Isaac Hayes Leaves South Park because of its Skewering of Scientology

SuzeQuze · #1 03-14-2006, 12:59 PM

This is rich.

from:
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertain...p-338531c.html

Hayes has lost faith in 'Park'

After 10 years on Comedy Central's foulmouthed, anti-establishment animated series "South Park," Isaac Hayes wants off because he finds the show's attacks on religion inappropriate.
Word is that Hayes was upset with an episode that aired in November, "Trapped in the Closet," that attacked Scientology, of which he's a follower. He asked the show to be released from his role as the sexually charged Chef.

"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 in a statement.

"As a civil rights activist of the past 40 years, I cannot support a show that disrespects those beliefs and practices," he added. Hayes' reaction stumped some, because the show that spawned "South Park" included Santa and Jesus in a death match, and throughout the run the producers have skewered various religions and celebrities.

"This has nothing to do with intolerance and bigotry and everything to do with the fact that Isaac Hayes is a Scientologist and that we recently featured Scientology in an episode of 'South Park,' " Matt Stone, co-creator of 'South Park,' said in a statement. "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. To bring the civil-rights struggle into this is just a non sequitur. Of course, we will release Isaac from his contract and we wish him well."

bretonbanquet · #2 03-14-2006, 01:03 PM

So "intolerance and bigotry are just dandy till it's directed at me"

wondergirl9847 · #3 03-14-2006, 01:07 PM

I'll bet Tommy Boy threatened to sue Issac unless he left the show.

Hope they find someone better to do Chef's voice...hmm...who would be good?

James Earl Jones? LOL

SuzeQuze · #4 03-14-2006, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wondergirl9847

I'll bet Tommy Boy threatened to sue Issac unless he left the show.

Hope they find someone better to do Chef's voice...hmm...who would be good?

James Earl Jones? LOL

Yep, can hear it now, "now children". Or (sings) "I wanna make love to ya woman, lay ya down by the fiyah..."

wondergirl9847 · #5 03-14-2006, 01:10 PM

How about "Staaaaaannnnnn....I am your fatherrrrrrrrr."

SuzeQuze · #6 03-14-2006, 01:11 PM

But as soon as they make fun of Verizon, he'll be out of there!

amber · #7 03-14-2006, 01:12 PM

Oh, no! Not chef! Damn. I like how Matt Stone didn't pull any punches in his statement. Very good indeed.
I can't believe Isaac is a scientologist. How lamatoid. Last nights episode was the other spoof, about Blanetologists.

Anyway, I'm really sad. I don't know that anyone else could do that voice as much justice.

DavidMn · #8 03-14-2006, 02:29 PM

I didnt peg Issac for a scientologist.

SuzeQuze · #9 03-14-2006, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidMn

I didnt peg Issac for a scientologist.

Yeah, I think I'm more disappointed to learn that than of his departure! Although chef is so central to the show. Damn, its been 10 years!?! Seriously, where the eff does the time go?

DavidMn · #10 03-14-2006, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

Yeah, I think I'm more disappointed to learn that than of his departure! Although chef is so central to the show. Damn, its been 10 years!?! Seriously, where the eff does the time go?

Tell me about it! I'll be 35 next Wednesday.

SuzeQuze · #11 03-14-2006, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidMn

Tell me about it! I'll be 35 next Wednesday.

Then I will be 3 weeks and a day after you!

DavidMn · #12 03-14-2006, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

Then I will be 3 weeks and a day after you!

someone once said "Time makes you bolder, children get older." It's funny how those words are more relevant each time I hear that song.

Rickypt · #13 03-14-2006, 02:55 PM

edit: never mind, already been said

golddustdragon · #14 03-14-2006, 07:05 PM

What, no Chef?! Oh man, he was a big character. No one can beat that chocolate salty balls song.

Nixxxed · #15 03-14-2006, 07:33 PM

Sounds like Isaac has some Thetans that still need to be cleared...

I read an article in Rolling Stone a few weeks ago about Scientology, and it said something along the lines of a tendency for rational-minded people (their words, not mine) to lose interest/esteem for celebrities they found out to be Scientologists. I didn't pay it much mind, until I recently found out some people I considered pretty cool were members - I could give a crap about Tom Cruise, John Travola, or Kirstie Alley - but these folks:

- Danny (That '70s Show) and Chris (Malcolm in the Middle) Masterson
- Beck
- and now, Isaac Hayes