December 12, 2005

JOSEPH CALIFANO CONDEMNS “SOUTH PARK”

On December 8, Catholic League president Bill Donohue issued a news
release describing the script of a “South Park” episode that defiled the
Virgin Mary: it showed a statue of her “bleeding out her ass.” Later in
the show it had a cartoon character of Pope Benedict XVI conclude that
the bleeding was coming from her vagina.

This episode, “Bloody Mary,” was aired on the eve of the Immaculate
Conception, and on the holy day itself; the station is Comedy Central.
Because of its vile nature, Donohue asked Joseph A. Califano, Jr. to
intervene (the distinguished public servant and practicing Catholic sits
on the board of directors of Viacom, the parent company of Comedy
Central). He asked Califano to seek an apology and a pledge to
permanently retire this episode; failing that, he requested Califano
to issue his own statement of condemnation.

Donohue’s request reached Califano on December 9, and that evening
Califano released the following statement:

“Today I viewed the South Park segment about the Blessed Mother.
I found it an appalling and disgusting portrayal of the Virgin Mary. It
is particularly troubling to me as a Roman Catholic that the segment
has run on the eve and day of the feast of the Immaculate Conception,
a holy day for Roman Catholics.

“I have talked to Tom Freston, the president and chief executive of the
New Viacom, and asked him to review this show and determine whether
any action should be taken. That decision is his.”

Bill Donohue commented today on Califano’s statement:

“Joe Califano did not let us down. His unequivocal condemnation of this
incredible assault on Catholic sensibilities is very much appreciated. We
await Mr. Freston’s response.”

http://www.catholicleague.org/05press_releases/quarter%204/051212_califano_condemns.htm
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http://www.catholicleague.org/