part of the soundtrack to many of our lives. She never seemed at peace, at all, so my fervent hope is that she is now. I'm so grateful she shared her musical gift with us. 💙

[@anight8661]

Thank you for this interview, I wasn't aware of this courageous women's life, and all that she fought for and experienced in her career. I will continue to pray for her repose, that she will return as a lioness, picking up where she left off.

[@claudiag8097]

My father went to an all boys school in the 1940s, and he spoke of how priests selected boys for abuse - never the loud mouths like my dad. We all applauded her when we saw her performance on SNL.

[@sarafox5792]

So very sad… 😞

[@TheEarthRealm]

😰😰😰😰😰

[@GOne-vj6no]

Your dad has a disgusting ass culture. Being raised by thugs and child abusers. And the ppl yah serve and protect

[@Alsatiagent]

My brother was a difficult young teen and when he was sent for an interview at a religious boarding school in the mid-seventies, he was asked "How do you feel about Jesus?". He answered that he "did not give a crap about Jesus". The administrators declined. Decades later the school was exposed for its abuse against children. My foolish parents stopped trying to off-load the product of their emotional problems. He turned out quite well, considering the early childhood neglect.

[@TheEarthRealm]

@@Alsatiagent Isn't that what boarding schools are for, though? 🤷🏿‍♂️ Taking in troubled youth?

[@Zempi3]

Thank you very much for this great Interview! I've just realized, that I didn't know anything about Sinead. I wish I knew. I wish I knew she has always been fighting at our side. Love to all of you ❤

[@SoniaPendola]

Thank you for publishing this requiem for a great artist and unique personality like Sinead O'Connor. I follow your program from Italy, and you never disappoint with your line of action.

[@user-yd1zl1tv8x]

Words fail to express my feelings towards Sinead O'Connor .... I am so very proud of her, and will miss her tremendously. Thank you to Democracy Now for this piece, it's befitting Sinead's life and legacy. Thank you also for the work you always do, fighting the same evils that Miss O'Connor tackled in her short but powerful life. Ánimo in this struggle for justice!

[@Kiwigd]

Sinead was such a brave soul, she was indeed always a protest singer, one of the great ones.

[@laurierivers1040]

Frankly it astounded me in the 90’s at how people couldn’t see the truth she was telling. It was so infuriating, because it was not difficult to research.

[@Kiwigd]

I totally agree with you.

[@janispanizza9932]

Like now, when our leaders open our border and refuse to see and deny the evils, the damages, so well researched and documented..

[@daniellamcgee4251]

​​​@@janispanizza9932The majority of illegal immigrants enter through airports, legally, with all their paperwork as required, and out stay their visa. In economic studies, there is a consensus that immigrants contribute in many ways to the existing community, and boost productivity, therefore boost their new home country's economy. There have been more arrests at the border during Biden's presidency, than Trump's presidency. The much smaller numbers of immigrants crossing the border are like us, in that the majority are wanting a better quality life for their family, and themselves, and better future opportunities for their children. Unlike us, they are primarily asylum seekers. They may not want to leave their home country, but it's the best option they have. Sinéad O'Connor was about supporting children's rights. She would not have appreciated Obama's and Trump's caging of children at the border, without adequate toiletries or bedding. Or Trump's separation of children from their parents, many of whom were sent back across the border, leaving their children behind. There is no need to treat asylum seekers inhumanely, and traumatize them further. I found this information by looking up primary source material myself. I saw the woman responsible for the children's needs, in an inquiry, claim that just soap was fine for children. As if that was all children need! I have seen the studies on economics, myself. I recommend you do the same. Because fear-mongering about immigrants is just another grift. U.S.A.- born are far more likely to be killed by another U.S.A-born gun owner, including accidentally by children, than a non-domestic terrorist, or legal, or illegal immigrants. More stats for you to verify! 😉 There are more things to worry about than immigrants being detrimental to you. You are more likely to be detrimental to them. You may as well listen to their stories, and enjoy Taco Tuesdays! 😊

[@yarnpower]

Yes, people can wear blinders when they are in a cult like group.

[@janispanizza9932]

And the (D party) White House just banished over 400 reporters.

[@danapenrod2946]

Thank you, Democracy Now, for this thorough and fittingly respectful coverage of such an important and amazing person!

[@littlewoodimp]

Discovering her through hearing 'Madinka' first, then buying 'The lion and the cobra.' and having heard about 'the troubles' (very poetic names we come up with for our civil wars) there was no mistaking that she was political first. She spoke, the world didn't get it, she kept right on. Even if not understood, she was heard! Growing up having been abused throughout my childhood so many of her lyrics connected hard. I wish she had found real peace in her life, and that her children had not had to live with her often unpeaceful spirit. There are parts of us we cannot heal no matter how hard we try. I wish her family & loved ones peace and understanding.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

Beautiful comment! But I beg to differ on one point. I believe that we can completely heal. It's OK to let ourselves completely heal. We will not lose identity. We will not lose the fact of injustices commited against us. We can heal fully, stand on the foundation of what our lives were, and take that strength and compassion with us as we claim our lives wholy as our own, as adults with the power of choice. We know what it is to be hollowed out by life, so we can feel greater depth than the shallow life-skaters. (They will all experience the depth of pain sometime). That gutted depth gives us deeper strength, and greater capacity for unconditional love. It is that pure love, from inside our heart radiating out to others, via our body, that is a strong balm for our wounds. But your way is different and similar to mine, as your life is your own. I hope you allow yourself to heal in your own time. The balance of nature is for healing. Do the work, and allow the rest to happen. It may seem like no progress is made, but look back on your healing process, and you will see how far you have come. There is no natural reason why this trajectory would not continue. Why not complete healing as part of a lifetime of growth? It just may take more time than you expect. Stillness isn't always stuckness. We can't see the flowers growing quietly, cell by cell. But they are. 💔 ❤️‍🩹 💗 💖

[@DK-zu6tt]

@@daniellamcgee4251 I agree with Daniel McGee. I am a rape survivor and I have also been the target of 3 additional physical sexual assaults, and I grew up with raging misogynist for a father. I have been in trauma therapy for 2 years, and I have made great progress, but holy cow, I am 54 and undoing 50 years of trauma targeted at me beginning with my father telling me I was a worthless, stupid, weak, pathetic and undeserving "woman," at my earliest memory of such direct insults at age 7. I am privileged to have access to no cost therapy (online), but not everyone can afford it, which is the travesty of our times. We now know how mental pain can ruin lives, yet we are still behind in delivering mental health care. I live in the US.

[@aarondigby5054]

She sung about sadness, injustice . A legacy, a beautiful generational voice. Beautiful soul.

[@alin81-82]

I was a tween when she was on SNL & i didn't know what to think about her then. After learning more about her, though, i gained much respect for her. R.I.P.

[@taleandclawrock2606]

Soaring talent, wonderful human being, my heart goes out to her and her surviving children for their double loss. The world is a better place for Sinead having been in it, she leaves us a legacy of courage, truth and gorgeous music.

[@RhiannonClarkMusicofficial]

Sinéad O'Connor 💜🔥 A spiritual Warrior Queen 🪖 Her spirit lives on ❤ Ireland has a lot to thank her and apologies to her for ❤ Many Blessings and Respect from one Dublin Rock Singer/ Songwriter And truth speaker to another 🙏 You truly were a seed ❤️ Good on all the speakers in this video 📸... It really was a true to life analysis and a respectful at one at that 🙏 ❤ Sinéad O'Connor deserve every ounce of Respect 💖... I wished she'd received this while she was alive ❤ God rest her Soul 🙏

[@johnboyy2540]

Extremely great interview on Sinead O Connor. Thanks for telling her great deeds. RIP friend.

[@aarondigby5054]

If I were a disc jockey I'd play all her songs for a day or some format tribute to her, like I did Tina Turner a little while back. RIP

[@jujutrini8412]

I loved Sinéad O Connor. I did not expect her to live long after her son died. May she rest in peace.

[@ThePortalTheory]

Anyone that fights for others who can not fight for themselves is amazing. Anyone that doesn't let fear stop them from doing what she feels is right to help others is amazing. Anyone that loves others for no reason than for love is amazing. ❤ I miss her and understand her hurt for the world. She was so amazing and I'm so glad I grew up with her music. ❤ RIP 🙏 Sinead.

[@malagupta4289]

What crystal clarity of voice. Pierces the heart and head

[@GaryTornado-zy2mz]

Sinead was a Warrior! Why do we find these things out in death!? Rest In Power Queen ❤

[@veganbadass]

She was super beautiful, I had such a crush on her. I was a DJ in high school when she dropped her 2nd record and I bought it on vinyl and the 12" single for Nothing Compares 2 U. I adored her brutal honesty and that gorgeous voice. Many GenX loved her and many of us spoke out too and were called "crazy" and "out of line" for speaking truths. Here we are 30ish years later and many of the things we spoke about are now more common knowledge. As soon as the Berlin Wall fell Washington took us right into Desert Storm. This was also a time that I began talking about man made climate change. The Crack epidemic was also in full swing which was caused by our own Government as the Reagan administration brought drugs into the USA on purpose for profits and to damage the low income housing. Love you O'Connor my Irish crush 🍀🥀 P.S. Shout out to City Gardens!

[@joekilker6373]

I was born three months before Sinead O'Connor, to Irish parents, in 1966, the year of the Fire Horse, which occurs every sixty years. My first awareness of her was seeing a televised concert, possibly on New Years Eve, either the Value of Ignorance tour or The Year of the Horse (which would have put it in 1990, when we were both 24), and being blown away by her personality, intensity and yes, sexuality. There's never been anyone quite like her, and I'm one of many, I'm sure, who can't believe she didn't have the support she evidently needed to reach 2026, and maybe some kind of spiritual revitalisation. It's strange to think that over 30 years have gone by, and nothing much has changed, clearly.

[@grantperkins368]

A truly inspirational woman. Sinead O'Connor, RIP.

[@betherevolution1334]

I will forever be grateful and admire Sinead O'Connor. I consider her to be one of the most brilliantly enlightened and authentic artist to ever exist in the music industry. None has the same level of guts as her in exposing what the real world truly works especially back in the day. She will be forever remembered.

[@dare2dreamd2d23]

Fantastic interview reporting. The media helped to destroy a beautiful human who's beauty was on the inside. She shared her beauty and was repaid with ugly hate. She is at peace ❤

[@nshaw774]

An absolutely excellent editorial - and true tribute. Thank you.

[@omrichards]

She is/was amazing. My heart breaks that this world tries so hard to silence truth tellers.

[@TheAlfredPlatform]

A courageous woman! Millions just wake up every day and go with the flow but when someone stands up, it really makes a ripple. Today, young folks are walking away from religion and the Renaissance has begun.

[@uzmabutt7827]

May Allah bless her soul and give her a beautiful peaceful home in the hereafter 🤲

[@therootoflife5290]

Rest in Peace Sinead, me and my family are so devastated by your passing. May Allah grant you Jannah.....Aamin... Respect from Tanzania 🇹🇿

[@colettehart7967]

She was the voice of defiance and resilience. Her songs, her advocacy for justice inspired an entire generation and will continue to do so. She will be missed. 😥

[@arthurfoyt6727]

Defiance? If anything, Joining Islam showed her to be a traitor to her own cause.

[@nsagoogle9581]

@@arthurfoyt6727 probably has something to do with the fact that there is little to no child/sexual abuse scandals in Islam. That and she probably read the Q'uran. Traitor to who then?

[@arthurfoyt6727]

@@nsagoogle9581 "no child/sexual abuse scandals in Islam" TRUE! Because it's not a scandal in Islam, it's tradition.

[@nsagoogle9581]

@@arthurfoyt6727 think you're mixing up Islam with hollywood. Easy mistake to make.

[@arthurfoyt6727]

@@nsagoogle9581 "bacha bazi"? By the way, Islam is right about women.