Soul music legend Isaac Hayes, the voice of ladies man Chef on "South Park", is quitting the controversial cartoon for its "inappropriate ridicule" of religion.
The seductive-voiced singer has asked to be released from his contract saying the show's religious jokes are part of a "growing insensitivity toward personal spiritual beliefs" in the media.
"There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry toward religious beliefs and others begins," the 63-year-old says.
One episode shown last year mocked controversial religion Scientology and some of its famous followers like Tom Cruise. It's believed Isaac, who is a Scientologist, may have been angered by the episode.
The show's producers and its creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, have agreed to not to "enforce" Isaac's contract.
"Obviously, Matt and Trey are disappointed that he's not going to be part of the show, but they're not going to make him do something he doesn't want to do," a show spokesperson says.
Comments
WTF. If your making the money he was, you shouldnt want to quit. South Park is funny and if your offended then dont watch it. Chef was a classic charecter and it is sad to see him go.
Posted by: Carl | March 24, 2006 1:08 AM