Irish state broadcaster RTÉ apologized after protests over a television comedy sketch that portrayed God as a rapist.
A countdown show on New Year’s Eve included a false report about God being the last prominent figure involved in a sexual harassment scandal.
“The 5 billion year old boy was accused of forcing himself on a young migrant from the Middle East and allegedly impregnating her against his will, before being sentenced to two years in prison, with the last 24 months suspended,” said the announcer. . “Following the news, film producer Harvey Weinstein requested a retrial in Ireland.”
The 23-second segment of Waterford Whispers News, a satirical news site, generated more than 1,000 complaints to RTÉ and condemnation of the Irish primate Catholic archbishop, Eamon Martin.
“This outrageous clip should be removed immediately and reported by all people of good will,” he tweeted. “To transmit a clip so deeply offensive and blasphemous about God and Our Blessed Mother Mary during Christmas … is an insult to all Catholics and Christians.”
1. I am shocked that the producer / editor of the ‘NYE Countdown Show’ @RTE @RTEOne he did not realize how deeply offensive a mocking ‘news’ was accusing God of rape and reporting his arrest. This outrageous clip must be removed immediately and reported by all people of good will.
– Eamon Martin (@ArchbishopEamon) January 1, 2021
In a statement, RTÉ apologized and said it would respond to complaints in accordance with legal rules. He did not promise to remove the Player RTÉ outline.
“RTÉ recognizes that the issues that can cause offense naturally differ from person to person, in comedy and satire in particular. Having analyzed the feedback and complaints received up to this point, RTÉ wishes to apologize to those who were offended by the segment. “
The Atheist Ireland group defended the broadcaster’s right to broadcast material deemed offensive and cited a 2018 referendum that removed the blasphemy ban from the constitution.