The Irish state broadcaster, RTÉ, has apologized after a scream over a television comedy sketch depicting God as a rapist.
A countdown program on New Year’s Eve featured a mocking news story about God as the youngest leading figure implicated in a sexual harassment scandal.
“The five billionaire accused him of forcing himself on a young migrant in the Middle East and allegedly fertilizing her against her will before being sentenced to two years in prison, with the last 24 months suspended,” the newsreader said. “Following the news, filmmaker Harvey Weinstein has requested a retrial in Ireland.”
The 23-second segment of Waterford Whispers News, a satirical news website, has raised more than 1,000 complaints at RTÉ and been condemned by Irish Archbishop Eamon Martin.
“This outrageous clip must be removed immediately and denounced by all people of benevolence,” he tweeted. “Broadcasting such a deeply offensive and blasphemous track about God and our blessed mother Mary during the Christmas season … is insulting to all Catholics and Christians.”
1. I’m shocked that producer / editor of ‘NYE Countdown Show’ @RTE @RTEOne did not realize how deeply offensive a mocking ‘news report’ is that accused God of rape and reported his imprisonment. This outrageous cut must be removed immediately and denounced by all people of benevolence.
– Eamon Martin (@ArchbishopEamon) 1 January 2021
In a statement, RTÉ apologized and said it would respond to complaints according to legal rules. It did not promise to remove the sketch from the RTÉ Player.
“RTÉ realizes that matters that can cause offense differ from person to person, especially in comedy and satire. After reviewing the feedback and complaints received so far, he wants to apologize to those who have offended the segment. ”
The group Atheist Ireland defended the broadcaster’s right to transmit material that is considered offensive and cited a 2018 referendum that removed a ban on blasphemy from the constitution.