Nathan took to the stage in the prison located in Co Roscommon on Thursday night for the special fundraising concert, performed in front of staff and invited guests.
Castlerea prisoners were not allowed to attend the gig, but will get to watch a recorded version of the concert in their cells on Friday via the prisoner TV channel.
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The gig, which raised funds for Sligo University Hospital, Mayo Roscommon Hospice, and the Roscommon Youth Service, drew criticism on Thursday’s edition of RTÉ Radio One’s Liveline.
Joining in with those expressing their frustrations with the prisoners not being allowed to watch the performance was rising Irish artist CMAT, who posted a lengthy statement on the matter on her Instagram story.
A screen grab of CMAT's Instagram story posted on July 11. (@cmatbaby Instagram)
"I have just received word that Nathan Carter is performing a 'special concert' in Castlerea Prison… for the staff only. Prisoners are *not allowed to attend*, and in fact will be locked in their cells while this party happens next door.
"Apparently they will be able to view the full concert on their cell telly the next day.
"While this is one of the most fascist, offensive, and dehumanising things I have EVER HEARD (!!!) I suppose they at least have the blessed option of turning their tellys off lol," she wrote on Thursday.
CMAT added: "Anyways, I actually make country music instead of just strip it for parts and shill it, and so i would be happy to perform a real concert for these prisoners (or in any Irish prison for that matter!) should anyone want me.
"I believe in prison reform, and in dignity, and in community anyone who knows anything about the history of country music would understand this. Clearly Mr. Carter does not."
*This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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