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State broadcaster RTÉ apologized after receiving 600 complaints for a “blasphemous” sketch that was published as part of the station’s end-of-the-year countdown program.
The broadcaster said it acknowledged that viewers were offended by the clip, which was criticized by Primate Catholic Archbishop Eamon Martin, who said it was “deeply offensive and blasphemous.”
The show, aired on RTÉ One on Thursday, featured a sketch by satirical group Waterford Whispers News.
In it, a mock news report with former RTÉ news anchor Aengus Mac Grianna claimed that God had been arrested for “sexual harassment scandals.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for the station said: “RTÉ recognizes that issues that can cause offenses naturally differ from person to person, within comedy and satire in particular.
“Having reviewed the comments and complaints received up to this point, RTÉ wishes to apologize to those who were offended by the segment.
“Formal complaints received by RTÉ are being entered into our complaints system and will be answered in accordance with the corresponding legal process.”
Archbishop Martin denounced the sketch in a statement on Twitter on Friday.
He described the sketch as “deeply offensive”, “outrageous” and “insulting to all Catholics and Christians.”
He wrote: “I am surprised that the producer / editor of ‘NYE Countdown Show’ RTÉ RTÉOne did not realize how deeply offensive a mocking ‘news report’ was that accused God of rape and denounced his imprisonment. This outrageous clip should be removed immediately and reported by all people of good will.
“Broadcasting such a deeply offensive and blasphemous clip about God and Our Blessed Mother Mary during the Christmas season on ‘NYE Countdown Show’ on RTE, RTEOne and on the eve of the Solemn Feast of Mary, Mother of God is an insult to all Catholics and Christians “.
The archbishop tagged RTÉ CEO Dee Forbes in his tweets.
In the 23-second sketch, Mr. Mac Grianna reads a mock news story in which God has been arrested for “ongoing sexual harassment scandals.”
He said: “The five-billion-year-old man was charged with imposing on a young migrant from the Middle East and allegedly making her pregnant against her will, before being sentenced to two years in prison, with the last 24 months suspended.”
A man dressed as God is seen being carried away by a garda, and he is heard shouting, “It was 2000 years ago.” – PA
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