Irish police are investigating British actor and comedian Stephen Fry for comments he made in 2015 about meeting God at the pearly gates.
Fry could be prosecuted under a 2009 blasphemy law prohibiting the publication or expression of "grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters sacred by any religion," according to the Irish Independent. But sources told the newspaper that's unlikely to happen.
"Why should I respect a capricious, mean-minded, stupid god who creates a world which is so full of injustice and pain?" Fry said during a 2015 appearance on "The Meaning of Life," an Irish television program. The clip went viral, accumulating over 7 million views.
The host, Gay Byrne, asked Fry how he would react if he was locked outside heaven's gates. He responded, "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?" he continued.
Fry later said he meant no offense "toward any particular religion."
If he is charged under the Defamation Act 2009, he would face a fine up to €25,000, or about $27,500.
Comedian Stephen Fry faces blasphemy investigation for comments about God
/ CBS News
Irish police are investigating British actor and comedian Stephen Fry for comments he made in 2015 about meeting God at the pearly gates.
Fry could be prosecuted under a 2009 blasphemy law prohibiting the publication or expression of "grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters sacred by any religion," according to the Irish Independent. But sources told the newspaper that's unlikely to happen.
"Why should I respect a capricious, mean-minded, stupid god who creates a world which is so full of injustice and pain?" Fry said during a 2015 appearance on "The Meaning of Life," an Irish television program. The clip went viral, accumulating over 7 million views.
The host, Gay Byrne, asked Fry how he would react if he was locked outside heaven's gates. He responded, "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?" he continued.
Fry later said he meant no offense "toward any particular religion."
If he is charged under the Defamation Act 2009, he would face a fine up to €25,000, or about $27,500.
More from CBS News
Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, Irish civil jury says
Kayaker's leg amputated after 20-hour rescue to free him from rocks
Singer-songwriter Khalid comes out as gay after being outed
Philippines vice president threatens to have nation's president killed