‘Gay Jesus’ Netflix Special Creators Attacked With Molotov Cocktails

The creators of a recent Netflix special in which Jesus is depicted as gay were targeted with molotov cocktails on Christmas Eve.

Earlier this month the Brazilian comedy troupe Porta dos Fundos debuted The First Temptation of Christ on the streaming service. In the short, 46-minute film, Jesus returns home from his 40-day sabbatical in the desert with Orlando, who is heavily implied to be his boyfriend. Comedy ensues when he introduces Orlando to his parents, Mary and Joseph.

Although the special never specifically states whether the character of Jesus is gay, the satirical depiction was met with vociferous outrage from religious conservatives, who petitioned Netflix to remove the special. Meanwhile, the hashtag #CanceloNetflix trended over the holidays.

Following the backlash, Varietyreports that the offices of Porta dos Fundos in Rio de Janeiro were hit with two Molotov cocktails on December 24. Sometimes referred to as "petrol bombs," vandals fill a bottle with gasoline, light a cloth fed through the glass opening, and then toss it at an intended target before it explodes.

Although the building was immediately set ablaze, two security guards were able to put out the fire before any serious damage was done. No one was harmed, but in a press release, Porta dos Fundos claims "several innocent lives" were endangered.

Security footage of the attack was delivered to local authorities, but police have yet to identify suspects.

In its statement, Porta dos Fundos called for the perpetrators "to be found and punished," saying that it "condemns any act of violence." "However, our priority right now is the safety of the entire team that works with us," the company adds.

While its recent special was met with global outrage, it's not the first from Porta dos Fundos to depict Biblical figures in a gleefully blasphemous manner. The Last Hangover, released in 2018, showed Jesus' disciples taking hard drugs and cavorting with prostitutes. The special won an International Emmy earlier this year.

Porta dos Fundos pledges it will remain committed to "good humor" and "move on stronger, more united, inspired, and confident that Brazil will survive this storm of hatred, and love will prevail along with freedom of speech."

"We will speak again once we have more details," the troupe says.

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