South Park: Bloody Mary

Dir Trey Parker / 2005 / USA / 

This controversial episode originally premiered in the US on the Comedy Channel on December 7th 2005. It screened in New Zealand on February 22nd 2006 to strong protests from Catholic Groups. In Australia it was due to premiere on March 6th, however, at the moment SBS are saying they have "deferred" the screening.

(ARCHIVED) SBS parks cartoon episode. The Australian 15.02.06

Melbourne's Catholic Archbishop Denis Hart recently wrote to SBS and asked that they not screen the episode, scheduled for March 6. He received an allegedly unpleasant reply from the network's programming director Matt Campbell, telling him to mind his own business. But someone clearly overruled Campbell. When Diary called yesterday to check what was happening, Campbell replied: "Given the current worldwide controversy over cartoons of religious figures, we've decided to defer this program and give some more thought to its scheduling. It's an entertainment program so timing of broadcast is not a critical issue as it might be if it were news and current affairs."

Imagine this: South Park offends. SMH 22.02.06

Media company CanWest came under a barrage of criticism for bringing forward to Wednesday night the broadcast in New Zealand of a South Park episode deemed offensive to Catholics.

A protest was held outside the company's television studios in Auckland on Wednesday after its C4 channel shifted screening of the Bloody Mary episode of the US animated comedy series from its originally scheduled date in May.

The show depicts a statue of the Virgin Mary menstruating - something that Prime Minister Helen Clark has said is offensive to her as a woman.

Clark was among those who urged CanWest not to show Bloody Mary, saying it sounded revolting.

The broadcaster, however, stood by its decision to broadcast it earlier than planned.

It said it did so to allow the public to make its own mind up about the program, which has provoked a storm of controversy in New Zealand in the wake of the Muhammad cartoon uproar.

SBS drops South Park episode on the Pope. The Age 23.02.06

AN EPISODE of cartoon program South Park that features the Pope has been pulled from Australian television.

The final episode of the current series of the long-running US animated series which had been scheduled for Monday has been "deferred", according to an SBS spokesman.

(ARCHIVED) Angry vigil for South Park's 'Bloody Mary'. News.com.au 24.02.06 

HUNDREDS of Catholics and supporters held a protest vigil outside a New Zealand television station during its broadcast last night of South Park's controversial Bloody Mary episode.

More than 200,000 viewers watched the program in which a Virgin Mary statue is depicted spurting menstrual blood into the face of the Pope – six times the US animated comedy's usual audience in New Zealand.

***

Steve Fielding
Family First Senator for Victoria
MEDIA RELEASE SF/38. 
Monday February 27, 2006 

FAMILY FIRST CONDEMNS TAXPAYERS MONEY WASTED ON VILE SHOW 

Family First calls on the Federal Government to direct the taxpayer-funded SBS not to screen an episode of South Park which contains references that are offensive to Christians and women. 

Family First condemns SBS’s plan to show the episode entitled “Bloody Mary”, which features a statue of the Virgin Mary allegedly menstruating. 

How come Christians are such easy targets? How come it’s okay to make fun of symbols at the heart of Christianity, such as the Crucifix or the Virgin Mary, but people seem to think twice before having a go at the Star of David or the Koran. 

I do not disagree with the recent decision of newspaper editors not to publish cartoons offensive to Muslims, nor do I promote them or endorse them. 

But the decision to publish a photograph of Greens Senator Kerry Nettle wearing a t-shirt with the slogan “Get your rosaries off my ovaries” had the smell of double standards. 

We either respect the values and symbols of ALL faiths, or none. Yet there is a perception that Christians are fair game, but Muslims are off limits. 

There is a view in the community that, while people criticise the violent response of some Muslims in other countries to negative comments about Islam, this sort of response works. 

Family First understands SBS has deferred the “Bloody Mary” episode.

But that is not good enough. 

If workers discussed the contents of “Bloody Mary” in a work lunchroom in Victoria, they would be up for breaching the race and religious tolerance legislation. 

Yet the media can do what it likes. 

Communications Minister Helen Coonan must direct SBS not to broadcast the episode and not merely defer it.

***

(ARCHIVED) Christians, God 'seen as fair game'. Courier Mail 27.02.06

The Courier-Mail understands Communications Minister Helen Coonan does not have the power to order the broadcaster to ban the episode, however concerns about the content would be a matter for the Office of Film and Literature Classification, if it was likely to cause offence or incite violence.

Senator Coonan said yesterday that she welcomed the decision of SBS to put its plans to air the episode on hold, after the outbreak of violence surrounding other displays of religious intolerance.

"I acknowledge the sensitivities surrounding the depiction of the Virgin Mary in this manner and I welcome the decision by SBS to defer it," she said through a spokeswoman.

***

One month after screening the episode, the New Zealand station is now apologising.

C4 apologises for Bloody Mary show. The New Zealand Herald 23.03.06

Television channel C4 has apologised for the screening of the Bloody Mary episode of the South Park series and said it would not repeat the programme.

And while it rejected about 100 formal complaints about the programme, C4 said it had reviewed its internal processes for dealing with religious programmes.

Chief operating officer Rick Friesen said C4 probably would not have screened the episode knowing what it did now about the amount of offence taken.

Because of the strong reaction, the company had decided not to take up its rights to repeat the episode.

"However, C4 acknowledges the strength of feeling in relation to the programme, and we sincerely apologise for any offence taken," Mr Friesen said.

"We have detected a shift in the public's perspective on matters of a religious nature. As a result, we have reviewed our internal processes for dealing with religious programmes, particularly in relation to religious satire."

If it was felt a programme was going to offend a large group the broadcaster would have to look closely at whether or not it was run, or edited.

***

John Murphy is the Labor member for the seat of Lowe in Sydney. Whenever possible he pushes the agenda of the Religious Right. Instead of waiting for the the Attorney-General to reply, I've answered the questions for him.

2004-2005-2006
THE PARLIAMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
NOTICE PAPER
(www.aph.gov.au/house/info/notpaper)
No. 90
TUESDAY, 28 MARCH 2006
The House meets at 2 p.m.

QUESTIONS IN WRITING
28 March 2006

*3255 MR MURPHY: To ask the Attorney-General—

(1) Is he aware of reports that SBS is planning to broadcast an edition of South Park which depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary, a person held Sacred and Venerable to the vast majority of Christian adherents, menstruating before His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

Answer: Last time I checked SBS were not planning to screen the episode. 

"The final episode of the current series of the long-running US animated series which had been scheduled for Monday has been "deferred", according to an SBS spokesman."
SBS drops South Park episode on the Pope. The Age 23.02.06

 

(2) Has he read the article in Volume 4307 of the Catholic Weekly on 26 March 2006 titled ‘Ridicule sparks call for blasphemy law review’ in which it is reported that soul music veteran, Isaac Hayes, the voice of the character Chef on the satiric TV cartoon, South Park, has recently left the show citing its inappropriate ridicule of religion, and in particular, Christianity.

Answer: See here for the background of him leaving the show. 

 

(3) Has the Office of Film and Literature Classification classified the episode of South Park; if so, what classification did it receive; if not, when will it be classified.

Answer: No, the OFLC does not rate programs broadcast on TV. That is done by the stations. The OFLC would rate it if it was submitted for DVD release. I'd guess they should give it an M, however because of people like you John, they would probably be cautious and go for an MA15+.

 

(4) Will he act to ensure that the episode of South Park is not broadcast and is refused classification on the grounds that such depictions are highly offensive to a significant proportion of Australians; if so, when; if not, why not.

Answer: Even in these times of increased censorship there is no way that this would be Refused Classification. 

***

It took Philip Ruddock two month to answer Murphy's questions.

Parliament of Australia
QUESTIONS IN WRITING: South Park
Date: 25 May, 2006 
Database: House Hansard
Questioner: Murphy, John, MP (Lowe, ALP, Opposition) 
Responder: Ruddock, Philip, MP (Berowra, Attorney-General, LP)
Page: 104 
Proof: Yes

Question_no 3255 Source House

Type Question Context Questions in Writing

QUESTIONS IN WRITING South Park (Question No. 3255) 

Question Mr Murphy (Lowe) asked the Attorney-General, in writing, on 28 March 2006:

(1) Is he aware of reports that SBS is planning to broadcast an edition of South Park which depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary, a person held Sacred and Venerable to the vast majority of Christian adherents, menstruating before His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. 

(2) Has he read the article in Volume 4307 of the Catholic Weekly on 26 March 2006 titled ‘Ridicule sparks call for blasphemy law review’ in which it is reported that soul music veteran, Isaac Hayes, the voice of the character Chef on the satiric TV cartoon, South Park, has recently left the show citing its inappropriate ridicule of religion, and in particular, Christianity. 

(3) Has the Office of Film and Literature Classification classified the episode of South Park; if so, what classification did it receive; if not, when will it be classified. 

(4) Will he act to ensure that the episode of South Park is not broadcast and is refused classification on the grounds that such depictions are highly offensive to a significant proportion of Australians; if so, when; if not, why not. 

 

Answer Mr Ruddock (Berowra—Attorney-General)—The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

(1) I am aware of reports that SBS was planning to broadcast an episode of the US animated series South Park entitled Bloody Mary. The episode was due to be screened on 6 March 2006 but was withdrawn. I am not aware of any plans to broadcast this episode as this is a matter for SBS.

(2) Yes. 

(3) The Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) does not classify material – that is the responsibility of the Classification Board and the Classification Review Board. The classification of television content falls outside the scope of the National Classification Scheme. As at 20 April 2006 the episode has not been submitted on DVD as a sale/hire application for classification by the Classification Board. 

(4) As mentioned above, the Boards do not classify television content. It is, therefore, not within my jurisdiction to prevent the broadcast of this program. The honourable member may wish to raise his concerns with SBS directly. Complainants who are not satisfied with the response provided by SBS may refer the matter to ACMA for review.

***

During the World Cup in June/July 2006, SBS were screening advertisements for forthcoming SOUTH PARK repeats. Included were clips from BLOODY MARY. The episode has yet to be screened.

***

During the November 2006 Senate Estimates  SBS managing director, Shaun Brown, provided this information about BLOODY MARY.

STANDING COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND THE ARTS: Special Broadcasting Service Corporation: Discussion
Date: 30 October, 2006 
Committee name: STANDING COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND THE ARTS
Department: Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Program Special Broadcasting Service Corporation
Page: 3 
Proof: Yes
Database: Estimates Comm. 
Source: Senate

Talk Senator RONALDSON—What about documentaries? Surely political matter and controversial matters are in documentaries.

Talk Mr Brown—That is the example I have given you. So an initial decision about a series of programs like the The power of nightmares and The new al-Qaeda was made in principle at a level of program acquisition, referred to the then network programmer, referred to me as head of television and, at the time, Acting Managing Director as well. So it is a decision process that takes place at many levels. But, ultimately, under a referral-up process, and depending on the sensitivity or how controversial it is, it will end up in my hands. Another example is the South Park ‘Bloody Mary’ episode, which is something SBS acquired that has considerable sensitivity around it, particularly in the current climate of religious sensitivity. The matter was referred to me and I have deferred broadcast of it. That is a good example.

Talk Senator RONALDSON—But you were forewarned about the sensitivity, weren’t you? You did not acquire this program and say, ‘This is a nice, cute little program,’ and then decide to have a look at it. It came to SBS as a controversial program, so there is no doubt that you would then have a look at it.

Talk Mr Brown—It came to SBS as a pre-contracted delivery of a series of programs.

Talk Senator RONALDSON—Which you knew was controversial.

Talk Mr Brown—Once it was referred to me, I did.

Talk Senator RONALDSON—You did not know South Park was controversial before that?

Talk Mr Brown—I am talking about a particular episode of South Park.

Talk Senator RONALDSON—I take it there is no process in place to refer these matters unless someone makes a judgement that it might be more political or more controversial than something else. Is that right? What are the criteria?

Talk Mr Brown—That is the only way any referral-up process can ever work, whether it is news and current affairs or programming. It is reliant upon people at all levels recognising when a matter is controversial or sensitive and referring it appropriately

***

Labor's Stephen Conroy questions Shaun Brown about the episode of SOUTH PARK that features Steve Irwin.

STANDING COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND THE ARTS: Special Broadcasting Service Corporation: Discussion
Date: 30 October, 2006 
Committee name: STANDING COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND THE ARTS
Department: Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Program Special Broadcasting Service Corporation
Page: 3 
Proof: Yes
Database: Estimates Comm. 
Source: Senate

Talk Senator CONROY—Fantastic. Congratulations. Before I move on to a couple of other areas in sport, I did notice that there was some publicity—and I note you have already mentioned South Park once today—and that there is some controversy around a forthcoming South Park episode to do with a betrayal of Steve Irwin?

Talk Mr Brown—Yes, I do not know much about that one. The South Park I was referring to was one of a previous series called ‘Bloody Mary’. I only know what I have read in the newspaper briefly about it. It is not something that is subject to an offer from SBS at this stage.

Talk Senator CONROY—Sorry, ‘it is not something that’?

Talk Mr Brown—It is not something that is subject to any sort of contract with SBS at this stage. The series that is going into America is still a year or so away from even being shown to us for consideration. So I could not indicate our view on that.

Talk Senator CONROY—Is good taste an SBS criteria—or bad taste is not?

Talk Mr Brown—It is a very vexed question in terms of comedy, because satirical comedy is almost inevitably in bad taste—bad taste used for effect. That is not to say that we are not sensitive to points where we believe a line may be overstepped.

 

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