RTE apologises over 'blasphemous' comedy sketch

Archbishop's fury as God is portrayed as a sex offender

Irish broadcaster RTE has apologised over a comedy sketch that attracted more than 1,000 complaints for blasphemy.

Viewers were angered by a mock news report about God becoming the latest high-profile figure to become embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal.

Referring to the virgin birth, former newsreader Aengus Mac Grianna described God as ‘a five-billion-year-old accused of  forcing himself on a young Middle-Eastern migrant and allegedly impregnating her against her will’.

A man dressed as God is then seen being led away by police, shouting: ‘It was 2,000 years ago!’

Archbishop Eamon Martin said the sketch, which aired on as part of the New Year’s Eve Countdown Show,  was ‘deeply offensive and blasphemous’.

He wrote on Twitter: ‘I am shocked that producer… didn’t realise how deeply offensive was a mocking "news report" accusing God of rape & reporting his imprisonment. This outrageous clip should be removed immediately & denounced by all people of goodwill.

‘To broadcast such a deeply offensive and blasphemous clip about God & Our Blessed Mother Mary during the Christmas on eve of the Solemn Feast of Mary, Mother of God is insulting to all Catholics and Christians.’

Following the complaints, the broadcaster said: ‘RTÉ recognises that matters which can cause offence naturally differ from person to person, within comedy and satire in particular.

‘Having reviewed the feedback and complaints received up to this point, RTÉ wishes to apologise to those who were offended by the segment.’

Atheist Ireland claimed the sketch, which came from satirical group Waterford Whispers News,  was ‘a relatively tame comedic mockery of what many people of goodwill believe to be an immoral story in the Christian Bible’.

Blasphemy ceased to be an offence in Ireland last year after 65 per cent of citizens voted in favour of striking out the law in a referendum.

The clip remains on RTE’s catch-up service, but the show is prefaced by a warning urging viewer discretion. 

Published: 4 Jan 2021

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