Isaac Hayes (Chef) quits South Park

[Azlen]

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/03/13/D8GAUQA8D.html

Isaac Hayes has quit "South Park," where he voices Chef, saying he can no longer stomach its take on religion.

Hayes, who has played the ladies' man/school cook in the animated Comedy Central satire since 1997, said in a statement Monday that he feels a line has been crossed.

"There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins," the 63-year-old soul singer and outspoken Scientologist said.

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

"South Park" co-creator Matt Stone responded sharply in an interview with The Associated Press Monday, saying, "This is 100 percent having to do with his faith of Scientology... He has no problem _ and he's cashed plenty of checks _ with our show making fun of Christians."

Last November, "South Park" targeted the Church of Scientology and its celebrity followers, including actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta, in a top-rated episode called "Trapped in the Closet." In the episode, Stan, one of the show's four mischievous fourth graders, is hailed as a reluctant savior by Scientology leaders, while a cartoon Cruise locks himself in a closet and won't come out.

Stone told The AP he and co-creator Trey Parker "never heard a peep out of Isaac in any way until we did Scientology. He wants a different standard for religions other than his own, and to me, that is where intolerance and bigotry begin."

[pmyers]

I couldn't help but read that in Chef's voice ;)

[ClutchBrake]

I'm with Stone and Parker on this one. :up:

[marksman]

Before reading the article I suspected that he was "persuaded" by his faith of choice that it was bad for him to be on the show. Once I saw he was a scientologist, it was a no-brainer.

It is too bad, he is funny as Chef. Just don't be too suprised when an episode shows up with Chef being kidnapped and tortured by scientologists in the upcoming season.

[Sir_Q]

Sounds like his Scientologist buddies punked him into quiting. Like a "Choose us or them" sort of a thing.

[Granny]

Of all the things to take a stand on. :rolleyes: I am sure they will find a suitable replacement. I am in agreement with Trey and Stone.

[jsmeeker]

well, I would think Chef would be gone. Did he voice anyone else? It's coud be fun to see how they deal with this in the show. :D :D :D

[pawchikapawpaw]

All:

Do you even know what scientology is? Do you know that it's classified as a street drug? Do you know the history of scientology? Everyone... Everyone... You don't know the history of scientology... I do.

You're all glib.

[Fleegle]

All:

Do you even know what scientology is? Do you know that it's classified as a street drug? Do you know the history of scientology? Everyone... Everyone... You don't know the history of scientology... I do.

You're all glib.


::snicker::


I say good riddence to his cult-laden self.

I hope the kill off Chef now.

[jradford]

Well, this is dissapointing. I've always been an Isaac Hayes fan. He's had a nice impact in the music world, and played the role as Chef into one of the funniest and most likeable cartoon characters in awhile.

It's too bad it had to end like this, but I applaud Matt and Trey for immediately calling him out on his inconsistencies.

[cowboys2002]

Not a true fan of the show, but come on SHAFT!!

When you are on a show that pokes fun at other religions, nationalities, etc, your turn is bound to come up. I like a good joke as well as the next person. Sooner or later the joke will be on you. Don't dish it out, if you can't take it!!!

da da da,
da da da,
da da da,
da

[PeternJim]

I certainly wouldn't condemn any actor (or other craftsperson) from choosing not to be involved in a show they find offensive, but this is hypocrisy on his part -- they have utterly trashed every other religion, with the possible exception of Islam. (There were a couple SET in Islamic countries, but they weren't aimed at the religion -- somebody correct me if I am wrong).

And come on, Scientology got off pretty light compared to Catholicism in this show. One episode, aimed at least as much at Tom Cruise as the religion? Please.

Personally, though, I'd rather Chef didn't have to pay for Isaac Hayes' issues. Let him win the Lottery and get the fudge out of that cracker town. Or, he could have an accident (coincidentally affecting his voice, like a badly broken nose), and end up with a huge settlement.

I don't know how the contracts work, but they could probably piece together some pretty hysterical dialogue for Chef from stuff Hayes has already recorded, especially if he ends up just a minor subplot.

Then again, it could be pretty funny if Kenny dodged at the right time for once. "Oh my God, they killed Chef! You bastards!" Can you get run over by a scientology bus? Or better yet, a touring religious tolerance event?

[PeternJim]

Or, if they time it for around the release of the Mission Impossible Movie, have him peel off a rubber mask and find out that it was someone else under there all along, like maybe Tom Cruise?

[Chris Gerhard]

I will miss Isaac Hayes on the show, he did a great job with a really funny character, his voice just seemed right. He surely knew an episode about Scientology was inevitable but I am sorry he was offended, it is parody and not to be taken seriously and if he can't take a joke, good riddance. If South Park hasn't made fun of the Islamic faith, it sure should and more episodes on Christianity are fine as well. How anybody can think about any of the world's religions and not see some humor is difficult to understand for me.

Chris

[Figaro]

Time for something horrible to happen to the Chef character. Either that or maybe they will just make him a mute character for a little while. That might have some mileage on it.

[cheesesteak]

Ike's a Scientologist? I bet that most actively participating members of a relion don't like it when they're religion gets punk'd either. I have no problem with Isaac's decision. Of course, I don't watch South Park.

[Figaro]

Ike's a Scientologist? I bet that most actively participating members of a relion don't like it when they're religion gets punk'd either. I have no problem with Isaac's decision. Of course, I don't watch South Park.


Well if you are going to help dish it out then you "damn" well better be able to take it. Hayes obviously can't take it and that's why he is a big old filthy money grubbing hypocrite. I bet they will eventually woo him back though, probably for about tree fitty.

[pmyers]

what I don't understand is that the Sciencetology episode happaned a while ago. Why is it just now a problem? Granted, I didn't read the entire article.

[Figaro]

I don't recall him being in any of this years episodes let alone the Scientology one.

[dumbunny]

I'm surprised that Isaac Hayes lasted as long as he did. The whole "let's make fun of people because they take themselves seriously" bit feels smug and juvenile after it's done the 100th time. What was fresh in "Mecha-Streisand" was stale by "Trapper Keeper" (although that was a good episode for other reasons). I didn't care for the Mormon-trashing or Scientology-trashing in their respective episodes, either. Uninspired humor at the expense of others is just mean-spirited, high school / frat boy bullsh*t. The Virgin Mary episode, on the other hand, I liked.

Another thing that occurs to me is that Isaac Hayes may have felt personally betrayed. Maybe Trey and Matt asked Isaac all about scientology, pretending to be interested in his religion, and then they turned around and wrote the episode.

[jeff125va]

If the Scientology episode accurately portrayed their beliefs as they claimed it did (with the "THIS IS WHAT SCIENTOLOGY ACTUALLY BELIEVES") caption on the screen, then why would he find it offensive? I'm not an expert on the subject, so I don't know if they misrepresented anything or not, but I would think that the more accurate they were, the more it would have made their point, so they'd have every reason to be as accurate as possible. Obviously the same can't be said about their portrayal of Tom Cruise, but as far as Scientology itself, to anyone who actually believes in it, it shouldn't be offensive at all, right? Again, assuming they were as accurate as they claimed to be.

[Meathead]

"There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins," the 63-year-old soul singer and outspoken Scientologist said.

Uhhh...don't you think the place for satire would be COMEDY F'ING CENTRAL??? it's not like this show is broadcast on NBC or Fox News. It is on COMEDY F'ING CENTRAL! The home of Dave Chappelle "Race Draft" and Jon Stewart's "Jeweyness."

As it has already been stated, Hayes' reasons are pretty hollow when I look back on all those that this show offended & it never bothered him before...




Jews
Christians
Mormons
Catholics
Aliens
Canadians
Iraquis
Arabs
God
Satan
Meteor Shower Cults
ATF
FBI
The Confederate States of America
Zombies
Genetic Scientists
Santa
Crab People
Underpants Gnomes
Wal-Mart
Old People
Sidney Portier
and so on.....

[vertigo235]

Yeah it's all OK until you make fun of his religion, that's pretty stupid.

[Graymalkin]

Scientologists are notorious for their aggressive defense of their religion. This doesn't surprise me one bit.

[5thcrewman]

Is Barry White available?

[ClutchBrake]

Is Barry White available?

Nope. He died almost three years ago!

[jeff125va]

Is Barry White available?
No, he's dead.

Oh no, I hope I didn't offend any reincarnationists with my intolerant and bigoted assumption that death is permanent.

[Rkkeller]

If he could sing "chocolate salty balls" (I didnt want to make it to graphic) I cant see him having a problem with anything.

[mrcase]

The whole point of the show is that they're offensive, but they're equal opportunity. So, I'm a Christian, but it's hard to take it too hard when they make fun of me because next week they'll move on to some other group. If they made fun of Christians every week it would be upsetting. But they make fun of EVERYONE (including themselves).

[marksman]

They should get Ruben Stoddard as Chef's nephew. I am sure he is not doing anything.

[chewbaccad]

wow... any respect I had for Isaac Hayes is now gone. That's just assinine, and I'm glad Stone and Parker called him on it. While I will miss the original Chef, I think it's time for Isaac Hayes to peddle his chocolate salty balls eslewhere.

[Ntombi]

Wow. I knew he was a Scientologist from way back, but I now know he's a punk too. Boo, Isaac.



And I don't watch South Park, but c'mon, everyone knows the kind of humor they do, and I agree with the creators; it was good enough when it was someone else's beliefs or whatever, so now you just look like an ass.

[pallendo]

Yup, that was an accurate picture of the scientology "religion". For more info on this "church" go here. www.xenu.com

-Peter

[W6FO]

As it has already been stated, Hayes' reasons are pretty hollow when I look back on all those that this show offended & it never bothered him before...


Jews
Christians
Mormons
and so on.....

Don't forget aboot that bitch Anne Murray too. ;)

[jmoak]

"Trapped in the Closet"(s9ep12, 11/15/05) crossed the line, but "All About the Mormons?" (s7ep12, 11/19/03) was just peachy????:confused:

In the words of Kyle himself, "This is pretty f***ed-up right here."

[Sparty99]

"Trapped in the Closet"(s9ep12, 11/15/05) crossed the line, but "All About the Mormons?" (s7ep12, 11/19/03) was just peachy????:confused:

In the words of Kyle himself, "This is pretty f***ed-up right here."
My understanding of the Mormon faith is that the episode South Park did on it portrayed the foundation of the religion fairly well.

I hope Chef dies a horrible bloody death on the show.

[TeeSee]

"There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins," the 63-year-old soul singer and outspoken Scientologist said.

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

I've always thought Chef was the most over-rated character on the show. I never saw the big attraction. This is no loss to me at all. Not one bit. Now Isaac Hayes can return to obscurity, where he was briefly rescued from by the Stone and Parker.

[jmoak]

My understanding of the Mormon faith is that the episode South Park did on it portrayed the foundation of the religion fairly well.:eek:

Fairly well??!?!?a few lines of a song from the script: (http://www.twiztv.com/scripts/southpark/season7/southpark-712.htm)
Joseph Smith was called a prophet
Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb
He started the Mormon religion
Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb:)

[Sparty99]

:eek:

Fairly well??!?!?:)
More from that same script:

Smith: I was out in the woods, praying [a shot of him on his knees in the woods] I was asking God if I should be a Protestant, or a Catholic, or what? And suddenly God and Jesus appeared before me. [a bright light appears before him and he shields his eyes from the glare] And they said I should start my own church, because none of the others had it right. [the flashback ends] And that's exactly how it happened.

[edit]

Angel: I am Moroni. I am a Native American.
Smith: A... [looks at the camera] Native American? [looks at Moroni] But your skin is white.
Moroni: Yes. Long ago all Native American were white. We all came to America from Jerusalem. And while we were here we were visited by Christ.
Smith: [looks at the camera] Jesus live here in America?
Moroni: Yes. Eventually, my people were all killed by the other tribe of Israel, and as punishment, God turned their skin red. These are the Native Americans you know today. [Smith looks at the camera dumbstruck]
Singers: Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb
Moroni: There is an ancient book buried near here, written on gold plates that account my people's lives. Also buried with the book are two seer stones, the Urim and Thummim, which will allow you to translate the writings. Find it, and fulfill your destiny. [brightens and then vanishes]

[edit]

Smith: Oh. Oh, well, I... was not allowed to take them. You see, after I found the plates, the angel Moroni appeared to me again and said that I am not allowed to show the plates, or the seer stones, to anybody. Because first I must translate what's written on the plates into English, so you can all read it!

Again, I'm not a great student of religions, but my understanding is that this is a fairly faithful representation of how the Mormon faith was created.

[jmoak]

Again, I'm not a great student of religions, but my understanding is that this is a fairly faithful representation of how the Mormon faith was created.I can't argue there! My point was the musical diddy of "Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb..." that accompanied that faithful representation.;)

Mr. Hayes' reasoning just seems a bit disingenuous.

but I'm really looking forward to Chef's farewell ep!
:D

[TBDigital]

As was stated earlier in the thread, I don't believe that Chef has been in any of the episodes this season, and can't remember an episode that he's been in over the last couple of seasons. But my memory isn't what it used to be...

[jsmeeker]

I can't argue there! My point was the musical diddy of "Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb..." that accompanied that faithful representation.;)

Mr. Hayes' reasoning just seems a bit disingenuous.

but I'm really looking forward to Chef's farewell ep!
:D


or was it "Dum dum dum dum dummmm"??

:D

[Mamoth]

I never really liked Chef all that much. He had a few funny lines ... but whenever he broke into song I about puked.

I hope he goes in the same way as Ms. Chokesondick... you know... with all the seapeople. That will be the ultimate irony.

[writdenied]

Fairly well??!?!?:)

For me, the difference is all in how it gets handled in the last five minutes. The "All About Mormons" episode spent 25 minutes talking about how dumb the origins of Mormonism are, but in the end, the little Mormon kid gets to make a speech to the effect of "Sure, there are a lot of things about my religion that seem dumb, but I have a great family and a good life thanks to those beliefs, and if you want to judge me based only on the plausibility of what I believe, then you're a jerk."

Contrast that to the Scientology episode, where they beat up on Scientology, and end with Tom Cruise threatening to sue everybody. Now, there probably aren't too many people that can say that Scientology made their lives better (unless they're celebrities), but I'd be willing to bet that Issac Hayes knows some people who think that, and he's probably upset that Trey and Matt didn't at least throw a bone to Scientology like they did with Mormonism.

[MickeS]

If the Scientology episode accurately portrayed their beliefs as they claimed it did (with the "THIS IS WHAT SCIENTOLOGY ACTUALLY BELIEVES") caption on the screen, then why would he find it offensive? I'm not an expert on the subject, so I don't know if they misrepresented anything or not, but I would think that the more accurate they were, the more it would have made their point, so they'd have every reason to be as accurate as possible. Obviously the same can't be said about their portrayal of Tom Cruise, but as far as Scientology itself, to anyone who actually believes in it, it shouldn't be offensive at all, right? Again, assuming they were as accurate as they claimed to be.

You're forgetting that the Church of Scientology, unlike most respectable religions, do not want to teach you what they believe until you pay for it. In fact, they'll try and stop anyone who freely gives out what they believe in. So maybe that's why they were upset.

[busyba]

Contrast that to the Scientology episode, where they beat up on Scientology, and end with Tom Cruise threatening to sue everybody.
But that part is fairly accurate as well. The Chuch of Scientology routinely harasses through litigation (among other methods) those who try to expose them.

he's probably upset that Trey and Matt didn't at least throw a bone to Scientology like they did with Mormonism.
If the Mormon organization actively sought out to utterly destroy all those who stand against them, then M&T might have been less inclined to throw them a bone either.


BTW: Don't take my word for it. It's all pretty well documented at www.xenu.net

[JTAnderson]

What a coincidence that several months after the show aired, but just before a new season is about to start, this makes news.

[marksman]

What a coincidence that several months after the show aired, but just before a new season is about to start, this makes news.

Are you trying to say Chef is a whore?

[MarkofT]

I wonder if Isaac was hoping that by quitting this close to the start of the season, they couldn't retaliate in the show by doing something horrible to Chef or attach him personally.

South Park was pretty quick with their response to Elian Gonzales. Dunno if they would have to redo all the promo stuff to insert a special episode for this or if they would be stuck with the first couple episodes and by the time they have a chance to respond, it would be too late.

[ElVee]

I posted it in a new thread:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=291836

[LordFett]

And lets not forget that Scientology was basically created on a dare by a sci-fi author.

And an episode of South Park can be made in 3 days. I am sure they will have no problem making an episode to "deal" with Chef.

[newsposter]

Did you see Chef singing Shaft on 70s show last night? Step down from a number 1 show to a canceled show but I guess the man has to prove something.

[Jesda]

Mr Hayes, you fail at life.

[dvdapex]

I hope they don't make a single reference to Chef or Issac in future episodes.

[busyba]

My prediction: they will say that Chef died from food poisoning that he got from eating a bad batch of clams. :D

[Jesda]

My prediction: they will say that Chef died from food poisoning that he got from eating a bad batch of clams. :D

Why arent you writing episodes? Thats brilliant!

[Mamoth]

My prediction: they will say that Chef died from food poisoning that he got from eating a bad batch of clams. :D
I hope it's an STD from Tom Cruise.

[newsposter]

Should i crayon out chef in all my south park memorabilia?

[Mamoth]

Chef who?

[busyba]

Why arent you writing episodes? Thats brilliant!

Awwwww, shucks! *blush* :)

Alas, writing professionally is not for me... my Muse is a fickle b*tch. :o

[bentleyml]

Well this adds some new twists:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,188463,00.html

[jschuur]

Guess I posted this in the wrong thread:

Details from this week's all new episode:

HE'S BACK!!! CHEF RETURNS TO SOUTH PARK

New Episodes Kick Off With "The Return of Chef!" On Wednesday, March 22 At 10:00 P.M.*

New York, March 20, 2006 -- The launch of "South Park's" 10th season is marked by the triumphant homecoming of school chef, Jerome McElroy. "The Return of Chef!," premieres Wednesday, March 22 at 10:00 p.m., only COMEDY CENTRAL.

The town is jolted out of a case of the doldrums when Chef suddenly reappears. While Stan, Kyle, Kenny and Cartman are thrilled to have their old friend back, they notice that something about chef seems different. When Chef's strange behavior starts getting him in trouble, the boys pull out all the stops to save him.

"South Park" will premiere 14 all-new episodes in 2006, with the return of Chef being the first of seven consecutive episodes airing Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m. beginning March 22 and concluding May 3. The remaining seven all-new episodes will begin in October, coinciding with COMEDY CENTRAL's celebration of the Emmy Award-winning series' 10th season.
After all, they don't need Isaac Hayes to have Chef be a part of the show, he'll just sound different.

Here's hoping the kids discover he's a Xenu alien in disguise ;)

[Ingersoll]

Well this adds some new twists:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,188463,00.html

Indeed...

Chef's Quitting Controversy
Monday, March 20, 2006
By Roger Friedman

Isaac Hayes did not quit "South Park." My sources say that someone quit it for him.

I can tell you that Hayes is in no position to have quit anything. Contrary to news reports, the great writer, singer and musician suffered a stroke on Jan. 17. At the time it was said that he was hospitalized and suffering from exhaustion.

It’s also absolutely ridiculous to think that Hayes, who loved playing Chef on "South Park," would suddenly turn against the show because they were poking fun at Scientology.

As recently as early January, before his stroke, Hayes defended the "South Park" creators in an interview with “The AV Club,” the serious side of the satirical newspaper, The Onion.

AV Club: They did just do an episode that made fun of your religion, Scientology. Did that bother you?

Hayes: Well, I talked to Matt [Stone] and Trey [Parker] about that. They didn't let me know until it was done. I said, 'Guys, you have it all wrong. We're not like that. I know that's your thing, but get your information correct, because somebody might believe that [expletive], you know?' But I understand what they're doing. I told them to take a couple of Scientology courses and understand what we do. [Laughs.]

The truth is, Hayes has a sly sense of humor and loves everything about "South Park." It’s provided him a much-needed income stream since losing the royalties to the many hits he’s written, such as “Shaft” and “Soul Man,” in the mid-1970s.

Even though he’s one of America’s most prolific hit writers, Hayes has been denied access to profits from his own material for almost 30 years.

But it’s hard to know anything since Hayes, like Katie Holmes, is constantly monitored by a Scientologist representative most of the time. Luckily, at the Blues Ball he was on his own, partying just with family and friends. He was very excited about having gotten married and about the impending birth of a new child.

Friends in Memphis tell me that Hayes did not issue any statements on his own about South Park. They are mystified.

[mike3775]

I don't buy the stroke excuse at all.

If he had a stroke and had to leave the show, they would have announced that originally instead of him ripping religion like he did

Hayes realized that all he did was make himself look like a giant hypocrit and now he is attempting to save face by coming up with the "stroke" story.

[Figaro]

Guess I posted this in the wrong thread:

Details from this week's all new episode:

After all, they don't need Isaac Hayes to have Chef be a part of the show, he'll just sound different.

Here's hoping the kids discover he's a Xenu alien in disguise ;)

funny that's not what my guied data says, in fact it says nothing.

[PeternJim]

South Park guide data for new episodes is almost never updated until just before the show airs. Often, mine doesn't get updated to reflect the new episode until the day of, or sometimes, the middle of the night on Wednesday.

If the Wednesday night episode has not guide data, it's the new episode, 9 time out of 10.

So information about the what's in the new episode always has to come from somewhere else, as in this case.

[Figaro]

South Park guide data for new episodes is almost never updated until just before the show airs. Often, mine doesn't get updated to reflect the new episode until the day of, or sometimes, the middle of the night on Wednesday.

If the Wednesday night episode has not guide data, it's the new episode, 9 time out of 10.

So information about the what's in the new episode always has to come from somewhere else, as in this case.

Cool thanks! I will have to make sure that TiVo grabs this!

[Sir_Q]

I don't buy the stroke excuse at all.

If he had a stroke and had to leave the show, they would have announced that originally instead of him ripping religion like he did

Hayes realized that all he did was make himself look like a giant hypocrit and now he is attempting to save face by coming up with the "stroke" story.


He did have a stroke in January. :rolleyes:

http://wmctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4375677

[pdhenry]

Something tells me Matt and Trey are having a last laugh...

[busyba]

Something tells me Matt and Trey are having a last laugh...

Yes... yes they are (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=292644).

[HTH]

I have one thing to say about this.

Derp!