Samantha Mumba doubles down on fierce criticism of "dismissive" Eurosong panel

Samantha Mumba is standing by her criticism of the panel she encountered on RTÉ's "The Late Late Eurosong Special," which aired on Friday, February 7.

Mumba was among six contenders who competed to become Ireland's representative at Eurovision later this year. The Dublin native performed her song "My Way," but following a vote from the public as well as an international and national jury, Norwegian singer EMMY came out on top with her song "Laika Party."

Part of Friday's special was a panel of experts who gave their analysis on each of the acts - last year’s Irish Eurovision entry Bambie Thug, RTÉ 2FM and "Ireland's Fittest Family" presenter Laura Fox, "Dancing with the Stars" judge and choreographer Arthur Gourounlian, and chef Donal Skehan, who was a former Eurosong contestant in 2008.

On Sunday, Mumba took to Instagram to lambast the panel, deeming them "vile" and "rude," adding, "my parting gift them is a bag of 🍆 to slowly choke on."

In response, RTÉ said the panel delivered its analysis in a "thoughtful and considered way."

Panelist Donal Skehan offered a lengthier response on social media that said in part: "Tearing others down is never a good look, especially when everyone involved has worked to make the process as fair and constructive as possible."

He added: "To insult the credentials of myself and my fellow panelists, Laura Fox and Arthur Gourounlian, is completely unprofessional." 

On Monday evening, however, Mumba returned to Instagram to reiterate her views.

"Who would have thought a few aubergines would have caused such a scene?" she wrote on her Instagram story.

"I'll spare you all a pages long statement but I really do want to make it clear - This was never ever about me not winning. That's the nature of the business and this shows format - I know that better than most.

"I feel strongly that the panel were dismissive of all the contestants, which was disappointing given the amount of work and passion we all put into our performances.

"My stance on this won't change.

"As I mentioned in my initial post, I wish Emmy the absolute best and will be cheering her on to bring Eurovision back to Ireland again!!"

Samantha Mumba's Instagram story.