Pearl Jam rock star speaks out in support of Limerick assault victim

PEARL Jam’s Eddie Vedder has added his voice to the thousands of people who took to the streets on Saturday in solidarity with Limerick assault victim Natasha O’Brien and called for change.

There has been a maelstrom of support for Ms O’Brien after a soldier in the Irish Army received a fully suspended jail sentence on Wednesday for beating her unconscious in 2022. Cathal Crotty, aged 22, of Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha boasted on Snapchat hours after the assault, 'Two to put her down, two to put her out'.

Ms O’Brien and her friend were walking home when they told a group of men, one of whom was Mr Crotty, not to use a homophobic slur which was shouted at a man on Limerick’s O’Connell Street.

The Pearl jam lead singer lent his voice in support of Ms O’Brien during a gig in Marlay Park, Dublin on Saturday night.

Referring to the protests nationwide, he said it has been brought to the forefront, which is a very positive thing. He spoke about women's rights, women's safety and “some equality would be nice too".

Eddie Vedder said there were “lots of good men walking in the march too".

"We gotta ask these judges too to protect our sisters, our daughters, our mothers, our wives.

"And it might be a good idea to have some more female judges too," he said. Pearl Jam then played their song Better Man which Eddie Vedder wrote.

READ MORE: 'He chose the wrong person that night' - Natasha O'Brien in direct message to attacker and justice department

Ms O’Brien responded on Instagram to the backing of one of the biggest rock bands in the world.

“I am so grateful to all the amazing men all over Ireland that came out to march today in our protests for justice and change. Our system has failed so many men too.

“Our system is failing absolutely everyone except criminals. It’s time for change!” she wrote.

Ms O'Brien concluded her post by saying, “Lots of love (and rage)”.