Joanne McNally shares thoughts on the Late Late Show’s ‘misogynistic’ question: ‘Why are we so ashamed of aging’

Joanne McNally has questioned why women are “so ashamed” of aging after Ryan Tubridy posed a “misogynist” question on The Late Late Show last week.

he RTÉ presenter received a call from Derry Girls star Jamie Lee O’Donnell, who plays Michelle Mallon in the hit Channel 4 comedy, after he asked her age.

The actress attempted to explain her issue with the question but was repeatedly shut down by Tubridy, creating an awkward experience that left viewers cringe.

Comedian Joanne McNally has now spoken out about the incident, sparking an interesting discussion about aging by taking to her Instagram Stories this week to share her thoughts with her followers.

“But why are we so ashamed of aging?” asked Joanne, who hosts the podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me with pal Vogue Williams.

“No, I’m not attempting your Derry Girls, I’m asking a broader question about why women are particularly embarrassed about getting older.

“I feel the same way, I’d rub off the years if I could because we’re told that women become less valuable as they age, so we pretend we don’t.”

On Friday night’s Late Late Show, Tubridy caused controversy when he asked O’Donnell, “That might be a rude question, you don’t have to answer – but may I ask how old you are?”

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“I’m 117. I’m very, very wise,” she joked.

Again pressing her on the subject, he asked, “Would you consider telling me how old you are?”

“That’s what gets on my nerves a bit, no disrespect,” she began.

“It’s always quite misogynistic, even if it’s unintentional, because men don’t get the same scrutiny in their careers.”

Ryan tried to redeem himself by telling her, “I definitely would have asked the male actor the same question.”

To which she replied: “You say that now, but there is no one here to take your word for it.

“I said you’re great characters to play teenagers,” Ryan said, defending himself.

“That’s what I was getting at — the fact that you’re of a certain age playing teenagers and doing it so well.”

“Actually, there was a compliment… please don’t take this the wrong way,” he continued.

Confused by her comment, he said, “I’m done with this question, I’ll move on. I can read the sentiment when I see it.”