Morrissey hits out at ‘The Simpsons’ after being parodied in new episode

Morrissey has hit out at The Simpsons after it took the piss out of him in its latest episode ‘Panic On The Streets of Springfield’.

The episode, which aired on Monday, April 18th, saw Lisa become obsessed with a “depressed indie singer from 1980s Britain”.

Though Morrissey wasn’t mentioned by name, it was clear by the episode title and the character’s appearance who exactly the show drew its inspiration from.

Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long for the, ah, outspoken former Smiths frontman to declare that The Simpsons had taken a “turn for the worst”.

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 rumours,” Morrissey said in a statement via Facebook.

“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,” he continued.

“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.”

Among other things, Morrissey has faced criticism for wearing a badge that featured the logo of a far-right anti-Islam political party ‘For Britain’ during a 2019 appearance on Fallon.

The statement went on to reference Hank Azaria’s recent apology for voicing the Indian character of Apu, which he deemed “hypocritical.”

“Unlike the character in the Simpson’s “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,” he wrote, strangely referring to himself in the third person.

“By suggesting all of the above in this episode… the Simpson’s 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.”

He concluded: “Not surprising…… that The Simpsons viewership ratings have gone down so badly over recent years.”

The Simpsons has yet to respond to Morrissey’s statement.

For more on this topic head over to the Classic Rock and Film & TV Observer.

Check out the full statement by Morrissey on The Simpsons:

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