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RTE will report itself to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and issue a public apology for airing a sketch that suggested God was involved in rape.
A sketch about God that aired as part of the RTE New Year’s Eve Countdown show did not comply with the broadcaster’s own standards, RTE’s boss has said.
The sketch by satirical group Waterford Whispers News featured a mocked-up news report in which God was arrested over “ongoing sexual harassment scandals”.
RTE is to make a voluntary disclosure of non-compliance to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) following an internal investigation.
1. I am shocked that producer/editor of NYE Countdown Show @RTE@RTEOne didnât 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. Eamon Martin (@ArchbishopEamon) January 1, 2021
RTE admits God sketch caused undue offence as clip to be removed from the Player
The station will issue an apology after receiving thousands of complaints about the New Year s Eve sketch
RTE Sketch which appeared as part of the NYE programming which accuses God of rape and shows him being led away by a Garda Officer.
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Initially RTÉ refused to delete the segment from the online version of the programme, but it will now do so as a result of the review by the standards board.
The clip, which was part of a Waterford Whispers News sketch, showed “God” being led away by gardaí for “sexual harassment” offenses.
The RTÉ Editorial Standards Board said the sketch caused “undue offence” and did not give “due respect” for religious beliefs.
The Board also found the sketch did not comply with the provision in the RTÉ Journalism and Content Guidelines regarding sensitivity to people’s religious beliefs.
After consideration of the RTÉ Editorial Standards Board s findings, RTÉ has made the following decisions: