Sci-Fi News and Reviews

Isaac Hayes Exits The "Insensitive" "South Park"

As reported on our sister site, TV Fodder, Soul singer Isaac Hayes has parted ways with the Comedy Central series "South Park," citing the series' "inappropriate ridicule of religious communities."

Hayes, who has voiced the character Chef since the series began in 1997, released a statement through his spokesman Monday requesting a release from his contract because he "is disappointed with what he perceives as a growing insensitivity toward personal spiritual beliefs."

Now why after nearly ten years with a show that regularly pokes fun at all types of religious beliefs would Hayes suddenly have a problem?  Could the fact that he's a Scientologist have something to do with it? Hmmm.  Could be.

Last Fall, "South Park" aired an episode titled "Trapped in the Closet," a very ... well, let's just say "pointed" ... episode that lampoons the Church of Scientology and celebrities with known ties to the organization, including Tom Cruise and John Travolta.  (The episode also includes a hilarious take on R. Kelly's twelve-part song serial "Trapped in the Closet".)  Hayes did not take part in the episode.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, "South Park" co-creator Matt Stone described Hayes as a disgruntled Scientologist who didn't like the show making fun of his religious beliefs. "In 10 years and over 150 episodes of 'South Park,' Isaac never had a problem with the show making fun of Christians, Muslims, Mormons and Jews.  He got a sudden case of religious sensitivity when it was his religion featured on the show," Stone said, also noting that he has agreed to release Hayes from his contract.

In his statement, Hayes did not mention last Fall's episode but instead said that the show's parody of religion in general was part of what he saw as a "growing insensitivity toward personal spiritual beliefs" in the media, including the recent controversy over cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammad.  "There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry toward religious beliefs ... begins," Hayes said.

The "Closet" episode not only stirred up not only religious issues, but also invoked the wrath of one celeb who didn't like the way his character was portrayed.  According to the Sun Online, the episode was not aired in the UK as part of the regular season because network execs were afraid that Tom Cruise's legal camp would sue because the fictional Tom Cruise is "outted" in the episode.  Cruise is also believed to have threatened legal action against Comedy Central if the episode is aired again.  But never fear, interested viewers.  Thanks to the magic of the internet and peer-to-peer sites, the episode continues to circulate.

This often-controversial show has always walked the line between satire and offensiveness, in my opinion.  There has been many an episode that has made me just down right uncomfortable, but I think that's the point.  When it comes to the religious-themed episodes, I don't think any group has been spared.  My favorite remains the "Red Hot Catholic Love" episode where the hierarchy of the Catholic church is "examined."  Sure the "Closet" episode is rough on Scientology, but they're rough on everyone!  For crying out loud, the series grew out of two short films by Stone and co-creator Trey Parker ("Jesus vs. Frosty" and "The Spirit of Christmas") which feature Jesus and Santa Claus in a martial arts death match over the "true" meaning of Christmas!

With Hayes' departure from the show, fans are left wondering what will become of the well-loved Chef character.  Comedy Central spokesman Tony Fox said producers have not decided whether Chef would be dropped or continued with another actor supplying his voice. 

With Stone and Parker at the helm, chances are good that Chef will meet with a "unique" death - or at least some sort of "accident" that would account for the change in voice.  I vote "unique" death.  Those are always priceless.  If they do keep the Chef character, I hope there'll be more of his chocolate salty balls in the near future.

"South Park" heads into its 10th season next week and remains one of Comedy Central's biggest hits. 

Hayes, who has appeared on "Stargate SG-1," can next be seen in the upcoming "Return to Sleepaway Camp."  --Shannon Nolley

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Posted by Shannon on March 14, 2006 12:16 PM
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