State broadcaster RTE has issued an apology over a sketch that ran as part of the station’s NYE Countdown Show.
The broadcaster said it acknowledged that viewers were offended by the clip, which received 600 complaints and faced criticism from Archbishop Eamon Martin, who said it was “deeply offensive and blasphemous”.
The programme, broadcast on RTE One on New Year’s Eve, featured a sketch by satirical group Waterford Whispers News.
In it, a mocked-up news report featuring former RTE news presenter Aengus Mac Grianna claimed that God had been arrested over “sexual harassment scandals”.
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
RTÃ has since apologised for the skit, stating that it has received around 600 complaints so far.
The statement released by the broadcaster reads: RTà 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, RTà wishes to apologise to those who were offended by the segment. The formal complaints received by RTà are being entered into our complaints system and will be responded to in accordance with the relevant statutory process.
Archbishop Eamon Martin took to Twitter to complain about the sketch which he said accuses God of rape .
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RTÉ has apologised for offence caused by a mock news report which made allegations that God committed rape.
Catholic Archbishop Eamon Martin hit out at the New Year s Countdown Show clip, calling it deeply offensive .
The broadcaster apologised to anyone who was offended by the sketch, and says formal complaints will be accepted and responded to within the relevant process.
It said in a statement that around 600 complaints have been received so far.
The comedy clip from Waterford Whispers contains a person dressed as a Garda escorting a handcuffed bearded man dressed in white robes out of the Court House in Waterford.
Updated: 2 Jan 2021, 15:12
RTE has issued an apology over a “blasphemous” video that aired during their New Year’s Eve Countdown show - but will continue to allow viewers to watch the segment, which will now carry a warning.
The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland Eamon Martin yesterday called on the broadcaster to remove a comedy sketch, which aired during RTE’s New Year’s Eve countdown programme.
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RTE has apologised for the segment which said that God had been arrested for impregnating a migrant against her will.
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Aengus MacGrianna featured in the Waterford Whispers skit segment
The offensive clip - made in collaboration with satirical website Waterford Whispers - is a mock news bulletin in which God is accused of sexual harassment and sentenced for rape.