Former 2FM DJ Nikki Hayes Opens Up on Legal Ordeal, Addiction, and Recovery

 Dublin — Former RTÉ 2FM presenter Nikki Hayes has spoken candidly about her journey through personal hardship, legal battles, and addiction recovery, saying she was “taken advantage of” in a case that nearly saw her face jail time.

Hayes, whose real name is Eimear O’Keeffe, came under public scrutiny in 2023 after being linked to a money laundering operation involving approximately €15,000. However, in October, the court ruled in her favour, accepting that she had been exploited and was a vulnerable individual at the time.

The court heard that the money had been repaid in full and that Hayes had not benefited financially from the fraudulent activity. The presiding judge noted her substantial rehabilitation progress and issued no conviction, allowing her to avoid both a custodial sentence and a criminal record.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Hayes described the emotional toll of the case and its public exposure.

"You're locked away in rehab for months and then suddenly you’re out and there's cameras in your face," she recalled.
“My key worker was with me and she held my hand and said, 'Just keep praying until we get to the car,' and as we walked there was a guy with a TV camera who ran up behind us and I just kept praying and praying until I got in."

Despite the legal vindication, Hayes has faced online criticism and trolling. She remains firm in her account of events and pointed to testimony from law enforcement that supported her innocence.

"It's been proven, the Garda from the fraud squad said at the court case that I was genuinely taken advantage of and had nothing to do with what happened, which is why I was discharged from the indictment," she said.

Hayes also spoke openly about her struggles with alcohol during her time as a popular voice on RTÉ 2FM from 2003 to 2010. She described herself as a “scarily high-functioning” alcoholic, revealing she drank up to six bottles of wine a day while broadcasting from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2023, Hayes reached what she describes as her lowest point — facing homelessness on the streets of Dublin.

“I had a blue sleeping bag with cardboard underneath. That cold feeling when you're so wet and you feel dirty... it was just horrendous,” she said.

She recounted a moment of despair that crystallised her sense of isolation:

“I felt so ashamed and dirty and like a piece of trash, and then two Gardaí walked by and they didn’t even look at me.”

Since then, Hayes has completed an intensive 18-month rehabilitation programme at Tiglin, a residential facility supporting those recovering from addiction. Now in recovery, she credits her renewed focus and strength to her 12-year-old daughter.

“I have my daughter, she has her mother present now, and that’s what’s important,” Hayes said.

Now 46, Nikki Hayes is sharing her story not only as a cautionary tale but as a message of hope and resilience.