Published Sunday, 27 May 2012
John and Michaela McAreavey on their wedding day. (© Family photo)
In the statement, they say that both families are "very distressed and dismayed" at any attempt to denigrate the memory of the Co Tyrone woman.
It comes after the defence for the accused revealed that a sex guide had been found in the hotel room where Michaela and her husband John had been staying on their honeymoon in Mauritius.
The statement said: "Obviously both families are very distressed and dismayed at any attempt to denigrate the memory of Michaela.
"However, they would like to thank the many family, friends and the wider public for their continued support and prayers as they endure this ordeal.
"They would particularly ask that people continue to pray so that John may be granted the necessary strength to get through the very difficult and painful days ahead."
The 27-year-old daughter of the Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte was strangled in January last year.
Avinash Treebhoowoon, 30, and 42-year-old Sandip Moneea, who were both employees at the Legends resort where she died, deny the murder charges.
The fifth day of the trial will begin on the island on Monday morning.