Radio host sacked for impersonating God

Virgin Radio UAE, the Dubai branch of Sir Richard Branson's radio brand, was launched earlier in 2008 and is run by the Arabian Radio Network.

Breakfast show host Revin John has been sacked in Dubai after he angered listeners by impersonating God in a comedy skit about a phone call with the Almighty.

Revin John had been satirising a story from the US in which God was subject to legal proceedings. In the US case, Nebraska state senator Ernie Chambers sought a permanent injunction against God to prevent "death, destruction and terrorisation". A judge threw out the case, ruling that because the defendant had no address, legal papers could not be served.

Any portrayal of Allah or the Prophet Muhammad, is strictly forbidden in the Islamic faith, including on the radio. The spoof prompted complaints from listeners of "diverse faiths and nationalities", the station said.

Arabian Radio Network chief operating officer, Steve Smith, told Associated Press "He intended to be funny, not to offend anybody. However, what he did was highly offensive to the Muslim and Christian community in the United Arab Emirates."

Revin John was allowed back on air to apologise for the offence caused, before he left the station.