A reader contacted me this morning about the latest lapsed Catholic Matthew Wright attack on the Catholic Faith. His morning ‘discussion’ show, ‘The Wright Stuff’ is nothing more than a gestapo-style enforcement of the latest establishment mores and Wright frequently mocks the Catholic Church. Not any other ‘church’ or (perish the thought) Islam. Today being the Feast of St Agatha, Matthew Wright (who doesn’t normally include a “saint for the day” slot) introduced his show by recounting his (obscene) version of the martyrdom of St Agatha. Click on the link below to read my commentary.
http://www.catholictruthscotland.com/The%20Wright%20Stuff.pdf
Then read my email of protest to the show…
I write to express my concerns about the obscene version of the story of Saint Agatha broadcast by Matthew Wright on his show on Channel 5 this morning.
I was told about the broadcast initially by a reader who was extremely upset by it. I then viewed it on Fiver at 11.a.m. and was appalled.
The irony of it all is that one of the topics for discussion on the same show was the BBC sacking of Carol Thatcher for using the term “gollywog”. Matthew, as ever, was at pains to emphasise how wrong Carol was to use the term. If it’s politically incorrect, it’s wrong as far as Matthew Wright is concerned. Wright is a veteran, it seems, when it comes to fighting nasty prejudice against any and every group of people in society except Catholics – but then we are anything but politically correct.
I have posted my own commentary on Matthew Wright’s obscene version of the martyrdom of St Agatha on our website, which I hope you will draw to his attention. It is probably expecting too much to ask for him to publicly apologise for mocking this great saint, but I would be grateful if you would pass on my email to him, for the record. He may wish to visit our website to read my forthright commentary for himself. End.
Well, what do you think? IS the broadcasting media anti-Catholic? Would Matthew Wright get away with mocking Muhammed or any of the Jewish biblical hero-figures?
Click on ‘comments’ to tell us what you think.
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I used to watch Matthew Wright in the mornings but not any more. He is so very vulgar and so anti-Catholic, it is amazing he gets away with it.
I’m glad that the editor caught this programme though because what he says about this lovely saint is despicable. To think he was baptised a Catholic and went to a Catholic school. One thing, he proves what the editor is always saying about Catholic schools. They’re producing Church-haters.
He’s so nice about every other religion too, just as editor says. He knows he wouldn’t get off with rubbishing them.
Matthew Wright is heading for the place mentioned by the editor and I think we should all pray hard for him. It is bad enough to be lapsed from the Faith and to fail to educate yourself in the Faith, that is a sin in itself, but to lead other people away from it and to mock it as he does, is a really terrible thing and one day he will have to pay the price. God help him.
I’m going to email my protest as soon as I can.
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My view is that the broadcasting media do have a bias against Catholics, and that the media are adept at finding copious sources to promote their bias.
There are no opponents more bitter than lapsed Catholics, although this will cease to be the case in the future. Lapsed Catholics used to have a modicum of knowledge about the Faith, and in their wish to do as much damage as they could, they had much to draw upon. Thanks to the efforts of the Bishops during this past forty years, aided by the media in suppressing discussions along Traditional lines, few Catholics know anything about the Faith any more. Consequently they no longer have the ammunition of their forebears.
Sadly, those who wish to drag down the Catholic Church are not slow to provide the media with the weapons they need.
But take heart. God is not mocked. All these detractors will receive their come-uppance at the hour of their death, and therein lies our strength to continue our efforts to stand firm against the attacks in the media, and the media’s resolute rejection of the presentation of any other side of the coin.
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Our Lord allowed Himself to be crucified for Matthew Wright and this is the gratitude he receives. The Mystical Body of Christ, His holy Church is being crucified today by the media and all those who serve it crying out for His blood.
Matthew Wright is a wretched soul. I suspect he has something going on in his life that troubles his conscience, but rather than repent of it he launches assaults against Our Lord, His saints and modesty. He’s more to be pitied than scorned. Let him have his hour, for life is short and the day will surely come when he has to account in eternity.
We know we are of the True Religion when it is the only one that Satan attacks through his servants. The Catholic Church will always be assailed, mocked, scourged and even crucified, for it is the Mystical Body of Christ. As Our Lord said: “If the world hates you, know that it hated Me first.”
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Yes, Editor, the media and the banking system are Satan’s two most powerful modern weapons – and considering whose weapons they are, they are guaranteed to be used against the Church at all times.
By the way, Father Z is rhapsodizing again over the Catholic Herald….
http://wdtprs.com/blog/2009/02/some-random-notes-on-a-scan-of-the-catholic-herald/
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Athy suggested we might complain to Ofcom about the content of today’s Wright Stuff. Here’s the link
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N O T I C E . . .
Thanks for the tip-off Torkay – I’ve posted an response on the Press thread
http://www.catholictruthscotland.com/blog/?p=675#comment-7116
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I have no clue how to complain to c5, why is it so difficult. Have sent a comment to the idiot’s email address but that will be deleted with scorn no doubt.
‘We know that we are the true religion…@ this is a good point Athanasius…
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Michelangelo
You might want to complain using the “ofcom” link provided by editor above. These are the people who monitor TV programmes for offensive material.
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Matthew Wright is completely out of order. I wouldn’t waste my time complaining, though, because (as Michelangelo says) emails of criticism will be deleted with scorn. Wright treats anybody who disagrees with him as if they’re dirt under his shoe. Not even just people who disagree but anybody who is nervous or doesn’t get to the point quick enough when they phone in. You wonder why people do phone in, seeing the way he treats callers.
Matthew Wright’s show, any time I’ve seen it, is chock full of sex. He’s only at home talking about that or so it seems. He’s more to be pitied than anything else. A sad guy, really, probably quite lonely. But the comments about his death and judgement are to the point and really we should pray for him because, with his influence in the media, he is going to have a hard time explaining why he mocked Christ’s Church at every opportunity and led people away from it instead of setting a good example. The way he preaches about “tolerance” and “diversity” at every opportunity,too. Makes you laugh. Why can’t he see his own inconsistency?
Hit him where it hurts – the ratings. Don’t watch his pathetic show.
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Well I watched a bit of it this morning and, honestly, this is one crazy mixed-up guy. He introduced a sketch about bin liners saying he hoped it was OK for daytime TV. Now, I have a very sharp sense of humour and laugh? I did not. However, unless I missed something in the lyrics (it was an alleged stand up comic, supposedly advertising bin liners in a supermarket) there was nothing objectionable about it. Banal, yes, crude? Not that I could hear but then my hearing is not what it should be at the ripe old age of 29.
I’m surprised there are so few comments on this thread so far. Matthew Wright needn’t worry about Catholics en masse sabotaging his show – that WILL be the day!
In the current financial climate, it gives APR a whole new meaning: Apathy Rules!
Oh and, surprise, surprise, not even an acknowledgement of my emailed complaint. Time yet, I suppose, but I ain’t holding my breath.
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I was going to comment on Matthew Wright’s attitude to Catholicism until I came across this advertiser’s puff on the ‘Net where people are invited to put their points of view:
The show gives ordinary people the chance to talk and comment on everything from the invasion of Iraq to social, emotional and even sexual issues back at home. Matthew is joined each week day morning by showbiz stars and media commentators including such noteworthy guests as Tony Blair and Ben Elton. The Wright Stuff has been nominated Best Daytime Programme at both the RTS and National Television Awards.
When I saw that Tony Blair (no comment) and Ben Elton (no comment) where categorized as “noteworthy guests” I decided that that said it all.
With guests like those two, I have to paraphrase Groucho Marx and say that, especially in this case, I wouldn’t be a guest on any chat show that would have me.
I did come across a link that gives an e-mail address and a telephone number for his show:
http://www2.five.tv/programmes/thewrightstuff/
but I have so little trust that five.tv would take note that I am going to spend my time on more pressing needs.
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Editor
A suggestion: I know you were concerned about the lack of comment on this topic, but I notice it is very similar, if not identical, to the “Is the BBC Impartial? Do Pigs Fly?” thread. Perhaps it should be moved under that other thread, or even to the “One-Off” thread?
Or, you might even consider an “IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED” thread (or, “IT’S ROLLING PIN TIME”?) for stuff like this. We all know what the media is about, including the so-called Catholic media: we just need to do something about it.
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I have today lodged a telephone complaint with Ofcom (linked above by editor). This organisation has promised to investigate Wright’s comments to see if they breach the broadcasting code.
My advice to all is to follow up my complaint with their own. Have Matthew Wright’s comments at hand (these can be found highlighted in editors main report) as they will be required.
The telephone number is the number at the top of the Ofcom page following the link provided. Come on now, St. Agatha deserves our loyalty.
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I have also lodged a complaint. Disgusting material.
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If there are any representatives of the Media, such as Editors of publications, who want to complain by e-mail, here is the address for contacting the Ofcom media office:
Otherwise only telephone or snail-mail communications get through.
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I’ve just emailed my complaint to Ofcom, so we will wait and see what transpires. Disapponted, the convert, that you have decided against emailing because the more people who complain, the less chance there is that they can ignore it.
Thanks to those who did complain.
I’ve had an email from a reader in England who is a bit put out that I’ve posted this thread because I had not taken on another blasphemy some time ago that she was concerned about, and rightly so. The difference here is (because we cannot take up every such cause) that Matthew Wright keeps claiming to be a Catholic when he is, in fact, not. For him then, to publicly mock a saint in the obscene, even pornographic way he did – and by extension Catholic teaching on purity, chastity and modesty – is within our remit, so to speak. CT is about dealing with the crisis in the Church and Wright is the crisis personified. I hope you can all see the distinction. Otherwise we’d do nothing but monitor and complain about the TV, radio and theatre productions, most of which are hostile to the truth and to the Catholic Church.
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I have not heard a thing from Ofcom so will phone them tomorrow. I’ve never complained to them before so don’t know whether or not they acknowledge complaints. Seems only courtesy to do so but to date I’ve not had any such acknowledgement. Maybe phoning will prove more productive.
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I phoned Ofcom until I got through – early this morning and they said they had received my complaint and it was not the only one. However, it could be up to 15 days before I hear back from them.
I hope others who complained will post any response on this thread. I most certainly will.
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I phoned Ofcom again this morning to enquire about my complaint. I pointed out that if Wright had said the same obscene things about Muhammed’s wife, there would be blood on the streets.
I was told that I will hear from Ofcom within a couple of days. Will report back then. I’m told that Wright continues to insult Catholicism at every opportunity so I am not going to be fobbed off on this one. Ofcom, take note.
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Well, it’s official: the broadcasting media IS anti-Catholic – and quite blatantly so. Here is the text of the letter I received today from Ofcom informing me that (surprise, surprise) my complaint against the Wright Stuff has not been upheld: note: I have not corrected the poor punctuation in the letter to underline their general low standards –
LETTER FROM OFCOM…
Dear (Editor)
The Wright Stuff, Five, 05/02/2009, 09:00
Thank you for your complaint. We’re sorry you were offended by the story told about St Agatha.
From the outset I should let you know that on this occasion your complaint has not been upheld and I would like to explain why. We investigated your complaint under Rule 2.3 of the Code which states that “in applying generally accepted standards broadcasters must ensure that material which may cause offence is justified by the context…context includes but is not limited to; the editorial content of the programme, the service on which the material is broadcast and the degree of harm or offence likely to be caused…”
In this instance, the context was that it was St Agatha’s day and Wright sought to explain her story, yet in a very satirical and light-hearted way. While the language used here was colloquial, and some may argue offensive given the significance of her being a Saint, we do not feel he was mocking St Agatha. We feel his view of her was reverent and he described the tale as ‘remarkable’.
It’s always difficult to make judgements in this type of issue since it’s important that the religious sensitivities of any group are respected and protected. However, we didn’t feel ultimately that this item in the show set out to ridicule Christianity, its followers or any Saint.
Television tends towards reflecting society’s attitudes rather than seeking to change them. We recognise that comedic or irreverent discussions on religious figures can cause offence to some viewers. But we could only take action where there appears to be a deliberate intention to cause offence or where such sensitivities are glaringly disregarded.
The muted response from viewers suggests this hasn’t exceeded audience expectations or caused the level of significant offence that your complaint infers.
Thank you for taking the trouble to contact us. It is important for us to know what the audience thinks, even though on this occasion we have not upheld your complaint.
Yours sincerely,
Robert Ince
http://www.ofcom.org.uk -
Since nobody, so far, has commented on the disgraceful letter from Ofcom, allow me.
I have tried to imagine the above letter from Ofcom being sent to any Muslim if the complaint had been about Matthew Wright’s obscenities being directed to Muhammed’s wife instead of St Agatha or any other Catholic Saint.
As I have already said, there would be blood on the streets if he had tried a similar “satire” about her.
Let’s try it. I am going to work on a similar satire about Muhammed or his wife and see if I get away with it.
Do I think I would get away with it? Put it this way: roses are my favourite flowers and I want to be buried, not cremated.
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The letter is appalling. Yes, the secular media is anti catholic.
My wife and I have totally limited our exposure to this satanic instrument (apart from sport, of course).
Satan truly works through the senses
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Petrus, the other thing I’ve always said I would ban, apart from the novus ordo, is sport. Especially football.
I’m outa here!
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editor
If you ban sport, particularly football, it will be me that’s “outa here,” Ya hear!! I will not have my weekly indulgence in tribalism tampered with.
This Ofcom letter is more or less what I expected you would get, although I still await my letter. That organisation is a joke and only exists to perpetuate the pretence that some kind of standard is being maintained. I think I have now had about five complaints rejected, all of which were against anti-Catholic remarks in TV programmes.
The fact that few actually complained about that mockery of St. Agatha just shows how atheistic the country has become. No-one is prepared to defend the honour of the Saints.
This statement was particularly insulting to the intellect: “Television tends towards reflecting society’s attitudes rather than seeking to change them.”
What a load of rubbish. Anyone who watches Emmerdale, Coronation Street or any of these other low-life soaps will know that they are full of in-fighting, sex, theft and every other kind of sin imaginable. Young people copy that behaviour and so society ends up reflecting what it sees on TV rather than the other way around.
And what about all the sex on TV, especially after the 9pm watershed. Is Ofcom going to argue that this merely reflects society as a whole? If it does it contradicts every professional study carried out that says the opposite. TV can transmit clear or subliminal messages. This is a fact from a former TV engineer.
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Football drives me crazy but the chances of me getting to ban it are very slim. Wish I could say the same about myself…
About Ofcom – well said, Athanasius. I intend to lodge a complaint against Ofcom, not that it will make much difference, but I am going to make their sad little lives as difficult for them as possible.
I’m told Matthew Wright tried to shut up his “gay” guest this morning because the guest was blaspheming and Wright mentioned that “A Catholic website” had complained about his show (which is not just “sad” it’s downright tragic).
Anyway, I am going to lodge a complaint against Ofcom just as soon as I get two minutes to string a complaint together.
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I thought I had commented on this but maybe I was on the Buckfast at the time. I wrote a complaint to Ofcom and got a similiar goofey reply. Mind you, Matthew Wright seems to have some decency for stopping that blasphemy.
Yes, editor, try that stunt. I’ll help mop up the blood. Better still, suggest to Matthew Wright that HE do a similiar show featuring the prophet’s wife!! You really do have to admire those Moslems: they won’t stand for any perceived blasphemy. Pity our lot are not so vocal but then, the authorities don’t have to worry about us blowing them up.
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What a useless, toothless, politically correct bunch of losers Ofcom are.
Matthew Wright, your so-called attempt to disapproval of blasphemy does not wash with us. Don’t you realise that your own blasphemous outburst has no doubt inspired many other heretics like yourself. To feign disapproval in order to make yourself look good on television is hypocrisy of the highest order.
Yes, you are right, this Catholic website did complain. Be assured, we will be keeping a very close eye on your trashy, good for nothing show.
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I’ve just read the above OFCOM letter with a sense of deja vu. It’s pretty much exactly the same, down to the ‘light-hearted’ claim as the one I received from them when I complained about Jimmy Tarbuck’s blasphemy against Christ and Our Lady at the Royal Variety Show. I included a bit about they ‘wouldn’t do it Muhammed’ too. How does one complain about them? They clearly exist to work only within the PC agenda.
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Petrus, you’ve given me an idea. I’ll write up an equivalent piece of obscenity and send it to The Wright Stuff with a suggestion that Matthew risk his life by reading it out in the same way he insulted St Agatha.
For all his talk about being full of “Catholic guilt” I haven’t seen any evidence of it when I’ve seen his daft show.
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Petrus you really dont want us watching this bilge do you, please say you don’t’.
Why not try what I do every time Enid Rancid or Claire Rayner comes on, I call the BBC ask them if they can hear the radio or telly, then whilst they are still listening I switch it off, and let them know in no uncertain terms why these “ladies” are not welcome. The same with all the rest of the BBC output, I never get fed up of letting them know that I detest them and hate paying their mortgages for them. -
semperfidelis and editor,
I’ve never watched Matthew Wright’s show, save for the odd minute or two when channel-hopping, but I must say your suggestion for writing in an equivalent diatribe against Mohammad’s wife (or any sacred female figure within any religion or worldview other than Catholicism of course) is a good one. It will tell us a lot about not only Matthew Wright’s integrity but also the true nature of bias within the British media.
It can be easy to become cynical and defeatist within our modern anti-Christian society, given that our bishops and priests are largely without backbone and that most “mainstream” Catholics wouldn’t bat an eyelid at the stuff Wright said about St. Agatha. I’m certainly guilty of this myself at times. However, the fact that a guest on that very show was prevented from blaspheming by the host shows that our efforts, aided by God’s grace, can make a difference. With everything that’s going on in the world right now, one less incident of public blasphemy might not seem like a big deal, but it will be in God’s eyes. I’m not aware of any other “Catholic websites” which made a big deal of the incident, so this is great news.
As much as I abhor the religion of Mohammad, the Muslims put Catholics to shame when it comes to standing up for their beliefs. Let’s use this incident to show what a little solidarity (and backbone) can do – bishops take note!
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Well, introibo, I did email Matthew Wright a little ditty about Khadija, Muhammed’s wife, along the same lines as his disgusting piece on St Agatha. It wasn’t as bad as his piece on St Agatha but it doesn’t make it into the category of recommended reading. I challenged him to read it on camera although gave him an alternative line of action which is to back off Catholicism.
I taped today’s show, since I’ve been out all day, and watched the first part only where they look at the newspapers for the day and when the panel rubbished the Pope for his condom remarks, Wright kept quiet and then said to camera that “all the Catholics out there” should write in to complain about the panel, not him.
So, he’s getting the message.
Comments are now closed.
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