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.
A voiceover alleges that God 'forced himself' on a young migrant girl, and also alleges that he impregnated her against her will.
1. I am shocked that producer/editor of 'NYE Countdown Show' @RTE @RTEOne didn’t 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
Archbishop Eamon Martin said on social media that it was offensive and blasphemous, he also called for it to be removed from any on-demand services.
Despite the apology, the show is still available to view on the broadcaster's online streaming service.
Reporting by Tom Douglas
