Aengus Mac Grianna has apologised for taking part in a controversial mock news report that aired on RTÉ on New Year’s Eve.
During the programme, a satirical ‘Waterford Whispers News’ report described God as “the latest figure to be implicated in ongoing sexual harassment scandals”.
The broadcaster has since confirmed they have received thousands of complaints over the mock news report, with former news anchor Aengus issuing a personal apology via Twitter on Tuesday.
The 56-year-old wrote: “I wish to apologise concerning my participation in the Waterford Whispers News item on the NYE show on RTE 1 on New Year’s Eve.”
“Truly I am deeply sorry for the offence, distress and hurt caused. It was wrong for me. It was wrong of me. Aengus Mac Grianna.”
In the mock news report, the Raheny native said: “In yet another shocking revelation this year God became the latest figure to be implicated in ongoing sexual harassment scandals.
“The five billion year old stood accused of forcing himself on a young Middle-Eastern migrant and allegedly impregnating her against her will before being sentenced to two years in prison with the last 24 months suspended.”
The clip also showed footage of a bearded man dressed in white being led away by a guard, while shouting: “It was 2,000 years ago!”
After the clip aired on RTÉ One, Archbishop Eamon Martin branded the sketch “deeply offensive and blasphemous” on Twitter.
Following the backlash, a spokesperson for RTÉ issued an apology in a statement obtained by the Irish Times, which read: “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.”
“The formal complaints received by RTÉ are being entered into our complaints system and will be responded to in accordance with the relevant statutory process.”
