‘I’m glad it’s over but apology was insincere’

A Derry woman ridiculed online about her skin condition by shop assistants said she believes a public apology from one of those involved was insincere.

Ciara Moore, 28, a mother-of-two from Bloomfield Park in Galliagh, suffers from psoriasis, a skin condition that causes rashes that are painful, itchy and flaky.

After being invited to a wedding, Ciara went to the Quiz shop in Derry’s city centre to shop for an outfit.

While in the store trying on the clothes, she shed some skin which she offered to clean up.

Ciara spoke to a shop assistant in Quiz, telling her she was embarrassed and explained how the condition made her feel self-conscious.

The shop assistant told Ciara not to worry about the dusting of skin that they would clean it up.

However, while Ciara was at the wedding that weekend, she was alerted to a status that had been posted the shop assistant with other Quiz colleagues on Facebook.

The women joked about Ciara’s psoriasis.

The status went viral and there was a considerable backlash.

However, shop assistant last week issued a public apology.

In it, she said: “In light of recent events regarding the reproduction and widespread dissemination of a comment contained on my social network page and the subsequent personal and public humiliation suffered as a result; I take this opportunity to express my sincerest apologies to Ciara and the Moore family for the undue distress caused by the post and the ensuing events of these past few days.

“While there is no justification for what Ciara or her family have had to endure, at no time was there a conscious, concerted attempt by myself or another party to single out, humiliate or cause offence to Ciara, Ciara’s family or psoriasis sufferers, by disparaging the significance of having to live daily with such a condition.

“I profoundly regret the injury caused and reiterate my heartfelt apology.

“I appreciate, that my lapse in professional judgment may have resulted in undermining the credibility and reputation of my co-workers and employer alike, I therefore; take this opportunity also to clarify my comment was made in a personal capacity and in no way expresses the views of my colleagues or should be perceived as reflecting the official position of the company.

“The burden of responsibility with regard to the comment is mine and mine alone.

“Again, I unreservedly extend my apologies and sincerely hope that this goes some way to providing some consolation for the inadvertent distress incurred.” Responding to the apology, Ciara said: “The apology has been put out there and I did ask for an apology but it’s not the type of apology I wanted. I would rather that it had come from her mouth, personally, in her own words.

“It is quite obvious it was written for her. It wouldn’t have been too hard for her to ask for my number to send me a text or send me a private mail on Facebook in her own words rather than a legal team doing it for her.”

Ciara said she now just wants to move on with her life.

“I just want the whole thing to end and, don’t get me wrong, everybody has been really, really lovely and so supportive but it’s just exhausting.

“I’m tired and it’s put a lot of strain on me. I hope this is the last of it. Everyone has been so nice to me and I don’t want them to think I’m being cheeky but it is just so tiring. I’m glad it’s over.”

A spokesperson for Quiz said action was being taken against those involved.

“I would like to let you know that we have taken the necessary action both internally and externally to deal with this matter.

“The team member has issued a public apology, however, will not be available for further comment. “We are liaising directly and have met with Ciara to resolve this situation to her satisfaction.

“I hope this information helps to assure you that we have acted on this with the utmost importance, Ciara's wellbeing is very important to the company.”