'Chef' wants out of 'South Park' contract

UPI ^ | 3/13/06

[HairOfTheDog]

NEW YORK, March 13 (UPI) -- Religious parody on "South Park" has led Isaac "Chef" Hayes to quit the Comedy Central cartoon.

Hayes, who has been with "South Park" since 1997, issued a statement Monday saying he has requested a release from the show because of recent episodes displaying "inappropriate ridicule of religious communities."

"There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry toward religious beliefs of others begins," Hayes said.

"Religious beliefs are sacred to people and at all times should be respected and honored. As a civil rights activist of the past 40 years, I cannot support a show that disrespects those beliefs and practices."

Hayes did not specify any episodes in particular, but a recent show called "Bloody Mary," which included the defiling a statue of the Virgin Mary drew fire from Roman Catholic groups.

[Publius6961]

Don't let the door hit you on the butt...

It's amazing how earning good money from something can eventually allow the luxury of condemning it.

Several professions come to mind...

[pepperhead]

Have tom cruise stay in the closet while his lawyers kill Chef.

That was what I was thinking. Or you could have Kenny go muslim and kill Chef. The towns folk could gather around Kenny's house looking to kill him and have Cruise come in and try and save him saying we need to have understanding. Then the crowd could kill them both of them.

[kenth]

Hayes did not specify any episodes in particular, but a recent show called "Bloody Mary," which included the defiling a statue of the Virgin Mary drew fire from Roman Catholic groups.

Yeah, I'm sure that's it. It must have been one of the Catholic based episodes that upset him.

[JohnnyZ]

SP would be funnier and more successful if they were talented enough to not rely on situations beyond 10 degrees of impropriety. Ten is plenty. Anything more than that is just making fun of cripples.

("Timmy!!")

[gondramB]

Actually Cartman is a modern day Archie Bunker - saying the things that human actors can't say any more because of political correctness. Kenny is savior figure and Stan and Kyle are everyman. The music is sometimes Broadway quality (particularly the South Park movie).

The topical web of themes is set against a timeless conservative but irreverent backdrop. If you can handle the subject matter and language it is a show for the ages.

[FreedomPoster]

Does anyone know the story on why that occurred?

[HairOfTheDog]

If they were funnier and more successful, they'd just get themselves in trouble... I think they're doing just fine as it is :~D

[SittinYonder]

If you can handle the subject matter and language it is a show for the ages...

And for poopyheads.

[HairOfTheDog]

I think it was because he posted a thread from an inappropriate blog, but that's about all I know.

[Vicomte13]

"Only drug addicts and alcoholics can enjoy South Park."
"And poopyheads."

Proud poopyheads of America, unite!

[WV Mountain Mama]

Does this mean there will be no more chocolate, salty balls?

[eyespysomething]

Yes, but maybe he means alcoholics stay home because if you are drinking all the time, its cheaper by the pints and gallons!

Not that I would know anything about that!! ;-)

[Bella_Bru]

Wow. I'm neither an alcoholic nor a drug addict. And I like South Park. It sucks when trying to fit people into your pre-made boxes doesn't work too well, eh?

[HairOfTheDog]

I'm afraid so...

[Lazamataz]

I suspect Chef, the character, will be dying of an STD soon.

[eyespysomething]

OK, you know what, you really need to close your sarcasm tag!

[gondramB]

me: "If you can handle the subject matter and language it is a show for the ages..."

SittinYonder: "And for poopyheads."

I should probably rebut that or flame back at you but my wife just recently called me a poopy head so maybe you have a point.

[TC Rider]

Those are good observations, but you know what?

"It's gonna take a montage!"

[FreedomPoster]

That's the episode on which Brokebutt Mountin' is based. Seriesly.

[Bella_Bru]

I guess no more of these either....