Entertainment
The Simpsons slammed as ‘hurtful and racist’ by Morrissey in blistering statement as episode parodies rocker
The Simpsons has seemingly lost one viewer in the form of Morrissey after the Smiths rocker blasted the series as ‘unapologetically hurtful and racist’ following its send-up of him on last night’s episode.
Sunday night’s Panic On The Streets Of Springfield saw Lisa Simpson make an imaginary friend, depressed indie singer and militant vegetarian Quilloughby of indie band The Snuffs, which was seemingly styled on the musician.
Voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, Quilloughby had a certain disdain for everything and liked little. Looks-wise, the character rocked the slick style reminiscent of Morrissey’s 80s aesthetic, however he later morphed into a caricature with grey hair and a round belly pocking out from underneath his button-up shirt (said to be the ‘real life’ counterpart of imaginary Quilloughby).
While producer Matt Selman previously said the show parodies ‘someone’, in reply to an article pointing the finger at it being a direct send-up of Morrisey, the singer has not taken well to the obvious comparison.
In a statement shared on Morrissey’s official Facebook page, the Fox series was slammed for its writing and ‘capitalising on cheap controversy’.
It read: ‘Surprising what a “turn for the worst“ the writing for The Simpson’s tv show has taken in recent years.
‘Sadly, The Simpson’s show started out creating great insight into the modern cultural experience, but has since degenerated to trying to capitalise on cheap controversy and expounding on vicious rumors.
‘Poking fun at subjects is one thing. Other shows like SNL still do a great job at finding ways to inspire great satire.
‘But when a show stoops so low to use harshly hateful tactics like showing the Morrissey character with his belly hanging out of his shirt (when he has never looked like that at any point in his career) makes you wonder who the real hurtful, racist group is here. (sic)’
The statement went on: ‘Even worse – calling the Morrissey character out for being a racist, without pointing out any specific instances, offers nothing. It only serves to insult the artist.
‘They should take that mirror and hold it up to themselves.’
It added: ‘Unlike the character in The Simpsons “Panic” episode …. Morrissey has never made a “cash grab”, hasn’t sued any people for their attacks, has never stopped performing great shows, and is still a serious vegan and strong supporter for animal rights.
‘By suggesting all of the above in this episode … The Simpsons hypocritical approach to their storyline says it all. Truly they are the only ones who have stopped creating, and have instead turned unapologetically hurtful and racist.’
The statement concluded, with one final sting: ‘Not surprising…… that The Simpsons viewership ratings have gone down so badly over recent years.’
