News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Stephen-Fry-main_article_image.jpg
REX/Nils Jorgensen
Entertainment

Stephen Fry faces blasphemy investigation after 'stupid God' comment

by Tola Mbakwe

The probe will determine if Fry committed a crime under the Defamation Act when he appeared on RTE in 2015.

According to Irish Independent, a member of the public contacted police after the comedian spoke about God during an interview with Irish TV presenter Gay Byrne.

The person, who wished to remain anonymous, told the news outlet it was their "civic duty" to report the comments which he alleges were in breach of the Defamation Act.

During the interview, when Byrne asked Fry what he would say if he was confronted by God, he replied: "How dare you create a world in which there is such misery that is not our fault? It's not right.

"It's utterly, utterly evil.

"Why should I respect a capricious, mean-minded, stupid God who creates a world which is so full of injustice and pain?"

Questioned on how he would react if he was locked outside the pearly gates, he responded: "I would say, 'Bone cancer in children? What's that about?'

"Because the God who created this universe, if it was created by God, is quite clearly a maniac, utter maniac.

"Totally selfish. We have to spend our life on our knees thanking him? What kind of God would do that?"

Fry later said he was not "offensive towards any particular religion".

The Defamation Act prohibits people from publishing or uttering "matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby causing outrage among a substantial number of the adherents of that religion".

If convicted of blasphemy, Fry could face a £22,000 fine.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate