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Hindus Demand An Apology From Jim Carrey for Mocking Lord Ganesh

In a remarkable interfaith gesture, other religions backed Hindus for demanding apology from NBC, Saturday Night Live (SNL) and actor-comedian Jim Carrey over the portrayal of Lord Ganesh as a sex symbol.

In a skit on NBC's SNL entitled "The Wrath of Ganesh," Jim Carrey (as erotic shaman Lee Licious) and Kenan Thomson (as Grady Wilson) demonstrated a sexual technique, mocking elephant-headed Lord Ganesh and his trunk in the process. Grady has traveled the world to find new sexual techniques to spice up the bedroom.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed has earlier said that Lord Ganesh is highly revered in Hinduism. He is meant to be worshipped in temples and not to be thrown around loosely in reimagined versions for dramatic effects in TV series for mercantile greed. Such absurd depiction of Lord Ganesh with no scriptural basis is hurtful to the devotees.

Reverend Dr. Tom Butler, highly respected United Methodist Pastor in Nevada (USA), in a statement, said: "The reference to the Hindu deity, Lord Ganesh, goes beyond poor taste. It appears to be a direct insult and intentional offense to those whose religious beliefs and practices revere Lord Ganesh. An apology from the producer of the show to the Hindu people who were subjected to it is clearly due."

Buddhist Minister 'Jikai' Phil Bryan said: "It is very sad that NBC, the admired showman Jim Carrey, and others responsible for the skit 'The Wrath of Ganesh' fail to see how important Ganesh to every Hindu families. A heartfelt apology from all involved would show respect, love and understanding for all our Hindu friends."

Jewish leader Rabbi ElizaBeth W. Beyer stated: "Portrayal of a religious group's deity in a form that is condescending and low is a serious affront to the many Hindus who worship Ganesh. Hollywood star Jim Carrey, NBC and others responsible for lampooning Hindu Lord Ganesh should provide public apologies. We fully support Hindu leader Rajan Zed's protest initiative on this issue."

Annabelle Younger, Director of International Society for Krishna Consciousness for Northern Nevada, in a statement addressed to "NBC, Saturday Night Live and Jim Carrey", said: "It would be to your benefit and the honorable deed for you to publicly offer an apology to those millions of people who worship Ganesh." She described "Tantric N'Tasty" skit on Ganesh as "extremely offensive and completely TASTELESS."

Swami Pooja Saraswati, a well respected spiritual leader, called this SNL skit "disgusting". "I condemn such outrageous degradation of consciousness. NBC network and sponsors of the show should be boycotted," she added.

Such trivialization of Lord Ganesh is disturbing and offensive to the one billion Hindus world over. Zed who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism requested from NBC to immediately remove the show from all its websites and other links.

Rajan Zed also asked Golden Globe winner actor-comedian Jim Carrey (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) , actor-comedian Kenan Thomson, NBC Universal President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Zucker, and SNL Executive Producer Lorne Michaels to give a public apology. He urged them not to inappropriately drag Hindu deities for commercial reasons.

Reverend Larry Edward Schneider, a Unity Church leader, in a statement, also sought public apologies from Carrey, Zucker, and Michaels for hurting the feelings of Hindu faithful.

Rajan Zed argued that Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with one billion adherents. It is rich with philosophical ideals. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed.

Emmy winning late-night comedy show SNL, which entertains millions each week, entered 36th season on last September 25.

Lord Ganesh is favorite of many Hollywood celebrities. According to reports, actress-director Goldie Hawn reveres Lord Ganesh. Actress Olivia Hussey also possesses an extensive collection of his statues.

Lord Ganesh is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles in Hinduism.